I’m an eBay expert – follow these lesser-known tips to make HUNDREDS from your unwanted junk

THEY say one man’s trash is another treasure – so it’s no wonder that three-quarters of Brits are selling items from around the house to raise some extra cash.

And according to Ebay, you could pocket as much as £1,106 if you pick the right items to sell.

From musical instruments worth nearly £150 to old laptops worth almost £300 – there are plenty of things you can sell to raise some extra pocket money.

There are plenty of places to list your stuff online including Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and more.

On Ebay, you can list up to 1,000 items a month for free, although you can pay to have your listing promoted higher up.

You will have to pay a “final value fee” when you sell something though – so be sure to factor that in.

It’s calculated as 12.8% of the total amount of the sale, including the cost of postage, plus a fixed charge of 30p per order.

And if the total amount of the sale is over £2,500 for a single item, you’ll pay 3% for the portion of the sale price above £2,500.

We picked the brains of Emma Grant, head of pre-loved at eBay UK, to find out how to make the most from your old junk.

Pick your product

“We’ve noticed laptops and old smartphones are selling really well at the moment, so if you have lying around at home unused they could earn you up to £290,” Emma said.

The make and model of your tech will determine how much you can earn from it, as well as what sort of condition it’s in.

She also said that the company’s partnership with Love Island has resulted in a spike in sales of pre-loved clothing.

“As the islanders are wearing their favourite eBay looks, the public at home are following suit and adding pre-loved clothes to their shopping baskets,” she added.

Make your listing stand out

Once you’ve listed your items, you need to make sure they sell. And there are some simple tweaks you can make to boost your chances,

Keywords are key

“Take the time to get your keywords right and bidders will come,” Emma said. 

When buyers search on eBay, it automatically filters the listing titles, so it’s crucial to make sure you describe your listing correctly and use terminology people are searching for, especially brand and product names.”

Choose the right category for your product

“It might sound obvious but it’s very important to always choose the most specific category to sell in,” Emma said.

For example, if you are selling old children’s clothes, make sure its listed in the children’s fashion category, rather than just fashion in general.   

Pictures are important

Emma said: “Most users will not bid on items they cannot see.”

She recommended taking photos in natural light against a neutral background and being honest about any scratches or aesthetic damage to the item.  

Be as detailed as possible

Include as much information as possible about the condition of the item, noting any wear and tear.

“By including details that can’t be seen in the image, for example if you are selling clothes noting the feel or fit of the product, you’ll help buyers decide if this is the item for them,” Emma added.

Describing your item accurately will also help you avoid any negative feedback from disappointed buyers.

Be realistic with pricing

There are pricing recommendations on eBay, and it’s worth following them.

“Try searching for similar items on eBay, to make sure you’re going for the right price and always ask yourself ‘would I pay this price for this item?,” Emma suggested.

Time your listings

Try listing coats or jackets in the run up to winter, workout gear to kick-start the new year, or a cut-out dress for the summer holidays. 

“By listing products that are trending and back in fashion, you can easily make some extra money from clearing out last season’s looks,” said Emma.

Shop your home

“We know people around the UK are concerned by the rising cost of living, and while selling unwanted items might not be a solution to the problem at large, it can be an effective way to make some extra cash to go towards bills or contribute to your savings for a holiday this summer,” Emma said.

“On eBay,  you can sell everything and anything around the home, from kitchenware, to living room decor, you’d never think you’d find some of these things on eBay, but you’d be surprised. 

“Whether it’s a musical instrument which you could make £137 for, or an old laptop that could earn you £290.”

Give it a go

Even if you have never used eBay before, it is an easy way to both declutter and make some extra cash, said Emma.

“You can even get the kids involved – perhaps an incentive for tidying that playroom up! 

“It’s also a great way to do your bit for the planet.”