Best way to sell used cookware?

Question

I did a search on here, and didn't see anything specifically discussing selling used cookware.

If you have experience as a seller, please let me know if eBay, Craigslist, or going with a local consignment shop are equally good options? Worst, best? I have no experience as a seller.

I have some Le Creuset ovens, some All Clad to sell. I need the storage space for other things and they've been taking up too much room for way too long. 

Thanks for any suggestions,
bc

Answer

I try to sell things on Craigslist and the better the name brand the easier it will be to sell. All clad, Le Creuset - you should have no problems at all selling them, just price at least 50% off new and write that your price is firm if you don't want to deal with haggling. You can always lower your price every few days till someone buys it. Think about it from a buyers point of view, would you travel to someone's house to pick this up without the ability to return it or the nice feeling you get from shopping at a nice store? I wouldn't bother trying to sell used Calphalons, cusinarts, macy's brands or tfal. 

I don't want to deal with Ebay because I'm not good at finding boxes and packing things to make sure that they don't break in transit. 

I would donate anything that I can't get at least $50 for and take the tax write off. Do you really want to wait around on a beautiful Sunday afternoon waiting for someone that will be an hour late to get $15? And when they finally show up, they look at the item and say they don't want it because of a scratch or something? I know everyone is weirded out by craigslist buyers but I have never had a problem. Talking to them on the phone will screen out any jerks. I often will buy things on Craigslist, and nothing is worse then a seller that treats you like you are a poor person for buying something used.

Answer

eBay can give you a good idea of value.

Answer

Hi, bc:

 CL works OK, but IMO prices tend to be lower than on Ebay, even taking into account the fig. I attribute this to Ebay having more discerning buyers in a huge population. CL's population is basically local, impulsive, and they want to kick the tires.

 Also, there are at least 50 ways a CL sale can go flakey, or become a supreme hassle. As a result, I will occasionally *buy* on CL, but very seldom sell. I wish it were otherwise, because I hate subsidizing UPS/FEDEX.

Aloha,
Kaleo

Answer

Craigslist is OK if you have time to kill - but i find people dont show too often and it gets aggravating - if you do use craigslist make sure to pick a meeting place where you and the buyer will feel safe - I usually have people meet me at a local coffee shop but even a McDonalds will do - just somewhere public where there will be plenty of other people

like others I buy things on craigslist but stopped selling them. (I never sold cookware though just bikes) last bike I was ready to give free to anyone who showed up - that was it.

I did try to sell a bunch of nice vintage things i inherited on etsy it was WAY too much work but I did sell some stuff

It is hard with a full time job and other responsibility I pretty much just gift things or donate to thrift.

Answer

Thanks, everybody. All sound advice, much appreciated. I'm not sure I want to hassle with shipping - especially heavy L/C. I may gift the two ovens, and work on selling the A/C.

Answer

May I ask what is the All Clad you are wanting to sell? I'm in need of a 2 qt sauce pan, in the d5 series.

Answer

I'm and Ebay seller and I'd rather ship than have someone come to my home.
You can get Priority Mail boxes from USPS.

Answer

I sell on eBay and also on Craigslist. If it's a valuable item (say over $30) then the shipping charges via eBay won't be a deal breaker. But right now I'm trying to sell a breadmaker for $10 but it's so heavy that the shipping would be $30, and there have been no takers. It's going on Craigslist this weekend because without the shipping charges it's a good bargain. So that's your first consideration.

Also, with eBay you have the whole world looking at your item (I've shipped to Russia, Japan, England, I think the exchange rate might be in their favor) but with Craigslist it's just local to your immediate area. 

The shipping on eBay can be tricky if you're not used to calculating it but they do have a lot of help on the Paypal website. First you have to know how to pack things so they don't get damaged, and then you have to know how to weigh to the ounce plus add a bit more in case you're off. You'll kick yourself if you end up losing money because the box was oversized or something else you missed until you get to the Post Office.

The main thing to remember is if you sell on eBay list it a little low, because it can only go up, but on Craigslist list a little high because they will always offer you a lower price. Always! So if you want $35 ask for $50. I have them come to my house, usually in the garage with the door open so the neighbors can see, but I've sold some really big stuff that I had in the basement, mainly to get the stuff OUT of the basement, and have not had anything untowards ever happen (and I'm a woman). You can tell when you talk on the phone if they're wacky or not. I do keep a can of wasp spray nearby though, just in case ;-) 

Oh and one more thing: Craigslist is cash in hand, the full amount, while eBay/Paypal will cost you about 17% in various fees before you get anything.

Answer

I used to sell on eBay . It would be my first choice . Sign up for Pay Pal . Figure on a 10% charge from eBay .Take a good picture of the item . Most people want a clear photo and a list of all defects . Then figure your shipping . Use the US post office website . If it will fit in one of their priority boxes I would ship it that way otherwise use flat rate . Weigh it and figure the size of the box it will be shipped in . Do a good job here in packaging and wrapping. Just as you would like to see a package shipped to you . I figured my shipping as coast to coast . Yea it's kind of a hassle . But it's better then someone showing up at your door from Craigslist . Or use Craigslist for advertising a one day yard sale with fantastic used cookware . Good luck .

Answer

My Daughter-in-Law just informed me her friends sell large items locally on Facebook. They create an account and you select an area that works for you. As an example, she looked up some sales available and woman paints pictures and sells them for $25. She gives all the details that she does thin for fun. My DIL's friend say this woman sells a lot of pictures. My DIL's friend lists item, makes the deal and the Buyers come to her house with cash. she has even stated she has left items out and the Buyer pick up and leave the cash....I don't recommend you do so, but just letting you know there is another option if you are on Facebook....I'm not and I never plan to, so I can't help you with specifics. My DIL is going to list large frame pictures and gifts never used before she gives them to me for eBay.

Answer

I didn't read through all the comments so sorry if already mentioned, I found a site called newuses.com that states they buy gently used cookware and other kitchen items. They are only in a couple states, but if you are close you take your stuff in without appointment and they buy it on the spot. I don't know how fair they are or if its worth it, but it sounds really easy. Shame not in my state or I'd def check them out.

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