What are some tips for buying/selling things on Gumtree that you have?
eg: How do you get something sold quickly?
How to avoid getting scammed?
Gumtree Tips
Gdsamp on 15/06/2014 - 21:22
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Before I post an ad for something I search for other similar items to get a feel for the going price and what else is out there. I usually price slightly under or competitively as I find it gets the item sold a lot quicker than if it's the same price as everyone else. People do a search and just go for the cheapest one that looks half decent.
I also find that including a lot of detail, decent pics and being enthusiastic about an item in your description yields a better response. I noticed that with other people's eBay items. Those with some huge spiel about how amazing something was were getting bid higher than identical items.
I tend to have mainly sold bigger (in size - furniture, baby stuff etc) items so it has always been COD. Never had an issue with people coming round and collecting and paying cash for stuff. Have had a couple of people say they'd turn up and then not do it, and some just not text back. But most people are pretty good. A couple of times I've left stuff at my front door and just told them to put the money in the letterbox, which has worked fine too…but have only done it with amounts I'd be willing to lose.
I don't hold things for people as the most enthusiastic people full of promises often tend to be the least likely to come up with the money a week later. I just tell them they can contact me again and get it if it isn't sold by then.
As a buyer, I'm put off an ad if you live somewhere remote and the item is pick up. I'd have to really want it to drive all the way out to the middle of no-where for it. Some people get round this by offering pickup from their work or meeting after work somewhere.
For furniture I would also be more likely to buy something if you were able to offer the option of delivery (for a reasonable fee, like $20 or so) as I don't have a way of getting something to my place easily.
May be obvious, but:
Never make a bank transfer! Only deal in cash to reduce your risk of getting scammed.