Selling unused items online in the US is free to start and requires no specialist knowledge. The three main platforms — Vinted for clothing, eBay for most items, and Facebook Marketplace for large or heavy items — each suit different types of goods.
The main platforms for selling in the US
- Vinted: best for clothing, shoes and accessories — free to list, no seller fees
- eBay: wide reach, good for electronics, collectibles, branded goods and most other items
- Facebook Marketplace: local sales, best for large items you cannot easily post
- Depop: popular for vintage and fashion items, especially with younger buyers
- Gumtree: local classified ads, good for furniture and large items
What sells well online
- Clothing and shoes in good condition — branded items sell fastest
- Electronics, gaming equipment and accessories
- Books, DVDs and games
- Children's clothing and toys
- Small appliances in working order
- Sports and fitness equipment
- Furniture (locally via Facebook or Gumtree)
Tips for selling successfully
- Take clear photos in good light against a neutral background
- Be honest about condition — it builds trust and avoids returns
- Price competitively: search for similar items already listed and price slightly below
- Respond to enquiries quickly — buyers move on fast
- Use tracked postage for items worth over $20
Tax on selling online
Selling personal belongings you no longer want is generally not taxable in the US. However, if you buy items specifically to resell at a profit regularly, this may be treated as trading income. HMRC has a $1,000 trading allowance per year. If you are unsure, check GOV.US or speak to a tax adviser.
General guidance only — not regulated financial advice.
How much can you realistically make selling items online?
A typical US household audit of unused items often reveals: 10–20 items of clothing in good condition ($5–$25 each on Vinted), 5–10 books ($2–$5 each on eBay), old electronics such as a tablet, phone or games console ($30–$200 depending on model), kitchen appliances used once ($15–$60), children's toys and games ($5–$30). A realistic first sale session — one afternoon of photographing and listing — can generate $100–$400, sometimes more.
The key insight is that the items are already there. The only investment is time, and the financial return per hour of effort compares well to most part-time work.
Platform comparison
- Vinted: Free to sell, good for clothing, fast sales if priced competitively, buyer pays protection fee
- eBay: 30 free listings per month for private sellers, then small insertion fee, 12.8% final value fee (varies by category), largest buyer base
- Facebook Marketplace: Free for local sales, no posting required for large items, meet-in-person or use Facebook Shops for shipping
- Gumtree: Free local classified listings, best for furniture and large items, no transaction fees
- Depop: 10% Depop fee plus PayPal fees, best for fashion and vintage, younger buyer demographic
How to price for a quick sale
On eBay, filter search results by "Sold listings" to see what similar items actually sold for, not just what sellers are asking. Price your item at the lower end of the sold range for a fast sale, or mid-range if you can wait. On Vinted, browse active listings for the same item — price at or slightly below the lowest comparable listing in similar condition.