Selling unused items online in the US is free to start and requires no specialist knowledge. The main platforms — Poshmark 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
- Poshmark: best for clothing, shoes and accessories, with a large fashion-focused buyer base
- eBay: wide reach, good for electronics, collectibles, brand-name goods and most other items
- Facebook Marketplace: local sales, best for large items you cannot easily ship
- Mercari: a general marketplace that works well across many categories
- Depop: popular for vintage and streetwear, especially with younger buyers
- Craigslist and OfferUp: local classified listings, good for furniture and large items
What sells well online
- Clothing and shoes in good condition — brand-name items sell fastest
- Electronics, gaming equipment and accessories
- Books, DVDs and video games
- Children's clothing and toys
- Small appliances in working order
- Sports and fitness equipment
- Furniture (locally via Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or OfferUp)
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 inquiries quickly — buyers move on fast
- Use tracked shipping for items worth over $20
Tax on selling online
Occasional sales of your own used personal items for less than you originally paid generally do not create taxable income, because you are selling at a loss. If you sell something for more than you paid for it, the gain is generally reportable. If you buy items specifically to resell at a profit on a regular basis, that is a business and the profit is taxable. Separately, payment apps and online marketplaces report gross payments to the IRS on Form 1099-K once federal reporting thresholds are met — those thresholds have changed in recent years, so check irs.gov for the current threshold. Receiving a Form 1099-K does not automatically mean you owe tax, but it does mean the activity has been reported. If you are unsure, check irs.gov or speak to a CPA or enrolled agent.
General guidance only — not regulated financial advice.
How much can you realistically make selling items online?
A typical household audit of unused items often turns up 10 to 20 pieces of clothing in good condition, a handful of books, old electronics such as a tablet, phone or games console, kitchen appliances used once, and children's toys and games. Clothing and books usually sell for small amounts each; working electronics are where most of the value tends to sit. A first session — one afternoon of photographing and listing — can generate a few hundred dollars for many households, though the total depends entirely on what you own and its condition.
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
- Poshmark: strong fashion audience, a flat seller fee on low-value sales and a percentage fee above that, prepaid shipping labels provided
- eBay: largest buyer base, a monthly allowance of zero-insertion-fee listings for most sellers, plus a final value fee of roughly 13.25% in many categories — it varies by category and listing type
- Facebook Marketplace: free for local sales, meet in person or use shipping for smaller items
- Mercari: simple listing process, flat selling fee, good general-purpose option
- Craigslist and OfferUp: free local listings, best for furniture and bulky items, no platform payment protection on cash deals
- Depop: percentage selling fee plus payment processing, best for vintage and streetwear
Every platform changes its fees periodically. Check the current fee schedule on the platform itself before you set a price.
How to price for a quick sale
On eBay, filter search results by "Sold items" 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 Poshmark and Mercari, browse active listings for the same item — price at or slightly below the lowest comparable listing in similar condition, and expect to receive offers below your asking price.