5 Ways to Sell Used Appliances
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In the age of Marie Kondo and the tiny home obsession, more and more people are downsizing and decluttering their homes, leaving renters and homeowners with an excess of stuff. Even if you're more of a maximalist, a kitchen or bathroom renovation could leave you with a host of appliances, big or small, that you don't know what to do with. Fear not! Appliances can be costly (even more so if they're custom), so there's good value in reselling, especially if some of that money can offset the price of a new appliance.
Before you rush to find a buyer, first determine if your item is even worth selling at all. Natalie Angelillo, Vice President of OfferUp, and Sarah Sternau, Senior Director of the Certified Refurbished Vertical at eBay, both agree that you'll have the most success selling new or like-new items. An item that has normal wear and tear, but has been well maintained, could also be worth listing, though Sternau notes that if there are imperfections, it's important to be transparent about them. Angelillo adds, "many buyers want to make sure their item works before they buy it, so if your item has technical issues, you should make that clear to prospective buyers."
How to Sell Used Appliances
Online
There's certainly no shortage of online marketplaces where you can list used appliances. Sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, OfferUp, and even Craigslist are good options. Unlike some other used items, like mattresses, there aren't as many rules and regulations around the sale of used appliances.
Of course, you'll want to be honest about the condition of the product, says Sternau. "It’s important that item listings are accurate and include plenty of detail so buyers know what to expect." she says. "With this in mind, we require that sellers specify the condition of the item, from Open Box to Seller Refurbished or Used, and even Parts Not Working. Any bumps, dents or dings must also be noted so buyers know exactly what they’re paying for."
In addition, Angelillo emphasizes the importance of using keyword-rich descriptions as well as clear and accurate photos in the listing to increase your chances of selling. Both Sternau and Angelillo agree that one of the most important parts of a successful sale is pricing your appliance accordingly. "You can do research online and in the marketplace to see how other similar appliances are priced," says Angelillo.
While most sites allow you to sell both large and small appliances, it's not a bad idea to shop around when deciding where to list your appliance. According to Sternau, smaller items, like blenders, air fryers, mixers, coffee makers, pressure cookers, and juicers are among the top sellers on eBay, while Angelillo lists washers and dryers, refrigerators, and stoves as some of OfferUp's top-selling items.
Garage Sales
If selling online isn't right for you, there's always the option of hosting a garage sale. While this narrows your pool of potential buyers (understand that you might not be able to make a sale at all), it's relatively hassle-free, especially since you won't need to worry about shipping. Plus, you might be able to score a little extra cash from selling other household items you're looking to get rid of.
Used Appliance Stores
While you might not make as much as you would selling online, there's always the option of bringing your old appliances to a used appliance store. These are typically local, independent stores similar to pawn shops—though they deal exclusively with appliances—where you can buy, sell, and even refurbish items. Research your local area to see if there are any shops near you.
Property Management Companies
With more and more renters looking for amenities, like in-unit laundry, landlords and management companies might be willing to take old appliances, like your barely-used laundry machine, off your hands. While you may not have success right away, check with local real estate agents, landlords, and property management companies to see if you can find any willing buyers.
Donate
If you're looking for extra cash, donating your used appliances might not be the first option that comes to mind, but hear us out. While there are plenty of ways to sell used appliances, it can be a hassle dealing with flaky buyers who want to pay as little as possible. Consider a luxury donation. Steve Feldman, founder of Renovation Angel, says that a luxury donation is often a better alternative to selling. "Essentially," he says "you're selling for tax savings." "You're probably going to get more money from your tax deduction than you would selling in an open market," he says. "Plus, you won't have to deal with any of the logistical headaches," like disconnecting or deconstructing your appliances.
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