Win, lose or sell

WHAT WE SOLD

Jessica
Furla Travel Case: $19
Nike Running Shoes: $51
Malo Leather Tote: $171
Pearl Izumi cycling shorts: $19
Subtotal $260
- minus $98.80 (38% cut)
Total: $161.20

Liz
Trina Turk Top: $38
Betesy Johnson Top: $34
Express 2pc Pant Suit: $25.00
MaxStudio Sweater: $10.49
BCBG Top: $12.89
Poleci Dress: $22.49
Chanel Sunglasses: $102.50
Cosabella Thong: $5.02
Subtotal $222.39
- minus $87.13 (38% cut)
Total: $142.22

At the beginning of the year, the two of us made a pact to purge our respective apartments by selling and donating the clothes and random housewares we haven’t worn or used in years. Inspired by recession woes and sick of housing bags filled with unneeded items, we wondered if we could make a buck in the process of getting rid of our stuff.

In the past, we’ve sold items via Craigslist and Buffalo Exchange. But, because we both owned designer items that could catch label-hunters’ attention, this time we opted for eBay.

To maximize our potential, we called in an expert. Corri McFadden, 27, runs Edrop-off Express (2468B N Clark St, 773-525-7467), a Lincoln Park–based business that helps clients navigate the murky eBay waters. As long as she expects each item to sell for $50 or more, she’ll give it a go. (If no buyer takes the bait, she’ll donate your item or simply return it.) The benefits: In addition to taking care of the legwork (photos, etc.), her stand-up reputation—20,000-plus positive reviews—means people trust her and she knows how to attract high bids. The drawback: She takes a 38 percent cut of the purchase price.

After watching her scavenge through our unwanted goods, we gleaned some tricks of the trade to help you determine what, where and how to sell and what to give away.

High-end or the highway
Someone is far more likely to search for a Coach clutch than simply a clutch. Tack on a label and you’ll attract more eyes. That said, while our Chanel sunglasses and Poleci dress both sold, we scored a good $200 less than what we paid (good news when you’re shopping on eBay, but not so great when you’re selling). And those J.Crew and Banana Republic pieces? Forget about them. McFadden says to send those slacks and sweaters straight to the secondhand store.

I love jeanie
With denims still costing in the $150–$200 range, you can bet plenty of people will want to score a deal on those duds. But McFadden says you’re much more likely to collect serious coins for your Citizens of Humanity jeans if you sell them as part of a package deal. Bundle together two or three pairs of 28-inch-waist denims by Seven, Citizens of Humanity and Paper Denim and start the bid at $18.99.

Picture perfect
Post one to five well-lit, crisp photos per item, using a plain white sheet as a backdrop. Make sure to zoom in on important “authentication” details like logos, serial numbers, zippers and stitching. Bully for you if you kept the original packaging: It drives up the value of your item, so photograph it.

The price is right
While the thought of starting the bids for a pair of Chanel shades at 99 cents might freak you out, McFadden says you’ll ultimately attract more bidders if you do. In general, though, when it comes to gauging a good price, find out how much people will pay for an item by looking at bids for similar items sold in the last 90 days. A Betseyville by Betsey Johnson yellow silk top—never worn and with tags—started at less than a dollar and pulled in $33.99.

No heavy lifting
Since you might be mailing your items to the other side of the country, always account for the cost of shipping. As a result, heavy items like that Room & Board sofa and Mom’s old sewing machine typically won’t sell. Your best bet: Craigslist.

Go go gadget
As for electronics, stick to items made in the past three years. In other words, don’t bother trying to sell that bright orange iMac G3 from college; the people want flat-screens. Organizations such as Connections for Abused Women and their Children (773-489-9081), however, will be more than happy to receive your old cell phones as long as they still work.

The devil is in the details
Use as much detail as possible, and be sure to include crucial clothing measurements (especially if you altered the garment). One line’s size 6 is another line’s size 8. And don’t cop descriptions from a manufacturer’s website. It’s illegal.

Timing is everything
McFadden finds that when it comes to high-end items, people tend to do their bidding on Sundays, so she ends auctions on Sunday nights. She says putting your item on auction for five to seven days allows people enough time to invest in the bidding.

Be true
If you’re selling designer, make sure it’s Marc Jacobs, not Mark Jacobs. Due diligence when it comes to verifying authenticity of an item is a must. If you have a receipt, photograph the evidence and slap it up online with your posting (black out the personal info). If it’s something like a vintage Prada frock, research online to make sure your item bears all the signs of an original.

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