Recently I’ve discovered the private Facebook buy/sell/trade “groups” which are specifically designed for local people to buy, sell, and trade kids items, home decor, clothing, etc. Essentially they are 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week/ 365 days a year garage sales. Selling an item is as easy as taking a picture, uploading it to Facebook and adding a description. There is a sense of community in these groups and for the most part it runs smoothly and everyone is respectful.The groups are set up by community designed for people living in specific areas like Westerville, Gahanna, Grove City etc. You can find these local groups by using the search tool on your Facebook page. There are many types of groups from house-goods, general flea markets to all things kids. I’ve gravitated to the kids groups since that is the majority of things I’m trying to purge from my house. Groups range from a couple hundred members to several thousand members. Each site has administrator(s) that post site rules and important information. They also monitor the site to ensure the rules are being followed, answer questions and address complaints.
Here are a couple of posts that have taken place recently in the group:
- I recently sold a dual screen portable DVD player with 2 game controllers for $50. We not longer use them since we’ve got a van with a DVD player. This is an example of something I was able to turn into cash when they were just sitting in the cabinet collecting dust.
- A lady shared that she took her kids to pick out new toys to donate using the money she’d made on these sites. She also mentioned that this was a great teachable moment as well.
- The admin posted a warning about two ladies who were shorting people $ and/or not showing up for items. The admin asked
everyone to end any pending sales and to not sell them to them. They were also removed from the group.
If your interested in shopping from people in your area, listing your own items for sale, and setting your own prices then let’s review a couple rules and lingo before your start.
Important Rules to Note:
- Your post must contain the price and location where the item can be picked up. If you are selling from outside the area you must list where you are willing to meet the person inside the designed selling area. Ex: local library or grocery store.
- The first person to comment on a post gets first choice. Any comment at all is fine, this includes asking a question.
- Administrators have the right to delete members without notice for not following site rules.
- Always remember to be safe, meet in public places, and use the buddy system.
Acronyms you will see:
- BU – Back up (if you are not the first to post a comment but would like to be next in line)
- EUC – Excellent Used Condition
- ISO – In Search Of
- NWT – New With Tags
- NWOT – New Without Tags
- PPU – Pending Pick UP or Porch Pick Up
- PM – Private Message
For the most part my experiences with the local buy/sell/trade sites have been positive. I’ve been able to purge a lot of baby items that my house has grown out of and make a little extra money. I’ve also found some cute items to buy at amazing prices. The downfall is that it can be addicting, time consuming and there are the occasional bad eggs that can ruin the experience. Once you sell a few things, you may be scouring your entire home to find items to purge. I joke when I see people become addicted that they need to tie down the kids. Communication with prospective buyers arranging purchase and then pick up can be time consuming. I’ve found that it’s important to trust your instincts with prospective buyers and if they’re not being respectful of your time or communicating clearly you should move on to the next buyer.
I do wonder if it’s all worth the time and money. I can’t decide if I love the groups or want to quit them all together. I guess it depends on the day.
If you try a group or have participated in a similar group please share your experience or tips with us. Happy shopping!
