Spring Cleaning: Sell It On Ebay

Spring is almost here and it's time to clean out that attic, basement and closet. Rather that simply kicking it to the curb, sell it on Ebay and make a few extra bucks. Not only are you pocketing the cash, but you are recycling your old belongings and not adding to local landfills.

Selling on Ebay is easy. You don't need to take a class or buy a video program that shows you how, although TV infomercials will tell you otherwise. If you have a digital camera, a computer and half a brain, you are ready to go. Simply follow Ebay's easy to understand instructions.

Here's a few tips on what sells and how to sell successfully on Ebay.

1. Sell your unwanted jewelry. Gold fetches a pretty penny these days, and well priced items can move quickly. If you don't get the amount you were looking for, you can sell your gold at a local gold dealer.

2. Kids clothing. Clean, stain-free items can be "bundled" into sets, by size and type. I find that this works best vs. a one-off sale.

3. Toys. I have a Dora's playhouse with all the accessories that I probably paid close to $200 for, and it looks like new. These items move quickly in light of the recession. People always buy for their kids but will cut back on themselves.

4. Setting a Reserve. Set low reserves or even no reserve to get the most action. You need to get rid of it anyway, right? Keep in mind that the buyer must pay for shipping too.

5. Quality photos. Make sure you have well lit photos and plenty of them. The more you have, the better.

6. Start out small. Start selling small,minor items at no reserve in order to start building good customer feedback. Buyers want to see that you have a history selling items and that you have good buyer feedback. They will pay a premium for the same item from a quality seller; I've seen it many times.

7. China or silver. Since many of these items are obsolete, they can fetch big bucks. If you have a lot, consider opening your own Ebay shop.

8. Price appropriately. Auctions tend to be more popular than 'Buy It Now' since you have negotiating power and the ability to name your own price. Unless the item you are selling is an heirloom or a high end and you need to make a certain minimum dollar amount, I would sell by auction.

Good luck!