Retire the clutter: 16 best apps seniors can use to buy and sell
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If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, “Why am I still holding onto that bread maker from 1998?” or “Is it finally time to part with my collection of Hawaiian shirts?”—you’re not alone.
Here at The GrayVine, we know that decluttering can be both liberating and lucrative, especially when you use the right tools.
Whether you’re looking to pad your wallet, make space for new hobbies, or simply pass along treasures to someone who’ll love them, the world of buying and selling used goods has never been easier—or safer—thanks to a new generation of apps.
But with so many platforms out there, how do you know which ones are worth your time? Here’s a round up of the 16 best apps for buying and selling just about anything, from that unused gift card to your designer handbag.
Plus, we’ll share our top tips for staying safe and getting the most bang for your buck. Ready to turn your clutter into cash? Let’s dive in!
Why Sell Your Stuff?
First, let’s talk motivation. Maybe you’re looking to supplement your retirement income, save for a special trip, or just clear out the garage.
Selling your gently used items is a smart, eco-friendly way to give your belongings a second life—and put a little extra jingle in your pocket. Plus, with inflation and rising costs, every dollar counts.
Have you tried any of these apps? Got a funny story about a memorable sale or a tip for first-timers? Or maybe you’re curious about how to price that vintage record player? Share your experiences, questions, and advice in the comments below!
Here at The GrayVine, we know that decluttering can be both liberating and lucrative, especially when you use the right tools.
Whether you’re looking to pad your wallet, make space for new hobbies, or simply pass along treasures to someone who’ll love them, the world of buying and selling used goods has never been easier—or safer—thanks to a new generation of apps.
But with so many platforms out there, how do you know which ones are worth your time? Here’s a round up of the 16 best apps for buying and selling just about anything, from that unused gift card to your designer handbag.
Plus, we’ll share our top tips for staying safe and getting the most bang for your buck. Ready to turn your clutter into cash? Let’s dive in!
Why Sell Your Stuff?
First, let’s talk motivation. Maybe you’re looking to supplement your retirement income, save for a special trip, or just clear out the garage.
Selling your gently used items is a smart, eco-friendly way to give your belongings a second life—and put a little extra jingle in your pocket. Plus, with inflation and rising costs, every dollar counts.
There are a range of trusted apps and online marketplaces available to help Americans buy and sell all kinds of second-hand goods, from gift cards and tech to furniture and clothing. Image source: Sarah Brown / Unsplash.
- CardCash
Best for: Unused Gift Cards
We’ve all received a gift card to a store we never visit. Instead of letting it gather dust, CardCash lets you sell or trade your unwanted gift cards for up to 92% of their value. You can opt for cash (via check, direct deposit, or PayPal) or swap for a card you’ll actually use. Buyers get a 45-day guarantee, so it’s a win-win.
- Chairish
Best for: Home Furnishings
If you’re redecorating or downsizing, Chairish is the go-to for selling (and buying) unique furniture and decor. Listings are free (up to nine per month), and Chairish even helps with shipping those bulky items. Just note: they take a commission—up to 40%—so price accordingly.
- Craigslist
Best for: Old-School Local Sales
Craigslist is the granddaddy of online classifieds. You can list just about anything, from books to cars. Its massive user base means your listing gets seen, but beware: scams are common. Always meet in public and trust your gut.
- Decluttr
Best for: Unused Tech
Got an old phone, tablet, or stack of DVDs? Decluttr gives you an instant quote, pays for shipping, and sends your money via direct deposit or PayPal. They’ll refurbish or recycle your items, making it a green choice, too.
- eBay
Best for: Auctions and Collectibles
eBay’s auction-style platform is legendary. Whether you’re selling vintage baseball cards or last year’s smartphone, you can choose between auction or Buy It Now listings. Fees can reach up to 15.3%, so factor that in.
- eCampus
Best for: College Textbooks
Textbooks are pricey, but eCampus helps you recoup some costs. Sell your old books for cash or store credit (which gets you the best value). Free shipping and instant quotes make it easy.
- Facebook Marketplace
Best for: Local Community Sales
This one might surprise you! Facebook Marketplace is a favorite for buying and selling everything from lawnmowers to lamps. It’s integrated with your Facebook profile, so you can check out buyers and sellers before meeting. Just remember: always meet in a safe, public place.
- 5miles
Best for: Local Sales with Extra Security
5miles shows you items for sale nearby and lets users verify their identity with a phone number or Facebook profile. Ratings help weed out scammers, and you can find everything from cars to kitchen appliances.
Safety is crucial when buying or selling used items online, so it’s important to watch for scams, meet in public places, and use platforms with verification and buyer/seller protection features. Image source: Beng Ragon / Unsplash.
- OfferUp
Best for: Quick Sales and Negotiation
OfferUp is all about fast, local deals. Buyers can make offers, so be ready to negotiate. The more you list, the better your chances—volume is key!
- Mercari
Best for: No-Contact Selling
Don’t want to meet up with strangers? Mercari lets you sell from home and even arranges for home pickup. Payments are quick, and the app is super user-friendly.
- Poshmark
Best for: Clothing and Accessories
Poshmark is like a virtual closet sale. List your gently used clothes, bundle items for buyers, and join Posh Parties to boost your sales. Shipping is a breeze with prepaid labels, and payments are fast.
- The RealReal
Best for: Designer and Luxury Goods
If you have high-end items—think Chanel, Gucci, or fine art—The RealReal is your best bet. Their experts authenticate every item, and they handle the entire selling process for you. Commissions vary, but VIP sellers get the best rates.
- Stillwhite
Best for: Wedding Dresses
Why let your wedding dress gather dust? Stillwhite helps brides recoup some of that investment. Listings cost $25–$35, and the platform donates 1% of revenue to carbon removal, making it a sustainable choice.
- Swappa
Best for: Verified Tech Sales
Swappa is all about tech—phones, laptops, video games—and every listing is reviewed by real people. Transactions are via PayPal, and both buyers and sellers pay a 3% fee. Customer service is top-notch.
- ThredUp
Best for: Consignment Clothing
ThredUp is a leader in sustainable fashion. Request a Clean Out bag, fill it with clothes, and let ThredUp handle the rest. You can cash out or use store credit for even more savings.
- Alloy Market
Best for: Gold and Fine Jewelry
Have precious metals or jewelry to sell? Alloy Market offers free appraisals, insured shipping, and same-day payment once you accept their offer. No need to visit a pawn shop!
- Meet in Public: Always meet buyers or sellers in a well-lit, public place. Many police stations offer “safe exchange zones.”
- Bring a Friend: If you’re meeting someone you don’t know, bring a buddy along.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, walk away.
- Research Prices: Check what similar items are selling for so you don’t get shortchanged—or overpay.
- Understand Fees: Each platform has its own fee structure. Read the fine print so you know what to expect.
- Protect Your Info: Never share unnecessary personal details. Use in-app messaging and secure payment methods.
Have you tried any of these apps? Got a funny story about a memorable sale or a tip for first-timers? Or maybe you’re curious about how to price that vintage record player? Share your experiences, questions, and advice in the comments below!
