How to sell stuff online: 9 steps for beginners

To sell online, choose a sales channel like an online marketplace or your own store, create a compelling listing with high-quality photos, and set a competitive price. Once your listing is live, you can promote it to attract customers and then arrange shipping after you make a sale.

The entire process breaks down into three key stages. It starts with preparing your items and taking clear, well-lit photos.

From there, you’ll choose the best platform to reach your audience, such as a marketplace like eBay or your own website, and write a compelling description with a fair price.

The final stage is managing the sale itself, from communicating with buyers and packing your item securely to arranging shipping.

1. Find and prepare your items for sale

The first step is to decide what you want to sell. Your approach will depend on whether you’re selling items you already own or finding new products.

Find new products to sell

If you want to sell new products, a great first step is to explore online business ideas and find a profitable niche.

Analyze Amazon’s Best Sellers list to see what’s selling now, and browse social media trends like the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt hashtag to discover what people are excited about.

Beyond just trends, look for products that solve a specific problem or serve a passionate hobby, as these often have more dedicated customers.

This research-based approach is a great way to make money online.

Sell used items

If you want to declutter, start by finding valuable items around your home that you no longer use. Popular product categories include:

• Electronics: Old cell phones, laptops, and gaming consoles.
• Fashion: Brand-name clothing, shoes, jewelry, and thrifted goods.
• Furniture and decor: Small tables, chairs, lamps, and decorative items.
• Media and hobbies: Books, vinyl records, and collectibles.

Prepare your items for sale

Once you’ve gathered your items, prepare them for sale.

• Clean them thoroughly. Dust off electronics, wash clothing, and wipe down any surfaces. A clean item looks more valuable and shows you’ve taken good care of it.
• Test everything. Make sure electronics power on and function correctly. Check clothing for any hidden tears or stains. Being honest about the item’s condition is vital for building trust.
• Gather all parts. If an item came with accessories, like chargers, cables, or manuals, find them. A complete package is much more attractive to a buyer and can often fetch a higher price.

2. Photograph your items

Buyers can’t inspect the product in person, so your product photos need to do the heavy lifting.

Here’s how to take pictures that sell:

• Use good lighting. Natural light is best. Place your item near a window on an overcast day to get soft, even light without harsh shadows. Avoid using your camera’s flash, as it can wash out colors and create glare.
• Choose a neutral background. A plain white or light-colored wall, a sheet, or a poster board works well. A simple background ensures the focus stays on your item.
• Take multiple shots. Capture the item from every angle – front, back, top, bottom, and sides. Take close-ups of any important details, unique features, or flaws. If possible, show clothing on a hanger or a mannequin.
• Show the scale. If the size isn’t obvious, place an everyday object like a coin or ruler next to it in one of the photos. This helps buyers understand the item’s actual size.
• Be honest about flaws. If there’s a scratch, a dent, or a stain, take a clear photo of it. Buyers appreciate transparency, and it prevents disputes later on.

For example, if you’re selling a piece of art, photographs that capture the texture, colors, and details can intrigue art lovers and collectors, making them more inclined to consider the purchase despite not seeing the piece in person.

3. Choose the right platform

When deciding where to sell online, your options fall into four main categories: your own online store, online marketplaces, social media platforms, and local selling sites. Each one serves a different purpose and is suited to different types of sellers.

Marketplaces and social media are great for beginners because they have a built-in audience, making it easier to find buyers.

On the other hand, creating your own ecommerce website gives you complete control over your branding and customer experience, which is ideal for building a long-term business.

The right platform depends on what you’re selling, who your target customer is, and how much control you want. Here’s a breakdown of the main ones.

Platform	Listing Fee	Transaction Fee	Monthly Fee	Key Features
Hostinger Website Builder	None	None	Starts at $3.79/month	Built-in AI tools, 150 designer-made templates, drag-and-drop editor, no extra fees
Amazon	None for Individual Plan	$0.99/item + referral fees	Starts at $39.99/month	Vast audience, comprehensive services
eBay	$0.35 after free listings	~13.25% + $0.30/order	Optional store subscriptions vary	Wide reach, auction, and fixed-price listings
Etsy	$0.20/item	6.5% of sale price	$10/month for Etsy Plus (optional)	Community of crafters and artists, unique items
Facebook Marketplace	None	5% for Checkout on Facebook	None	Integrated social media audience, no listing fee
Craigslist	Free for most	None	None	Local in-person transactions, a wide variety of categories

Set up your own online store

Creating your own ecommerce website is the best long-term option if you plan to build a brand or sell a large volume of products. You control the design, branding, and customer policies without being restricted by marketplace rules or fees on every sale.

Having your own site offers several practical benefits:

• Higher profit margins. Without marketplace commission fees taking a significant cut of every transaction, you keep more of the money from each sale.
• Direct customer relationships. You own your customer list, allowing you to build an email newsletter, run targeted promotions, and encourage repeat business directly, which is often restricted on third-party platforms.
• No on-page competition. On your website, you are the only option. Customers won’t see a competitor’s product listed right next to yours, taking attention away from your products.
• Full creative control. You can design your product pages, run unique promotions, and customize the checkout experience to create a brand that stands out.

Hostinger’s website builder lets you create a professional online store without coding or design skills. You can customize your store’s design with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, while built-in AI and SEO tools help you manage products, process payments, and attract more customers.

This gives you complete control over your brand and customer engagement, setting you up for long-term success. For a complete walkthrough, see our guide on how to start an online store.

Sell on marketplaces

Online marketplaces are platforms that connect sellers with a large, pre-existing base of buyers. They are popular choices for their convenience and massive reach, making them excellent starting points for new sellers.

Here are the key benefits:

• Immediate traffic. The most significant advantage is the built-in audience. You don’t need to spend time or money on marketing to find your first customers since they are actively searching for products on the platform.
• Built-in trust and security. Buyers already trust well-known marketplaces, which makes them more comfortable purchasing from a new seller. The platforms also handle all secure payment processing for you.
• Simplicity. You can get started in an afternoon. The entire infrastructure is already built, so you can focus on listing your items without worrying about web design or hosting.

However, the convenience comes with trade-offs, such as high competition from other sellers on the platform and transaction fees on every sale you make.

Each platform caters to different products and sellers, so here’s a look at some of the most popular options available.

Amazon

Amazon offers two selling plans: the Individual plan, which costs $0.99 per item sold, and the Professional plan, which costs $39.99 per month. Both options also include additional category-based referral fees.

With FBA, you ship your products to Amazon’s warehouse, and Amazon takes care of storage, packing, shipping, and customer service for you.

For merchant-fulfilled listings, you’re responsible for storing, packing, and shipping products directly to customers.

Optimize your product listings well to make money on Amazon. This involves conducting thorough keyword research to understand how your customers search for products like yours.

Incorporate these keywords into your product titles and descriptions to improve visibility. High-quality images and a detailed description highlighting the item’s features and benefits are essential to convert browsers into buyers. 

eBay

eBay is a diverse marketplace that allows you to sell things in an auction format or at a fixed price.

When your item sells, eBay charges a final value fee, typically around 13.25% of the total sale price plus a $0.30 per-order fee. You will receive several free monthly listings, but after you run out, you will also be charged a $0.35 insertion fee.

To succeed on eBay, create compelling listings with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions that showcase your item’s best features. Using strategic keywords in your title is essential for helping buyers find your product in search results.

Beyond the listing, be mindful of seller fees, offer flexible shipping options, and provide excellent customer service to earn the positive feedback that builds your reputation.

Etsy

Etsy is a global online marketplace known for its focus on handmade, vintage, and unique goods, making it an ideal platform to make money as an artist. When selling on Etsy, it’s essential to understand its community-driven culture and how it aligns with what you plan to sell online.

Selling on Etsy involves several fees: a $0.20 fee for each item you list, a transaction fee of 6.5% of the total sale price, and an additional payment processing fee that varies by country.

The platform includes integrated tools for analytics, marketing, and communication aimed at simplifying shop management and enhancing performance. They offer insights into shop activity and customer preferences, support for promoting listings, and options for customer engagement.

These tools, combined with a customer base that specifically seeks out handmade items, make it the go-to platform for people who create their own goods.

Sell on social media

Social media platforms give you access to existing communities and the possibility of engaging with potential customers directly. However, they lack customization options and flexibility.

Some of the best practices, regardless of your platform, include the following:

• Create engaging content. Content that tells a story, shares use cases, or provides value to your audience can increase engagement and sales.
• Focus on visual storytelling. Use high-quality pictures and videos to tell your brand’s story and showcase your product’s unique features.
• Prioritize direct interaction. Write comments, messages, and posts to interact directly with your audience, answer questions, and build relationships.
• Utilize targeted advertising. Leverage each platform’s advertising tools to reach a broader audience tailored to your product’s niche.

Here are the most popular social media platforms to sell on.

Instagram

Instagram is a visually-driven platform for products like clothing, art, or handmade goods. With features like Instagram Shopping, you can tag products in your posts and stories, directing followers straight to your online store.

Top tips:

• Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your products in the best light.
• Use hashtags relevant to your product category to increase discoverability.
• Engage with your followers through comments, stories, and direct messages to build a community around your brand.

Facebook

Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Shops are powerful tools for selling directly on the platform. Facebook’s broad demographic reach makes it suitable for a wide variety of products.

Top tips:

• Set up a Facebook Shop through your business page to streamline the buying process for your customers.
• Use targeted Facebook ads to reach specific audiences based on interests, behaviors, and demographics.
• Regularly update your business page with new products, engaging content, and customer testimonials to build trust and encourage sales.

Pinterest

Pinterest is a search and discovery engine heavily used for inspiration, making it perfect for niche items, especially those related to home decor, DIY, fashion, and beauty.

Top tips:

• Create visually appealing pins that showcase your products creatively.
• Use rich pins to add extra details like prices and product descriptions directly to your pins.
• Organize your products into themed boards and use keywords in your pin descriptions to improve searchability.

For more tips, follow our guide on how to sell on Pinterest.

TikTok

TikTok’s short-form video content can virally promote your products, especially if they appeal to younger demographics. The platform’s TikTok Shop feature also allows for direct product promotion and sales.

Top tips

• Create engaging and creative videos that showcase your products in action.
• Participate in trending challenges or create your own to gain visibility.
• Collaborate with influencers to reach a broader audience and add credibility to your brand.

Sell on local platforms

For items that are hard to ship or best examined in person, sell stuff online locally with platforms like Craigslist, Nextdoor, VarageSale, and Offerup. These platforms enable you to reach buyers in your area, simplifying the selling process and eliminating shipping hassles.

When selling in your local area, clear descriptions and fair pricing are key. Be honest about the condition of your items and set prices that are in line with local market rates. High-quality pictures that accurately represent the item can encourage buyers to contact you.

Safety is paramount when conducting in-person transactions. For safer local selling, consider these factors:

• Meet in a public place. Conduct each local pickup in public areas like malls or coffee shops.
• Schedule trades during daylight. Plan your meet-ups when the sun is up for added security.
• Get a friend to accompany you. Enhance safety by having someone with you during the transaction.
• Meet at police stations for high-value items. If that’s an option in your country, use safe trade stations at local police stations for transactions involving valuable items.​

4. Write a compelling listing

A great listing answers a buyer’s questions about the product before they even ask, building the trust needed to make a sale. Here’s what you need to do.

Write a descriptive title

Think like a buyer: what words would you use to search for your item? A specific title helps the right people find your product.

Always include key details like

• Brand and model
• Size and color
• Condition it’s in

Example of a bad title: Blue Coat

Example of a good title: J. Crew Women’s Navy Blue Wool Peacoat – Size Medium – Excellent Condition

Write an honest description

In the description, expand on the title and be completely honest about the item’s condition. This is especially important for used or refurbished goods, as transparency prevents returns and builds trust with shoppers.

A good description should include:

• Features and benefits: What does it do? What makes it special?
• Condition details: Be upfront about any scratches, dents, or wear.
• Measurements or sizing: Provide exact dimensions for furniture or clothing.
• What’s included: List any accessories, like chargers or original packaging.
• Policies: Briefly mention your shipping and return policy.

Keep your language clear and simple, and use bullet points to make the description easy to scan. Consider learning the basics of how to write SEO-friendly content for best results.

5. Set the right price

The best way to set the right price is to research completed sales for similar items. Many platforms, like eBay, let you filter your search to show only completed sales. This gives you a realistic benchmark for your item’s value.

Look at several listings for items in the same condition as yours to find a realistic price range. Consider these factors:

• Condition: A new-in-box item will sell for more than a used one.
• Completeness: An item with all its original accessories and packaging is worth more.
• Rarity: Is the item hard to find?
• Shipping costs: Factor in shipping when setting your final price. You can offer free shipping and add the cost to the item price, or you can charge for shipping separately.

Effective pricing example

Let’s use an example of a 1950s Leica M3 camera to see how this works in practice.

• Research: You find that similar Leica models have recently sold for between $1,200 and $1,500.
• Assess value: Your camera is in excellent condition and includes a valuable lens, placing it at the high end of that range.
• Calculate: You decide on a base value of $1,350 and add a $100 cushion to cover marketplace fees and insured shipping.
• Market value: $1,350
• Fees and shipping cushion: +$100
• Final listing price: $1,450

This price is competitive and attractive to serious buyers. It also protects your profit margin.

6. Post your listings

Once your title, photos, description, and price are ready, it’s time to post your listing.

Each platform has a slightly different process, but they generally follow the same steps. You’ll be asked to upload your photos, add your title and description, set the price, and choose shipping options.

Always choose the most specific category available on the marketplace. This ensures that buyers who are actively browsing for your type of item can find it easily.

Use relevant tags and add keywords that describe your item’s brand, style, color, and purpose. Think of every term a buyer might search for to find what you’re selling.

Listings get the most attention in the first few hours after they go live. To maximize views, try posting on evenings or weekends when more people are shopping online in their free time.

Finally, double-check all the details before you hit publish.

7. Communicate with buyers

Quick and helpful communication often secures the sale and leads to great reviews. Your goal is to be the reliable and trustworthy seller people want to buy from.

Here are a few simple rules for communicating with potential buyers:

• Respond quickly and politely. Shoppers are often comparing multiple items, and a fast, helpful response can be the deciding factor. During busy seasons like the back-to-school rush, a quick answer makes a huge difference.
• Be open and honest. Always be transparent and invite buyers to ask questions. If someone is unsure about an item’s condition, offering extra details or another photo builds immense trust and can easily close the sale.
• Learn from your buyers. If you get the same question multiple times, update your listing’s description to include the answer. This simple, proactive step can answer questions for future buyers and lead to faster sales.

8. Finalize the sale

Once a buyer commits to purchasing your item, it’s time to finalize the sale.

Always use the platform’s official payment system, such as PayPal or a managed payment service. These offer seller protection and are often safer than accepting checks, bank transfers, or other methods. 

Never ship an item until you confirm that the payment has been received and cleared.

As soon as the payment is confirmed, pack the item carefully to prevent any damage during transit. Ship it out as quickly as you can and always provide the buyer with a tracking number. This builds trust and protects you in case of any delivery issues.

Consider including a small handwritten thank-you note in the package to make a lasting impression and encourage positive feedback. A simple gesture like this can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat customer.

9. Follow up after the sale

A smart follow-up is key to getting positive reviews and building a base of repeat customers.

A few days after the item is scheduled to arrive, take these two steps:

• Check in with your buyer. Send a brief, polite message to confirm they received the item and are happy with it. This shows you care and allows you to solve any issues before they become a problem.
• Ask for feedback. In your message, politely invite them to leave a review. Positive feedback is helps you build trust with future buyers.

To encourage customers to buy again, consider giving them exclusive offers, loyalty programs, or personalized recommendations.

Here are a few ideas to try:

• Send past customers a special discount or early access to new items. This makes them feel valued and more likely to buy again.
• Reward repeat business with a simple points system or special perks. This makes customers feel like insiders and encourages them to return.
• Use their purchase history to suggest other products they might like. A relevant recommendation is one of the most effective ways to drive another sale.

What’s the easiest way to sell?

For most beginners, the easiest way to sell is through social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace or local selling apps like Nextdoor.

Here’s why it works: you can list an item in just a few minutes using your phone, there are no listing fees, and you can reach a built-in audience of local buyers.

The barriers to entry are especially low for large items like furniture, where you can arrange for local pickup and avoid the complexities of shipping.

As you gain more experience, you can explore other channels and learn how to promote your products effectively with ecommerce marketing across different platforms.

How can I sell products online safely?

To sell products online safely, always use the official payment and communication channels provided by your selling platform.

Here are some specific tips to protect yourself:

• Use secure payment methods. Only accept payments through trusted services like PayPal or the platform’s integrated payment system. These services offer seller protection against fraudulent claims. Never accept wire transfers, checks, or gift cards.
• Document everything. Keep records of your listing, your communication with the buyer, and proof of shipping, like a tracking receipt. This documentation is essential if a dispute arises.
• Watch for red flags. Be wary of buyers who offer to pay more than your asking price, ask to switch to a different payment method, or request that you ship to a different address than the one on their profile. These are common scam tactics.
• Use tracked and insured shipping. Always ship items with tracking, and for more valuable items, add shipping insurance. This protects you in case the package is lost or damaged in transit.

What are the rules for selling online?

The rules for selling online vary depending on what you sell, where you sell it, and your location.

Generally, you must accurately represent your products, handle payments securely, and comply with the platform’s terms of service.

As your sales grow, you might wonder whether you need a business license to sell online. Since regulations can change once you reach a certain sales volume, it’s crucial to check your local laws as well as the policies of your selling platform.

Is it profitable to sell things online?

Yes, selling things online is profitable, but your success depends on what you sell, your costs, and your effort.

These factors directly influence your profitability:

• Product cost: This is what you pay for your products. A lower cost means a higher potential profit. This cost is effectively zero for those selling used items they already own.
• Pricing strategy: A competitive price attracts buyers, but it must also cover your expenses. Research the market to understand what customers will pay for your specific item.
• Shipping and fees: High shipping costs and platform fees can quickly erase profits. Always find cost-effective shipping and understand your platform’s fee structure.
• Marketing spend: Any money spent on ads or promotions directly reduces your profit. Focus on efficient marketing that targets the right audience.

Selling used items can be a great source of extra income for beginners. The potential is huge for those building a business, as the latest ecommerce statistics show that global online sales are projected to reach $6.4 trillion by 2029.

You don’t need a big budget to begin, either. You can learn how to start an ecommerce business without money by using methods like dropshipping or selling items you already own.

Tips for selling online

The best tips for selling online often involve a few key areas: excellent presentation, strategic pricing, and professional service. Mastering each of these will help you build trust, attract buyers, and earn great reviews.

Here’s how to put those principles into practice:

• Tip 1: Prepare your items well. Before listing products for sale, make sure they are in the best possible condition. Clean them, make minor repairs, and gather all the accessories. A well-prepared item looks better in photos and can also command a higher price.
• Tip 2: Let your photos do the selling. Since buyers can’t inspect the product in person, your photos are their first and most important impression. Use clear, natural light against a simple background and capture every angle to build buyer confidence.
• Tip 3: Price based on data, not guesses. The most common mistake is pricing an item based on emotion. Always research what similar items have actually sold for to find a competitive price that works.
• Tip 4: Be specific and honest. Write a title packed with keywords and a description that details the item’s true condition, including any flaws. Honesty prevents returns and earns you great reviews.
• Tip 5: Provide excellent service from start to finish. Respond quickly, ship promptly, and always provide a tracking number. Great service is what earns positive feedback and repeat customers.

Putting these tips into practice is how you build a reliable income from selling online. The best part is you don’t have to figure it all out from scratch.

Draw inspiration from these successful ecommerce website examples to see what a professional online store looks like. When you’re ready, you can use Hostinger Website Builder to have your own online store ready to launch this weekend.

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