How Much Should I Pay Someone To Sell My Stuff?
Selling your used items can be a great way to declutter and earn some cash, but figuring out how much to pay someone else to handle the selling can be tricky.
If you’re looking to outsource your selling to make the process faster and easier, here are some tips on how much you should expect to pay.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: You should expect to pay sellers a commission that’s around 20-40% of the final selling price. Apps like OfferUp take approximately a 12% cut. eBay takes about 13% if the total sale price is $7,500 or less and around 7% if the total sale price is over $7,500.
In this blog post, we will discuss the commission fees for some selling platforms and the amount you would need to spare for hiring someone to sell your stuff.
Selling Platform Commission Fees
When it comes to selling your stuff online, it’s important to consider the commission fees charged by different platforms. These fees can eat into your profits, so it’s crucial to choose a platform that offers a fair rate. Let’s take a look at some popular selling platforms and their commission fees:
OfferUp (12%)
OfferUp is a popular mobile marketplace where you can sell a variety of items, from furniture to electronics.
The platform charges a commission fee of about 12% on the final sale price. This means that if you sell an item for $100, you would pay a commission fee of $12 to OfferUp.
While this fee may seem high compared to other platforms, OfferUp offers a user-friendly interface and a large user base, which can help you sell your items quickly.
eBay (Around 7%-13%)
eBay is a well-established online marketplace where you can sell both new and used items. The commission fee on eBay varies depending on the category of the item and the selling format you choose.
On average, eBay’s commission fee is around 7% if the total sale price is over $7,500 and 13% if the total sale price is $7,500 or less.
However, it’s important to note that eBay also charges additional fees, such as listing fees and optional upgrade fees. These additional fees can add up, so make sure to factor them into your calculations when deciding how much to sell your items for.
Facebook Marketplace (Free)
Unlike OfferUp and eBay, Facebook Marketplace does not charge any commission fees. This means that you get to keep 100% of the final sale price.
Facebook Marketplace is a great option if you’re looking to sell items locally, as it connects you with buyers in your area. Keep in mind that while there are no commission fees, you may still incur shipping or delivery costs if you choose to sell items outside of your immediate vicinity.
Poshmark (20%)
If you’re looking to sell clothing, accessories, or beauty products, Poshmark is a popular platform to consider.
Poshmark charges a commission fee of 20% on all sales over $15. For sales under $15, the commission fee is a flat rate of $2.95.
While the commission fee may seem high, Poshmark offers a dedicated community of fashion enthusiasts and a seamless selling experience. Plus, Poshmark takes care of the shipping process, making it easier for sellers to manage.
When deciding which platform to use, it’s important to consider not only the commission fees but also factors such as the target audience, ease of use, and additional services provided. Each platform has its own unique features and benefits, so choose the one that aligns with your selling goals and preferences.
Hiring Someone Hourly
When it comes to hiring someone to sell your stuff, one option is to hire someone on an hourly basis. This can be a great choice if you have a lot of items to sell and need someone to handle the entire process for you.
Here are some general tasks you can expect to pay for when hiring someone on an hourly basis:
General Tasks ($15-$20/hour)
- Researching market prices to determine the best selling price for your items
- Creating listings on various online platforms
- Responding to customer inquiries and negotiating prices
- Packaging and shipping items
- Managing returns and customer complaints
For these general tasks, you can expect to pay around $15 to $20 per hour. Keep in mind that rates may vary depending on the experience and expertise of the person you hire.
Photography ($25-$50/hour)
One crucial aspect of selling your stuff is having high-quality photographs to attract potential buyers. Hiring someone to take professional product photos can greatly increase your chances of making a sale.
Here are some factors that may affect the cost of hiring a photographer:
- The number of items to be photographed
- The complexity of the items (e.g., jewelry vs. furniture)
- The equipment and editing software required
On average, you can expect to pay between $25 to $50 per hour for photography services. This cost may include editing and retouching the photos to make them more appealing to buyers.
Writing Descriptions ($20-$40/hour)
Having well-written and compelling product descriptions is crucial for attracting potential buyers. If you’re not confident in your writing skills or simply don’t have the time to create engaging descriptions for your items, hiring someone to do it for you can be a great solution.
Here are some factors that may affect the cost of hiring a writer:
- The number of items that need descriptions
- The complexity of the items
- The level of detail and creativity required
For writing descriptions, you can expect to pay around $20 to $40 per hour. This price may vary depending on the writer’s experience and the amount of research required.
Remember, these price ranges are just estimates, and it’s essential to discuss rates and expectations with potential hires before making any commitments.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check out reviews and portfolios to ensure you’re hiring someone who can deliver the quality you need.
Hiring Someone on Commission
When it comes to selling your stuff, hiring someone on commission can be a great option. It allows you to enlist the help of a professional who has the experience and expertise to sell your items effectively.
The amount you should pay someone on commission depends on various factors, including the value of the item and the final selling price.
20-40% Commission
Typically, commission rates for selling items range from 20% to 40%. This means that if your item sells for $100 and the commission rate is 20%, the person selling your item would receive $20 as their commission.
It’s important to note that these percentages can vary depending on the industry, the market demand for your item, and the negotiation between you and the person you hire.
When determining the commission rate, it’s crucial to consider the effort and resources the person will invest in selling your item. Factors such as advertising costs, time spent on negotiations, and other related expenses may affect the commission rate.
It’s always a good idea to discuss and agree upon the commission structure upfront to avoid any misunderstandings later on.
Varies Based on Item Value and Sold Price
The commission rate may also vary based on the value and selling price of your item.
For higher-value items, such as luxury goods or rare collectibles, the commission rate may be lower since the potential profit for the seller is higher. On the other hand, for lower-value items, the commission rate may be higher to compensate for the effort and time invested in selling them.
It’s important to do some research and compare the commission rates offered by different professionals or consignment stores in your area. This will give you a better idea of the market rates and help you make an informed decision.
Additionally, consider the reputation and track record of the person or business you are hiring to ensure they have a proven record of successful sales and customer satisfaction.
Remember, hiring someone on commission can be a win-win situation. It allows you to offload the responsibility of selling your items while giving the seller an incentive to achieve the best possible price.
Just make sure to establish clear communication and expectations from the beginning to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
Other Costs to Consider
When it comes to selling your stuff, there are other costs to consider besides the amount you pay someone to handle the sales process. These additional expenses can add up, so it’s important to factor them into your budget.
Here are some common costs to keep in mind:
Shipping Supplies
If you plan on selling your items online and shipping them to buyers, you’ll need to invest in shipping supplies. This includes boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, tape, and labels. These costs can vary depending on the size and fragility of your items.
It’s a good idea to research prices and compare suppliers to get the best deal. Websites like Uline offer a wide range of packaging materials at competitive prices.
Cleaning or Repairing Items
Before selling your items, it’s important to make sure they are in good condition. This may involve cleaning or repairing them, which can incur additional costs.
For example, if you’re selling clothing, you may need to have them dry cleaned or laundered before listing them for sale.
If you’re selling electronics, you might need to have them professionally tested or repaired. Consider these potential expenses when determining how much you should pay someone to sell your stuff.
Storage Space
If you’re not in a rush to sell your items and plan on keeping them in storage until the right buyer comes along, you’ll need to factor in the cost of storage space.
Whether it’s renting a storage unit or using a spare room in your home, there will be a monthly fee associated with keeping your items stored away. Make sure to include this expense when calculating the overall cost of selling your stuff.
Conclusion
When paying someone to sell your items, you’ll need to factor in platform fees, hourly rates, and commissions.
While it varies, expect to pay your seller around 20-40% between platform fees and commissions. Upfront costs like shipping supplies and cleaning items also add up.
With some smart hiring and pricing, outsourcing your selling can still be worthwhile for making quick cash from your unused stuff.
