How Much Should You Price Used Items? Determining the Value of Used Items

How do you price used items for resale? Using recent sales data is the easiest and most reliable way to determine used item values. Where can you get recent sales data, for free? eBay makes sales data accessible to everyone. Visit the eBay website to see a feed of used items very similar to yours, including how much they sold for.

Pricing Strategies

To sell quickly, set a low price. To sell slowly, list it high. First, determine the average price for your item online. Be careful to compare a few price points on sites like eBay and Amazon.

If selling something obscure, see what pawn shops will pay. Selling is about perceived value and what someone will pay, not actual cost. If it doesn’t sell, price high at first, then lower it.

Browsing online is a simple way to research prices. Compare between similar used items. See what sold and for how much. Take good photos. Present clothes well to charge more for them.

The 50-30-10 Rule

How much should I sell a used item for? Apply the 50-30-10 rule: Near-new items can sell for 50% of retail price. Slightly used items can sell for 25-30% of retail price. Well-worn items can sell for 10% of retail price.

Research an item’s brand, make and model. Specific brands sell for more. State the brand in your listing title, don’t just write "purse". Start negotiations around 70-75% of retail price for quality used items. Some better quality items can sell for more used.

Getting input from a specialist dealer who sells similar, used equipment can provide insight on current market value. Certified appraisers also follow standardized methodologies to accurately determine equipment value for legal and tax purposes.

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