OfferUp allows you to sell most of your second-hand items to others who might need them more than you. It helps you clear up some space and make some extra cash on the side.
If you’re starting or already selling and looking to up your game, you might be looking for the top-selling items on OfferUp.
In today’s guide, we’ll tell you just that.
Does Anyone Sell Anything on OfferUp?
The short answer is yes. OfferUp is still a viable option to use. However, it’s less popular than when it was created in 2011.
OfferUp is based on the same concept as other marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace; you list an item, write a description, and wait for a potential buyer.
On August 31, 2020, the OfferUp app merged with Letgo, another app based on selling and buying. Unfortunately, the popularity of the app has been declining since then.
Multiple users who sell both on OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace are reporting a notable decline in the number of offers they receive on OfferUp compared to the Marketplace.
The reason behind this isn’t clear, but that doesn’t mean that OfferUp is dead. The app is very much alive, but you won’t be able to sell as many items as before.
Is OfferUp Good for Selling Clothes?
Yes, it is. Clothes are among the top-selling items on OfferUp.
Since the app primarily focuses on local listings where buyers need to meet face-to-face with the sellers, buying clothes becomes much more approachable, as the buyers can closely inspect the items.
Unfortunately, the fact that OfferUp is suitable for selling clothes can work both ways.
Because of the popularity of selling clothes on OfferUp, you’ll have stiff competition while getting the exposure you need when offers made by already-established sellers drown you.
As such, you’ll need to stand out from the competition somehow. For example, taking high-quality photos for your listings, piling up good reviews by giving your customers a good experience, or offering competitive pricing are all ways you can use to stand out from the crowd.
What Are the Top-Selling Items on OfferUp?
Here’s a list of the best items you can sell to get started on OfferUp:
1. Clothing
OfferUp is arguably the best app for selling clothes. You won’t go wrong as long as you’re taking the right steps, like providing good merchandise and quality pictures/descriptions.
Clothing includes everything from shirts and pants to shoes and wearable accessories.
2. Tools
People are constantly fixing and renovating their homes, and affordable tools are always in demand.
Fortunately, such items are readily sold on OfferUp, and there’s no reason for you not to join the list of sellers.
Aim for hand tools, power tools, and tool sets, as they currently seem to be the most sought-after.
3. Furniture
Those who want to furnish their homes on a tight budget know the value of apps like OfferUp.
Much like clothing, you have a much better chance of selling home goods and furniture if the buyer can see the item in real life.
You can easily sell second-hand furniture if they’re in good condition.
If they’re not in good condition, you’ll need to invest time and money to prepare your furniture for sale.
4. Kitchen Equipment
Selling stuff from your kitchen is another way to make extra cash while using OfferUp.
Blenders, mixers, and various cookware are pretty popular on the app, especially if they’re in good condition.
5. Electronics
Much like clothes, electronics also sell brilliantly on OfferUp. The greatness here is that all conditions are acceptable to various buyers.
You can sell brand-new, used, or broken items as spare parts.
Phones, laptops, smartwatches, and tablets are the most popular electronic items on display in OfferUp.
6. Collectibles
Collectibles have quite an audience on OfferUp because you can meet the seller and verify the item yourself.
Rare coins, vintage toys, and limited-edition action figures can find buyers quickly on OfferUp.
7. Bicycles
You might be surprised to see bicycles selling well on OfferUp. Those who aim to get a fair price on a used bike that they can inspect themselves often go to local-selling apps like OfferUp.
What Not to Sell on OfferUp
Here’s what you shouldn’t sell on OfferUp, for both your safety and others’:
1. Alcohol and Drugs
Even if you try to sell alcoholic beverages or drugs on OfferUp, you’ll fail. Items like beer, wine, liquor, and any drug are strictly forbidden. You won’t even be able to put the item on display.
2. Adult Items
Any adult content isn’t allowed on OfferUp. Such items include sex toys and adult movies.
Many teens and underaged children use OfferUp, and exposing them to such content too early could lead to undesirable outcomes.
3. Dangerous Items
All sorts of harmful objects aren’t allowed on OfferUp. Not only that, but you also risk getting your account terminated if you constantly try to sell those.
Weapons, explosives, and hazardous materials aren’t allowed on OfferUp.
Keep in mind that kitchen knives/sharp objects are allowed. However, combat knives aren’t.
Also, selling rubber or plastic replicas of dangerous items isn’t allowed.
4. Food
Food isn’t dangerous and prohibited on OfferUp, but it’s not a good idea to sell or buy food there.
Food is essentially your fuel to maintain good health. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to ensure the safety and quality of the food you sell or buy.
You might think that canned food could be an exception to this, but we still recommend against that.
Even if you think your canned food is in good condition, there’s no guarantee since you don’t get to open the can. The buyer might end up finding rotten food and slap you with a negative review.
5. Gift Cards
Gift cards are another allowed item we don’t recommend selling on OfferUp. The reason is spam and fraud.
While you could be an honest seller, many people have used OfferUp to scam gift card selling. That’s why it’s better to avoid the gray zone and stay away from gift card selling altogether.
Is it Worth it to Sell on OfferUp?
Selling on OfferUp can be worth it if you make the best out of the pros and navigate your way through the cons.
Pros of Selling on OfferUp
Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Need
Unlike other platforms like Amazon, where you almost always sell brand-new items, OfferUp allows you to sell used items.
The items should be in good condition, though. If not, you should exert some effort to put them up to speed.
Convenience
OfferUp is a great selling app you can obtain through the App Store or Google Play. Once you download it, you can list your items and their descriptions anytime.
Upload, wait, meet, and sell. It’s that simple.
No Listing Fees
Most trading platforms require a small fee just to put your item on display. Fortunately, that’s not an issue you have to deal with on OfferUp.
Cons of Selling on OfferUp
Shipping Fees
It’s true that most transactions are made face-to-face, but you can still get a buyer from a distant area who’s happy to get your item without inspecting it.
In that case, you’ll have to pay for the shipping fees yourself or split it with your buyer. Either way, you’ll pay.
Lots of Haggling
You’ll need some good negotiation skills because OfferUp allows price negotiation. Buyers will almost always negotiate for a lower price, even if your listing price is fair.
Regardless of the end price, the negotiation process is time-consuming and frustrating.
Need to Meet
Having to meet is a pro for item inspection, but it’s a con when you don’t need to inspect an item but still need to meet the other party regardless.
You can eliminate that by shipping the item, but you’ll have to pay for it. So it’s a matter of finding what works best for you.
Conclusion: Is it worth it to Sell on OfferUp?
The top-selling items on OfferUp are clothes, electronics, furniture, tools, kitchen equipment, and collectibles. You should be able to kickstart your selling wheel if you list good-quality merch with reasonable prices and clear photos.
How to Make Money on OfferUp
Making money fast on OfferUp is a challenging but doable process. Start by making a name for yourself, as buyers on OfferUp tend to go for reputable sellers even if their prices are higher.
To start, focus on selling as many items as possible while getting as many good reviews as you can without worrying too much about profit. The constant selling and positive feedback should make your profile safe for others.
If you’re more dedicated, you may benefit from the verified dealer program, which places a badge next to your profile to show the buyers that you’re trustworthy.
To qualify for such a badge, you need to provide proof of a valid business license or tax ID number. You’ll also need a good history of successful sales on OfferUp.
