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Has anyone used an online auction service like MaxSold to get rid of a bunch of unwanted household items that still have value? I've seen so many mixed reviews regarding MaxSold, and before I pull the trigger, I thought I would get some opinions. I haven't been successful at purchasing from them (but have bid in several auctions and didn't see anything wrong with how they managed things. A little pricey as far as commission, though.

Cat

When our local estate auctioneers had to shut down due to state restrictions 2 years ago, they moved to an all-online format. We heard they are getting crazy money from online bidders for junk that they used to box up and sell for a couple dollars just to get the stuff moved out of their showroom. When the state allowed the resumption of in-person auction gatherings, they chose not to go back to their traditional all-day Saturday estate auctions. We heard that the online format is a better deal for them, as it takes less employee resources.

So I'd say online auctions must be happy news for sellers. As a buyer, it's taken most of the enjoyment out of the process. I've bought enough stuff I'd inspected the day of the sale and still found damaged, that I can't imagine assuming good condition just from a photo. But it seems many people, once they decide to click "buy," tend to get carried away and pay way too much.

So it sounds very promising. Let us know how it turns out!

[This message edited by Superesse at 4:20 PM, Tuesday, May 24th]

This is not an auction house that has switched to an online format; this is an online auction that makes me give pause. I do a LOT of conventional auctioning and this is why I'm asking, as this is a bit odd.

First off, they charge 30% seller's commission. The seller is responsible for all the photography and the description. The seller is also responsible for coordinating the pickup and having the items available. The online entity does the online portion, collects payment and pays the seller.

I've seen a plethora of negative reviews from both sellers and buyers. Unlike a conventional auction house, you cannot put a reserve on an item. You also have to deal with people traipsing through your home to pick up their goods.

I think I'll pass. Some things I can probably sell at auction conventionally; others will be donated or otherwise disposed of. This gives me pause.

Cat

Boy, I thought ebay was expensive. Why not ebay? (Curious, not saying ebay is a good way to sell.)

Most of what I have is furniture and/or heavy. Ebay wouldn't be a viable alternative.

Cat

I’ve gotten stuff on Hibid, which is an online auction site that different auction houses use. You could see what auctioneers in your area use it and talk to them. You search by item and zip code. I’ve picked up at an auction house and at a farm (the stuff was in an outbuilding.)

We but and sell through a Facebook market place. My friend sold her house though there.

Most of what I have is furniture and/or heavy. Ebay wouldn't be a viable alternative.

It depends, you might be surprised. I've listed things such as motorcycles there and just stated explicitly that it's up to the buyer to get the item, let them make that decision.

Facebook allows for local listings, and there are many FB groups that are often local that can be good. I live in a tiny little coastal town in MA and we have a half-dozen groups dedicated to either selling or giving stuff away. Start by typing the name of your town into the FB search, or search for "Buy Nothing" and see if there is a local group. If you find on, the people on those groups can often help you find the "for sale" local groups as well.

Nextdoor is also a good place to list local items.

Do you have any consignment shops that might assist you in selling your items? If you are going for top dollar, that might not be the best path, but if you are just looking to get the stuff out of the house fast, it might be a good option.

I’ve bought a lot of furniture, ladders, yard equipment, plants, etc. through Facebook marketplace.
Very popular where I am. I’ve used NextDoor, too, but don’t find it has the same quality here.

Good luck!