How to Sell on OfferUp & Craigslist: Complete Local Selling Guide for Resellers (2026)

Local selling is the reselling world’s best-kept margin secret. While everyone obsesses over eBay fees, Poshmark algorithms, and Mercari shipping labels, experienced flippers quietly pocket 15–30% more profit on hundreds of items by selling them face-to-face — zero platform fees, zero shipping costs, zero packing materials, and instant cash in hand.

In 2026, the local selling landscape has three major players: OfferUp (with 20+ million monthly active users), Facebook Marketplace (the default for casual buyers), and Craigslist (still alive and thriving for specific categories). Each platform has unique strengths, and the smartest resellers use all three simultaneously to maximize their reach and speed of sale.

This guide covers everything you need to dominate local selling — from setting up verified accounts that buyers trust, to writing listings that actually get responses, to handling the inevitable lowballers and no-shows. Whether you’re selling a $40 microwave or a $4,000 sectional sofa, you’ll learn exactly how to price, list, negotiate, and close deals safely and profitably.

Why Local Selling Deserves a Spot in Your Reselling Strategy

Before diving into platform specifics, let’s look at the numbers that make local selling compelling. Use our platform fee comparison tool to see exactly how much you keep on each platform:

On a $200 sale, you keep an extra $25–$40 versus shipping platforms. Do that 10 times a month and you’ve added $250–$400 to your monthly income with zero additional effort — in fact, less effort because you’re not packing and shipping anything.

Run your own numbers with our flip profit calculator to see when local selling makes sense for your specific items.

💡 Pro Tip: Local selling isn’t just about avoiding fees. Items that are heavy, fragile, or awkward to ship — furniture, exercise equipment, large electronics, appliances — can only be sold profitably through local pickup. These categories represent some of the highest-margin flips available because fewer resellers compete in them.

OfferUp: Setup, Verification & Optimization

Creating a Seller-Ready Account

OfferUp is the most polished local selling app in 2026, and getting your account right from the start matters more than you think. Buyers check profiles before committing to meetups — a bare, unverified account with zero reviews is a red flag.

Step 1: Download and Sign Up Install OfferUp from the App Store or Google Play. Sign up with your email or phone number. Use a real name — OfferUp isn’t anonymous like Craigslist, and buyers strongly prefer dealing with real identities.

Step 2: Complete TruYou Verification This is non-negotiable. TruYou verification requires a government-issued photo ID and a selfie to confirm your identity. Verified accounts get:

• A blue checkmark badge on your profile and all listings
• Higher placement in search results (OfferUp’s algorithm favors verified sellers)
• Access to the “Verified” filter that many buyers use exclusively
• Buyer trust that translates directly into faster sales and fewer no-shows

The verification process takes 5–15 minutes and typically completes within 24 hours. There’s no cost.

Step 3: Build Your Profile

• Upload a clear, friendly profile photo (not a logo — buyers want to see a person)
• Write a brief bio: “Full-time reseller with 5-star ratings. I deal in electronics, furniture, and brand-name clothing. Always on time and items are as described.”
• Link your Facebook account for additional trust signals

Listing Best Practices on OfferUp

OfferUp’s search algorithm is simpler than eBay’s, but there are clear patterns that push listings to the top:

Title Formula: [Brand] + [Item] + [Condition/Key Feature] + [Size if applicable]

• ✅ “Samsung 55-inch 4K Smart TV — Excellent Condition”
• ✅ “Schwinn Mountain Bike 26-inch — Like New with Accessories”
• ❌ “TV for sale” (too vague, won’t rank)
• ❌ “LOOK!!! GREAT DEAL!!!” (spammy, buyers skip these)

Use our listing title optimizer to test different title formats and see which generates better click-through rates on selling platforms.

Photos That Convert:

• 5–8 photos minimum; OfferUp allows up to 10
• First photo is everything — bright, clear, item centered on a clean background
• Show all angles: front, back, sides, top, bottom
• Close-ups of brand labels, model numbers, serial numbers
• Honest condition shots — photograph scratches, dents, or wear. Buyers who drive 30 minutes and find undisclosed damage leave 1-star reviews
• Real photos only; never use stock images (OfferUp may flag your listing)

For a deeper guide on product photography that sells, read our complete photography guide for resellers.

Description Template:

[Item name] in [condition]. [Key feature or reason to buy].

Details:
- Brand: [brand]
- Model: [model number]
- Condition: [specific condition details]
- Includes: [accessories, cables, original box, etc.]
- Dimensions: [L x W x H] for furniture/large items

Price is firm / Price is slightly negotiable.

Pickup in [neighborhood/area]. I can meet at [police station/public location] for smaller items.

Cash or Venmo/Zelle accepted.

💡 Pro Tip: Relist stale items every 5–7 days. OfferUp’s algorithm heavily favors fresh listings. If an item hasn’t gotten traction in a week, delete it and repost with slightly different photos and title. This resets your listing’s position in search results — effectively free promotion.

OfferUp Shipping vs. Local Pickup

OfferUp offers a built-in shipping option with a 12.9% seller fee (minimum $1.99). Here’s when to use each:

Sell Locally When:

• The item weighs over 10 lbs (shipping cost destroys margin)
• The item is under $40 (12.9% fee + shipping materials isn’t worth it)
• You’re in a metro area with 100,000+ population (plenty of local buyers)
• The item is common (furniture, tools, bikes, basic electronics)

Enable Shipping When:

• The item is niche or collectible (specific buyers aren’t local)
• The item is lightweight and high-value (designer sunglasses, small electronics)
• You’ve had the item listed locally for 2+ weeks with no bites
• You’re in a rural area with limited local buyer pool

For most resellers, local-first with shipping as a fallback is the optimal strategy. Check our first class vs priority shipping calculator if you’re considering the shipping option.

Craigslist: Still Relevant in 2026

Don’t let anyone tell you Craigslist is dead. In 2026, it still handles over 80 million classified ads per month in the US. Its audience skews older (30–60+) and more affluent than OfferUp’s, making it ideal for certain categories.

Where Craigslist Wins

• Furniture and large items: Craigslist buyers expect to pick up furniture. No one on Craigslist asks you to ship a couch.
• Vehicles, boats, and power sports: Still the #1 platform for private vehicle sales in most markets
• Tools and construction equipment: Contractors and tradespeople check Craigslist habitually
• Free section sourcing: The “Free” section is goldmine for sourcing. People give away furniture, electronics, and building materials daily — items you can clean up and resell
• Higher-ticket items: Craigslist buyers are more comfortable spending $500–$5,000+ on a single purchase

Craigslist Posting Optimization

Craigslist’s interface is intentionally bare-bones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t optimize your listings:

Category Selection: Choose the most specific subcategory available. A listing in “furniture - by owner” outperforms the same listing in the general “for sale” section.

Title Strategy (50 characters max): Every character counts.

• ✅ “Herman Miller Aeron Chair Size B - $450 OBO”
• ✅ “Bosch Table Saw 10-inch w/Stand - $275”
• ❌ “Chair for sale”
• ❌ “Moving must go!!!”

HTML Formatting (Yes, Craigslist Supports It): Craigslist descriptions support basic HTML. Use it to make your listings stand out:

<b>Herman Miller Aeron Office Chair - Size B</b>
<br><br>
Excellent condition, fully loaded (lumbar support, adjustable arms, tilt limiter).
<br><br>
<b>Details:</b>
<ul>
<li>Size B (fits 5'2" - 6'0")</li>
<li>All adjustments work perfectly</li>
<li>PostureFit lumbar support</li>
<li>Retail price: $1,395 new</li>
</ul>
<b>Price:</b> $450 OBO
<br>
<b>Location:</b> North Austin - can meet at police station

Reposting Schedule: Craigslist listings expire after 7 days (depending on category). Set a reminder to repost every 5–6 days to stay visible. Unlike OfferUp, you can repost indefinitely without penalty.

💡 Pro Tip: Post Craigslist listings between 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM local time. These windows align with when buyers browse during their commute or after work. Listings posted at 2 AM get buried by morning.

Facebook Marketplace Integration

Facebook Marketplace deserves its own guide (and we have one — read our complete Facebook Marketplace flipping guide), but here’s how it fits into your local selling strategy:

Advantages Over OfferUp/Craigslist:

• Largest buyer pool (2.9+ billion Facebook users; Marketplace reaches a huge subset)
• Buyer profiles are tied to real Facebook accounts — easy to vet buyers by profile age, friends, and activity
• Messenger communication is faster and more reliable than OfferUp’s chat
• Free local listings with zero seller fees for pickup sales
• Facebook Groups (Buy/Sell/Trade) add targeted niche audiences

Disadvantages:

• Algorithm can suppress listings without explanation
• Account bans are aggressive and difficult to reverse
• More lowball offers on average than OfferUp
• Shipping fees (5% or $0.40 minimum) apply if you enable shipping

Cross-Posting Strategy: List every local item on all three platforms simultaneously. It takes 5–10 minutes of extra work per item and triples your buyer exposure. When an item sells, immediately mark it as sold on the other platforms to avoid double-commitments.

Pricing Strategy for Local Sales

Local pricing requires a different mindset than online marketplace pricing. Here’s the framework:

The Local Pricing Formula

1. Find market value: Check completed/sold listings on eBay using our eBay sold link generator to establish what the item actually sells for
2. Subtract shipping and fees: Calculate what a seller nets after eBay’s ~13% fees and shipping costs
3. Price your local listing 5–15% below that net: You’re still making more money (no fees, no shipping costs) while giving the buyer an incentive to buy locally

Example:

• eBay sold price: $120
• eBay seller nets (after 13% fees + $12 shipping): ~$92
• Your local listing price: $100–$110
• Your profit advantage: $8–$18 more than the eBay seller, and the buyer pays $10–$20 less than eBay’s price

Everyone wins. Use our margin vs markup calculator to dial in your exact pricing.

Building Negotiation Room

Local buyers negotiate on every single item. Price accordingly:

• Items under $50: Add 15–20% to your minimum acceptable price
• Items $50–$200: Add 10–15%
• Items $200–$500: Add 8–12%
• Items over $500: Add 5–10%

If your bottom line on an item is $80, list it at $95. The buyer offers $75, you counter at $85, and you settle at $80 — exactly where you wanted to be. Use our negotiation range calculator to set your asking price and walk-away price for every item.

💡 Pro Tip: Include “OBO” (or best offer) in your listing title or description. Listings with OBO get 30–40% more messages than firm-price listings. You’ll attract more buyers and can still hold firm if offers are too low.

Negotiation Scripts for In-Person Sales

Local selling involves more direct negotiation than online marketplaces. Here are battle-tested scripts for common scenarios:

The Initial Lowball Message

Buyer: “Would you take $30?” (on a $75 listing)

Response: “Thanks for your interest! The lowest I can go is $65. It’s priced well below what these sell for online ($90+ on eBay). Let me know if that works — I can meet you today.”

Why this works: You acknowledge them, set a firm floor, justify your price with data, and create urgency with same-day availability.

The In-Person Price Drop Request

Buyer (at meetup): “I was thinking more like $50…” (agreed price was $65)

Response: “I understand wanting a deal, but we agreed on $65 and I drove out here based on that. This is already below market value. I’m happy to hold it for the full price — these move fast.”

Why this works: You reference the agreement, validate the price, and subtly threaten to sell to someone else.

The Bundle Negotiation

Buyer: “I’m interested in the chair, the desk, and the lamp. What’s the best price for all three?”

Response: “Listed separately they’re $325 total. For all three picked up together, I can do $280. That saves you $45 and saves me three separate meetups — win-win.”

Why this works: Bundling reduces your per-item meetup time. A 10–15% bundle discount is worth it for the time savings. For more negotiation strategies, read our complete negotiation guide for resellers.

The “Is This Still Available?” Time-Waster

Buyer: “Is this still available?”

Response: “Yes! When would you like to pick it up? I can meet today between 2–6 PM or tomorrow morning.”

Why this works: Instead of just saying “yes” (which leads to ghosting 70% of the time), you immediately push toward a commitment. Buyers who are serious will respond with a time.

Safety Protocols for Local Meetups

Safety is non-negotiable. One bad experience can cost you far more than any flip profit. Here’s the protocol every reseller should follow:

Safe Meeting Locations

Best options (in order):

1. Police station parking lots — Many departments designate “Safe Exchange Zones” with cameras and lighting. Check your local PD’s website or call their non-emergency line.
2. Bank parking lots — Well-lit, cameras everywhere, during business hours you have witnesses
3. Busy commercial parking lots — Walmart, Target, grocery stores. Never empty, always cameras.
4. Inside coffee shops or fast food restaurants — For small, high-value items (phones, jewelry, collectibles)

Never meet at:

• Your home (buyers now know where you live and what you own)
• Their home (unknown environment, no witnesses)
• Isolated parking lots, parks after dark, or rural locations
• Any location where you feel uncomfortable — trust your gut

The Buddy System

For high-value items ($500+), bring another person. If you can’t bring someone:

• Tell a friend or family member exactly where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when to expect you back
• Share your live location via phone
• Text them the buyer’s OfferUp/Facebook profile link

Payment Safety

Accepted payment methods (ranked by safety):

1. Cash — Still king for local sales. Check large bills with a counterfeit pen ($5 at any office supply store)
2. Zelle/Venmo/Apple Pay — Wait for the transfer to fully complete before handing over the item. Confirm it appears in your account, not just a screenshot
3. PayPal (Friends & Family only) — Never accept PayPal Goods & Services for local sales; buyers can file chargebacks after taking the item

Never accept:

• Personal checks (bounce risk)
• Payment apps you haven’t used before
• “I’ll pay you later” or partial payment with “the rest tomorrow”
• Cryptocurrency (unless you specifically want it)

💡 Pro Tip: For items over $200, request a small deposit ($20–$50) via Venmo or Zelle before driving to the meetup. This dramatically reduces no-show rates. Serious buyers have no problem sending $20 to reserve a $300 item. Flaky buyers reveal themselves immediately.

Dealing with No-Shows

No-shows are the #1 frustration in local selling. Reduce them with:

• Confirm 2 hours before: “Hey! Just confirming our 3 PM meetup at [location]. See you there!”
• Require a response: If they don’t confirm, don’t drive. “I’ll head out once you confirm you’re on your way.”
• Set a 10-minute wait limit: If they’re not there in 10 minutes and haven’t texted, leave. Your time has value.

Best Items for Local Selling

Not everything belongs on OfferUp or Craigslist. Here’s what sells fastest and most profitably in local markets:

Tier 1: Fast-Moving, High-Demand (Sells in 1–3 Days)

Tier 2: Steady Sellers (Sells in 3–10 Days)

Tier 3: Niche/Seasonal (Sells in 1–4 Weeks)

• Patio furniture (spring/summer only)
• Snow blowers (fall/winter only)
• Musical instruments
• Large artwork and mirrors
• Hot tubs and pool equipment

For a complete breakdown of profitable flipping categories, check our best things to flip for profit guide.

When to Sell Local vs. Ship

This decision can mean the difference between a profitable flip and a money-losing one. Here’s the decision matrix:

The Hybrid Approach: List everything locally first for 7–10 days. If it doesn’t sell, expand to shipping platforms (eBay, Mercari, Poshmark) for national reach. This way, you attempt the highest-margin sale first and use shipping as a fallback.

To learn more about when each approach works best, read our local pickup vs shipping guide.

Platform Comparison: OfferUp vs. Craigslist vs. Facebook Marketplace vs. Nextdoor

Platform Selection by Item Type

• Smartphones/Electronics: OfferUp + FB Marketplace (highest buyer traffic)
• Furniture: All four platforms (maximize exposure)
• Vehicles: Craigslist + FB Marketplace (strongest vehicle sections)
• Designer Clothing: OfferUp + FB Marketplace (but consider Poshmark for higher prices)
• Tools/Equipment: Craigslist + FB Marketplace (contractor audience)
• Kids/Baby Items: FB Marketplace + Nextdoor (parent-heavy audience)
• Sporting Goods: OfferUp + Craigslist (active buyer base)

For a broader comparison of all selling platforms including shipping marketplaces, check out our crosslisting platforms comparison tool.

Building a Local Selling Reputation

Reputation is currency in local selling. Here’s how to build one that drives repeat business:

On OfferUp

• Respond to messages within 30 minutes during business hours (this earns you “Very Responsive” badge)
• Show up on time, every time. Even 5 minutes early.
• Package items neatly — put small items in a clean bag, wipe down electronics, fold clothing
• Ask every buyer to leave a review. Most won’t unless prompted. After a smooth transaction: “Thanks for the easy sale! If you get a chance, I’d appreciate a quick review on OfferUp — it helps a lot.”
• Never cancel transactions — it tanks your metrics

Building a Repeat Customer Base

The most profitable local resellers build a buyer network:

1. Collect contact info (with permission): “I get items like this regularly. Want me to text you when I have more?”
2. Create a broadcast list: Use a simple texting app or WhatsApp group to alert repeat buyers of new inventory
3. Offer loyalty incentives: “Since you’ve bought from me three times, I’ll give you first pick on any new furniture I get before I list it publicly”
4. Specialize: Become “the electronics guy” or “the furniture person” in your area. Specialization drives referrals.

💡 Pro Tip: Resellers who build even a small repeat customer base (20–30 people) report selling 40–50% of their inventory before it ever hits public listings. No photos, no listing optimization, no negotiation — just a text and a pickup time.

Dealing with Lowball Offers

Lowballers are a reality of local selling. Here’s how to handle them without losing your mind or your margins:

The “Ignore and Move On” Threshold

Set a personal rule: any offer below 50% of your listing price gets no response. Don’t argue, don’t counter, don’t engage. Your time is worth more than a $15 negotiation on a $75 item.

The Polite Redirect

For offers that are low but not insulting (60–75% of asking):

“I appreciate the offer! The lowest I can do is $X. That’s already below what these sell for on eBay. Let me know if that works for you.”

The “I Know What I Have” Defense

When buyers claim your price is too high:

“I priced this based on recent sold comps. These are going for $X–$Y on eBay and $Z locally. I’m at the low end of that range. Happy to send you the comps if you’d like to see them.”

Use our flip profit calculator to have data-backed pricing ready for any negotiation.

Common Local Selling Mistakes to Avoid

1. Meeting at your home. Never. Use public locations only.
2. Not confirming before driving. Always text 1–2 hours before. No confirmation = no drive.
3. Listing without photos. Craigslist allows text-only ads, but they get 80% fewer responses.
4. Pricing without research. “I think it’s worth $100” isn’t a strategy. Check sold comps.
5. Accepting partial payment. “I’ll Venmo you the rest tonight” — no. Full payment at pickup.
6. Over-describing flaws. Be honest, but don’t write a paragraph about a tiny scratch. Show it in photos.
7. Ignoring messages. Respond quickly. The first seller to respond usually gets the sale.
8. Not tracking expenses. Mileage, supplies, and sourcing costs are all deductible. Use our mileage deduction calculator to track driving costs.
9. Selling on only one platform. Cross-list everything. Three platforms = three times the buyer pool.
10. Getting emotional about negotiation. It’s business. Set your floor and stick to it.

If you’re just getting started with reselling, avoid these and other beginner pitfalls in our common reselling mistakes guide.

Tax Considerations for Local Sales

Yes, local cash sales are still taxable income. The IRS doesn’t care whether you received payment via eBay, Venmo, or a handshake exchange of twenty-dollar bills.

Key Points for 2026:

• $600 reporting threshold: Payment apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal) report transactions over $600/year to the IRS via 1099-K. Cash sales? Those are on you to report.
• Track your cost basis: Every item you buy to resell is a business expense. Save receipts from thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales. If you paid $20 for a chair and sold it for $80, you owe taxes on the $60 profit, not the $80.
• Mileage deductions: Every drive to a meetup or sourcing location is tax-deductible at $0.70/mile (2026 IRS rate). A 20-mile round trip to sell a $50 item saves you $14 in deductions. Track it with our mileage deduction calculator.
• Home office deduction: If you photograph, clean, and store inventory at home, a portion of your rent/mortgage may be deductible. Use our reseller tax deduction calculator to estimate your deductions.

For more on reseller taxes, read our complete guide to starting a reselling business which covers tax setup in detail.

Advanced Local Selling Strategies

The “Price Drop Notification” Technique

After 5 days without a sale, drop the price by 10% and message everyone who previously inquired:

“Hey! Just wanted to let you know I dropped the price on the [item] to $X. Let me know if you’re still interested — I can meet today.”

This re-engages old leads and often results in a same-day sale.

The “Coming Soon” Pre-Listing

Before you even clean/photograph an item, post a teaser:

“Coming this weekend: Herman Miller Aeron chair, excellent condition. Message me to get first access before I list it publicly.”

This creates demand before supply and often results in selling at full asking price because the buyer feels like they’re getting exclusive access.

Volume Selling Days

Instead of individual meetups, designate one day per week as “pickup day.” List 10–20 items with the note: “Available for pickup Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM at [location].” Buyers come to you on your schedule, and you handle multiple transactions in a single trip.

The Garage Sale to Marketplace Pipeline

Source at garage sales Saturday morning, photograph and list on OfferUp/FB Marketplace Saturday afternoon, sell items Sunday through Wednesday. This creates a predictable weekly cycle that keeps inventory moving and cash flowing. Learn more sourcing strategies in our complete inventory sourcing guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is OfferUp safe to use in 2026?

A: Yes, OfferUp is generally safe when you follow basic precautions. Use TruYou verification, meet at police stations or busy public locations during daylight hours, bring a buddy for high-value items, and accept cash or verified digital payments only. OfferUp’s in-app payment system adds a layer of protection for shipped items. The platform has improved safety features significantly since 2020, including user verification, ratings, and reporting tools.

Q: How do I avoid getting scammed on Craigslist?

A: Never accept personal checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks — these are the most common Craigslist scams. Don’t ship items to Craigslist buyers (the platform isn’t designed for it). Watch for buyers who offer more than asking price (overpayment scam), those who refuse to meet in person, and anyone who insists on unusual payment methods. If a deal feels off, walk away — there’s always another buyer.

Q: What’s the best time of day to post on OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace?

A: Post between 6–8 PM on weekdays and 8–10 AM on weekends. These are peak browsing times when buyers are relaxing after work or planning their weekend shopping. Posts during these windows get 2–3x more views in the first 24 hours compared to mid-day or late-night posts.

Q: How do I handle a buyer who wants to pay less than the agreed price at the meetup?

A: Stand firm. Say: “We agreed on $X, and I drove here based on that. I’m not able to go lower. Do you want the item at $X, or should I head out?” Most buyers cave because they’ve already invested time driving to meet you. If they insist on the lower price and it’s below your floor, walk away. Selling below your minimum sets a precedent and isn’t worth it.

Q: Should I use OfferUp’s shipping option or stick to local?

A: Start with local for 7–10 days. If the item doesn’t sell, enable shipping to expand your reach. OfferUp’s 12.9% shipping fee is competitive, but you’ll net more from local sales on most items. Exceptions: lightweight, high-value items (designer accessories, small electronics) where the fee is negligible compared to the price, and niche items where your local market simply doesn’t have enough interested buyers.

Q: How do I build reviews on OfferUp as a new seller?

A: Start by selling 5–10 lower-priced items ($10–$30) to build your review count quickly. Be overly communicative, show up early, and after every transaction ask the buyer: “Would you mind leaving a quick review? It really helps!” Aim for 10+ reviews before listing items over $200. Also, buy a few inexpensive items yourself and leave reviews — active, well-reviewed accounts rank higher in search results.

Q: Is Craigslist still worth using in 2026?

A: Absolutely, especially for furniture, vehicles, tools, and equipment. Craigslist buyers tend to be older, more financially stable, and more serious about purchases. No-show rates are slightly higher than OfferUp, but average transaction values are also higher. It’s free to list, and for categories like used vehicles and large furniture, Craigslist still has the strongest buyer intent of any platform.

Q: What should I do if a buyer no-shows?

A: First, confirm 2 hours before every meetup. If a buyer no-shows, wait 10 minutes (no more), then leave. Send a message: “Came by at [time] but didn’t see you. Item is still available — let me know if you’d like to reschedule.” Don’t take it personally — no-shows are a structural problem with local selling, not a personal slight. Over time, you’ll develop instincts for which buyers are serious based on their communication style.

Q: How do I deal with the “is this still available?” messages that never go anywhere?

A: Reply with an immediate call to action: “Yes! When would you like to pick it up? I’m available today at 3 PM or tomorrow at 10 AM.” This filters out 70% of tire-kickers in one message. If they don’t respond within 24 hours, move on. Don’t send follow-ups to people who open with “is this still available” and then ghost — it’s the nature of the platform.

Q: Can I make a full-time income from local selling alone?

A: It’s possible but challenging. Most full-time resellers who focus on local selling specialize in high-ticket categories: furniture ($200–$2,000/piece), vehicles ($1,000–$10,000), or equipment ($300–$3,000). At 2–3 local sales per day averaging $150 each, you’d gross $9,000–$13,500/month. Factor in sourcing costs (30–40% of revenue) and you’re looking at $5,400–$9,500/month net. Combining local selling with shipped sales on eBay or Mercari is the most sustainable full-time approach. Read our realistic reselling income guide for detailed numbers.

Start Selling Locally Today

Local selling is the fastest path from “I found something cool” to “I have cash in my pocket.” No waiting for shipping, no platform fees eating your margins, no packaging headaches. Just you, the buyer, and a fair exchange.

Start with OfferUp (get TruYou verified), cross-list to Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, follow the safety protocols, and use the negotiation scripts. Within a week, you’ll have your first local sales and a clear feel for what works in your area.

And before you list anything, run it through Underpriced to make sure the deal is actually worth your time. Our AI analyzes any item in seconds — telling you what it’s worth, where to sell it, and what your real profit will be after fees and shipping. You get 10 free analyses to start, no credit card required.

Try Underpriced Free →

Whether you’re flipping full-time or selling a few things on the side, local selling should be a core part of your strategy. The resellers who make the most money aren’t loyal to one platform — they use every channel available, and local platforms consistently deliver the highest per-item profit margins in the game.