“There is always money on the table.” 

Whether you’re looking to supplement income during a slow business season, save for a home project or add a little extra to your vacation fund, the trick is knowing where to find it. In my experience, that money is often hiding in plain sight.

Recently, for me, it was tucked away in the form of a closet overflowing with baby items with which I hadn’t been ready to part. Sentimental reasons, the “what if” scenarios and general procrastination had kept me holding on to things long after my now nearly four-year-old son had outgrown them. Staring at all the clutter one month, I realized it was time. 

Enter: Facebook Marketplace.

After a weekend spent sorting, cleaning and listing, I walked away with slightly more than $1,000 in sales by the end of the month. (That certainly softened the blow of saying “goodbye” to memories of my baby era!) 

Here’s how I did it – and how you can, too.

Step 1: Start with Inventory

The first step is to take stock of what you have. I pulled everything out of the closet and made piles – pass down to friends, donate and sell. Once I had my “sell” pile, I cleaned each item thoroughly and made sure it was in its best condition and ready for photos! Quality photos will make or break your revenue for secondhand online sales! Take clear, well-lit pictures from multiple angles and include close-ups of any unique details or slight damages you want to be upfront about! If possible, record a brief video of the item as it builds buyer trust and also helps your listing rank higher in the Facebook algorithm.

Step 2: Do Your Research

Pricing your items appropriately is crucial! Start by finding the original MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) for your items online. Websites like Amazon or Target are great for checking current retail values, particularly if your items are still being sold new. Next, browse Facebook Marketplace to see what similar items are selling for in your area. This helps you gauge perceived market value! My personal strategy varies depending on the item. For things I simply want to get rid of, I price slightly lower to quickly sell, but for high-demand items or high quality ones, I set the price higher, knowing someone will probably pay a premium. I also build in a small buffer, pricing items $5 higher than my target, so there’s room for negotiation.

Step 3: Craft Detailed Listings

A listing that sells well is specific and informative. Include the brand name, size, year and any unique details about the item. I often copy and paste product descriptions directly from the retailer’s website, adding personal notes about the condition or how the item was used. Highlight anything that sets your listing apart, like “pet-free, smoke-free home” or “gently used only a handful of times.” Finally, mention your pickup location or general neighborhood area and the forms of payment you accept to avoid misunderstandings.

Step 4: Stay on Top of Notifications

When your listings go live, potential buyers will reach out via Facebook Messenger. Set up notifications on your phone or desktop so you don’t miss inquiries – buyers are more likely to follow through when you respond quickly. I try to reply quickly to capitalize on their initial interest before they start browsing other options. A fast response could mean the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity!

Step 5: Arrange Safe & Convenient Pickups

This deserves to be stressed; you set the terms for pickups and payments! I prefer contactless porch pickups and accept only cash to avoid complications. If a buyer requests a public meetup, consider whether it aligns with your comfort level. I also like to check the buyer’s profile prior to replying to messages to see if we have any “mutual friends” on Facebook as well as check their Marketplace rating and reviews. Always prioritize safety and convenience for yourself.

In one month, I was able to declutter my home and earn more than $1,000 – all while knowing my sweet baby boy’s items were finding new homes for new memories. Facebook Marketplace really can be a powerful, simple money-making tool. Take it from me, extra income might be sitting in a closet right now!