One of the hallmarks of a semester’s end is the advertising of used books. Students flock to apps (like the trusty Jays App) and group chats, sneak casual offers into conversation and make their Venmo accounts known to all in the weeks just before and after a semester begins and ends, all in the effort to sell unwanted items. This is common throughout the year, too, as cash-strapped college students hope to make a quick few dollars and others look for cheap goods to buy. However, there is a noticeable uptick in these transactions at the semester’s end, whether the products be books or clothes or dorm-friendly furniture.
Selling used but quality items to fellow college students is a wonderful idea for many reasons. It saves the buyer money, helps the seller make money and finds a new purpose for things which would otherwise be thrown away or shoved in a corner. It sounds like a simple process, but there are a few tips and tricks for those buying and selling used items on a college campus which may maximize the success and satisfaction of both parties.
Firstly, here are some tips for those attempting to sell unwanted items. Take advantage of online resources! The Jays App and Instagram are both excellent options that reach a wide, local audience who are likely to be interested in your products. Websites like BooksRun or other book buyback websites may also be worth looking into for lesser-used but quality textbooks. With items like books or college-specific merchandise, the Jays App is sure to reach the appropriate audience, some of whom are sure to be interested in an Elizabethtown College sweatshirt or an expensive textbook for an upcoming class. The Jays App is also a great place to post about items which pertain to college living, such as dorm furniture, and is a quick way to establish in-person meeting times, payment methods and the details of the sale. Many students can pay for items immediately with Venmo or Apple Pay, so anyone looking to sell items may benefit from signing up for these apps as well to ensure the quickest and least-complicated sale.
An important aspect of selling any product is quality-control, which can be monitored by both the seller and those looking to buy. Sellers: make sure you keep your target audience in mind. Ask yourself if the item you are selling is in good condition and if it’s something the audience you’re going to be reaching is interested in. This also determines where you want to sell your item; the Jays App is a nice place to start for many things, but resources like Facebook Marketplace reach a wider audience if you’re selling a more generic item or something for a very small, specific audience. In addition, be sure you are honest about the quality of the piece, including damages, and be clear about your pricing. This way, you ensure your trustworthiness to buyers, making it more likely your item will sell.
On the other side of this, buyers should also be careful with what products they purchase. Make sure the seller seems reliable. Is the item priced reasonably? Do they provide pictures? If the seller doesn’t provide pictures, or doesn’t show enough, be sure to ask for a full view of the product, including close-ups of any damage. When you do agree to buy something from a seller, agree to meet in a public place to pick up the item if you’re picking it up in person. Also agree on how you plan to pay, whether through a popular app like Venmo or cash.
While these guidelines are good to follow for an exchange between college students or peers, the biggest tip for both buyers and sellers is respect. In addition, be sure to explore all your options, from Amazon to in-person selling, to ensure you’re getting the best deals and saving the most money. Don’t be afraid to put your unwanted items up for sale, but do remember to be safe and cautious with any online or in-person transactions!
