People Are Trying To Get Rid Of These 50 Things By Posting Them On FB Marketplace And Getting Shamed (New Pics)

A full-time vintage seller and owner of Angela's Vintage Shop, Angela Mandragiu, tells us that what inspired her to start reselling was her love for thrifting and finding special pieces with history and character.

"I’ve always enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, digging through boxes at car boot sales, charity shops… It’s like treasure hunting, and it always gives me that dopamine rush," she shares.

"At the same time, I was also looking for something flexible. I have three kids, and when I started, my youngest wasn’t in school yet. Even now that she is, it’s still very complicated to find a traditional job that actually fits into school hours, school holidays, and everything else that comes with being a parent. This business gave me the chance to work on my own terms and be there for my family when they need me."

Plus, she's a big advocate of sustainability. "The sustainability side of it really matters to me. I love that I can find new homes for old pieces that aren’t loved anymore and encourage people to decorate in a more thoughtful, eco-friendly way. It’s meaningful work, and it fits my life."

Meanwhile, a vintage seller and owner of Abigail's Artful Abode, Abigail Lopez, started reselling as a side hustle to realize her dream.

"I started initially way back when eBay first started in the 90s because I had a house-building project and needed a side hustle to realize my dream. Something I could do when I wasn't working my day job." 

Since we had the opportunity to speak with these seasoned resellers, we couldn’t resist asking for their advice, starting with how to tell if an item is worth selling. Both agree that doing research is the best method for this.

"I use Google Lens and eBay Sold Listings. Personally, items that are low value aren't worth selling to me. Time is valuable, and it takes just as much time to list something that's valued at $50 as something that's only worth a couple of dollars, especially if there are a million listings for the same item," Lopez explains.

"The most important things are the visual potential and the market value. I tend to spend a lot of time on Pinterest and following home decor accounts, just admiring how people decorate their spaces in different styles. Over time, I’ve developed an eye for pieces that have real potential, things that might not look like much at first but would look beautiful styled in the right home," adds Mandragiu.

"When I’m out sourcing, I usually start by asking myself, 'Would I want this in my own home?' But I also keep in mind that not everyone has the same taste as me, so I look for quality pieces that might fit other styles too. I’m always more charmed by cottagecore or traditional pieces."

When she's unsure about an item, she uses Google Lens to research similar items and get a sense of the market.

"As for what typically isn’t worth reselling, badly damaged or poor-quality items are usually a no. If I don’t think someone would be excited to decorate with that piece, I pass."

Next, we were curious to know what mistakes sellers should avoid to sell more items online.

"Pricing too high, low-quality pictures, and if you're serious about making it a part-time gig, not listing consistently. Meaning most days," says Lopez.

"One of the biggest mistakes I see is leaving out key information, especially measurements," notes Mandragiu.

"Size can be important, and pictures are often misleading. I always include the exact dimensions (both in inches and centimeters), and I also like to show the item in my hand so buyers can quickly get a sense of scale."

"Another common issue is not being fully transparent about flaws. Vintage pieces often have wear (and that’s totally fine), but you have to be upfront about it. I make sure to photograph items from all angles and clearly describe any faults. Buyers appreciate honesty and are much more likely to trust you and come back," Mandragiu adds.

"Sellers also tend to overlook keywords, which are so important unless you’re driving traffic through social media. If you’re relying on marketplace searches, you need to think about what your ideal buyer is typing in. Include colors, styles, materials… anything that helps your item show up in the right search."

The last mistake Mandragiu mentions is underpricing. "People forget to factor in their time. Sourcing, cleaning, photographing, listing, marketing, PACKING, and shipping - it all adds up. If you do the math and realize you're making less than minimum wage on an item, it might not be worth selling at all. Pricing should reflect the value of your time, not just the item," she explains.

In order to be more successful at selling, listing constantly, and taking good pictures are musts, says Lopez.

"Selling online can be very profitable, but to be truly successful,l you must treat it like a business and put in the time. Having a good organizational system is critical as you increase your inventory. Using a platform like ListPerfectly allows you to scale your business. They use AI, so you don't even write your own descriptions, they have picture editing tools, and you're able to crosspost your listings."

"My tips are to list consistently and not to rely solely on SEO. It helps, but the competition is high, so you need to actively drive traffic, especially through social media. Sometimes, even the most gorgeous piece can sit unsold simply because the right buyer never saw it. It’s not always about the item, it’s about visibility," Mandragiu suggests.

"Keep promoting, use strong keywords, and make sure your listings are getting in front of enough eyes. Also, try to style your items when possible, it helps buyers envision them in their own homes. I should do this more often myself!"