It’s not even December and already retailers are bracing for lots of hefty returns this holiday season. E-commerce sales of items like exercise bikes, lounge chairs, outdoor fire pits, and all types of furniture have skyrocketed. Returns are not only a hassle for retailers, but for consumers as well.
Whether you’re on the receiving end of a cycling bike you don’t want or you over-ordered chairs for a holiday dinner, getting rid of items that can’t be returned or shipped via traditional methods can be a literal pain in the neck. Luckily, there are still plenty of online options that don’t require a gift receipt.
Here we share our tips for getting rid of unwanted gifts and furniture that you can’t send back to the store, along with some practical shipping advice for whichever route you choose to take.
Sell It Locally
The quickest way to clear out something big that you no longer want is to sell it locally. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp (formerly LetGo), and Craigslist are a great place to swap and sell large, unwanted items that you need to get rid of fast.
The most convenient part of staying local is that buyers typically handle pickup, but what if the piece is too large for the buyer’s vehicle or requires special handling to move? Local delivery is easy to find, but it does require some calling around. With uShip, it’s easy to list your item and have local furniture shipping specialists reach out to you directly.
The downside to this option? You’re ultimately eliminating a massive group of potential buyers who are willing to pay top dollar for your piece. Have a one-of-a-kind, vintage credenza in near perfect condition? Expanding your market could mean bigger bucks.
Sell It on eBay or Etsy
Perhaps the piece you’re parting with is quite valuable and you’d like to open it up to more potential buyers. Marketplaces like Etsy and eBay – which already have large, established audiences searching for unique items – are excellent options for those looking to sell nationwide.
Don’t want to pay an arm and a leg to get it to your buyer? Visit our guide to learn more about your options and see the cheapest way to ship furniture long distances.
Sell It Through the Experts
Perhaps you have multiple large pieces (or an entire house of furniture) to sell and need someone else to do the heavy lifting for you. That’s when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Online marketplaces like Chairish and EBTH are great places to start. While these sites do require an initial setup process, both handle shipping for you – with Chairish coordinating pickup and delivery from your house as items sell, and EBTH handling pickup of all your items at once.
Donate It
Ultimately, you have to ask yourself if selling such a large piece is worth the time and hassle. If the answer is no, donating your unwanted item to a local charity is an excellent option (and could come with an added tax benefit).
If you decide to donate, this might mean you’ll be doing a lot of the lifting yourself. Make sure to read up on the dos and don’ts of moving furniture or you could end up with a fat hospital bill too.
Whether you’re ready for a New Year furniture refresh or looking to get rid of holiday gifts gone wrong, there are multiple options for clearing out your space (and perhaps making some money along the way). Visit our furniture shipping guides for everything you need to know about shipping large and bulky items near and far.
Do you have a large piece of furniture that you need to ship fast and affordably?
Visit the uShip marketplace to price your shipment, create your free listing, and start receiving quotes from feedback-rated carriers today.
