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3 On Your Side: Selling Stuff While Spring Cleaning


By Jim Donovan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It's that time of year when many of us are doing some spring cleaning. Whether you're organizing your garage, or sorting through closets, that may also mean it's a good opportunity to make some money.

These days many websites allow you to turn your trash into cash.

"A ton of different sites have popped up to help consumers not only get rid of their unwanted stuff, but help you make a little bit of extra cash," says Kyle Taylor of ThePennyHoarder.com.

Unlike Craigslist or eBay where you have to find a buyer for your stuff , many of these sites act like a middleman, paying you up front first and selling your goods later.

"So it makes it really easy because you get a cash offer right away," says Taylor.

Got a closet full of clothes your kids have outgrown? Thredup will take it off your hands and hand you cash in return.

"We send you the bag, you stuff the bag with all your outgoing stuff and you simply put it on your door and we come and pick it up," says Thredup CEO James Reinhart.

Maybe you're ready to redecorate. Chairish.com acts as a virtual showroom for your used furniture. Once it sells, they send shippers to your door to take it away.

"If you're fearful of dealing with somebody on craigslist, this cuts out that process," says Taylor.

There's also UsedInstrumentBuyer.com once your kids old sax plays its swan song. "They're re-selling instruments all over the world and so they're going to be buying a much greater variety," says Taylor.

Of course convenience comes at a cost, with each site taking a cut, and that cut can vary widely, so shop around. While commissions may be higher than just selling directly on Craigslist or eBay, they tend to be less than some brick and mortar consignment shops.

For more info visit:

www.thredup.com

shop.chairish.com

www.usedinstrumentbuyer.com

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