Buying and selling in online shops: shoes, clothes, mobile

You’re moving, decluttering, or just want to make some space – and you don’t want your old shoes, clothes, or smartphone to end up in the trash? Very understandable. Turning used items into cash is easier today than ever, since the internet offers a huge range of platforms made exactly for this purpose. But which online shop is really worth it, what’s best sold where – and what should you watch out for so you don’t waste time or give away money? We’ve put together the best places to go and some insider tips for you.

Overview hide

Why Selling Used Items Online Really Pays Off

The Best Platforms Compared Side by Side

Successfully Selling Shoes and Clothing

Getting Rid of Electronics, Cameras, and Smartphones

Buying and Selling Safely: What You Need to Watch Out For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Selling Used Items Online Really Pays Off

The closet is overflowing, the shoebox collection is getting out of hand, and the old smartphone has been sitting unused in a drawer for months. Many people underestimate how much money is tied up in these everyday items. Anyone who consistently declutters and uses the right platforms can quickly earn three-figure amounts – without much effort.

Buying and selling used goods has become enormously important in recent years. Sustainability plays a key role here: instead of wasting resources, well-preserved products keep getting used. That’s good not only for the environment but also for the wallet – both the seller’s and the buyer’s. Platforms like Vinted, eBay Kleinanzeigen, or Momox have professionalized this market and made it accessible.

“Anyone who regularly sorts through their things and lists them online right away turns decluttering into a real source of income – no flea market, no stress, no compromises.”

Which Items Are Most in Demand?

Not everything sells equally well. There are categories that go especially fast and at good prices:

Brand-name shoes in good condition
Designer clothing and vintage fashion
Newer-generation smartphones
Cameras, lenses, accessories
Handbags from well-known brands
Game consoles and games

Cheap no-name items are harder to sell, since shipping often costs more than the item earns. In these cases, a local sale or a donation box makes more sense.

The Right Price Makes the Difference

A common mistake when selling for the first time: pricing too high and then waiting forever. It’s better to check the competition on the platform and use similar items as a benchmark. Set your price slightly below average – that way you sell faster and get better reviews, which in turn makes future sales easier.

The Best Platforms Compared Side by Side

Not every platform is right for every item. A structured overview helps you start on the right marketplace from the beginning:

Platform	Best Category	Fees	Shipping	Highlight
Vinted	Clothing, shoes	None for sellers	Built-in	Buyer pays protection fee
eBay Kleinanzeigen	Everything, local	None (basic)	Optional	Ideal for large items
Rebuy	Electronics, books	No selling required	Free	Instant purchase at a fixed price
Momox	Media, fashion	None	Free shipping label	Fast purchase, no waiting
Depop	Vintage, streetwear	Approx. 10%	Self-managed	Strong, young community
Vestiaire Collective	Luxury fashion	Approx. 12–15%	Insured	Authentication included

Buyback Platforms vs. Marketplaces

There are two basic models: either you sell directly to a private individual (marketplace model), or you sell directly to a commercial buyer (buyback platform). With a marketplace, you often get higher prices, but you have to invest time – for photos, descriptions, communicating with buyers, and shipping. Buyback platforms like Rebuy or Momox, on the other hand, offer instant payout with no hassle, but pay less in return.

For sellers in a hurry or people with little time, a direct buyback is ideal. If you want to get the maximum value, however, you should go the route of Vinted or eBay.

[crp limit="2"]

Successfully Selling Shoes and Clothing

Fashion is the most popular category in the second-hand market – but also the most competitive. To make your items stand out and sell quickly, you need more than just a quick phone photo in bad lighting.

Photos That Actually Sell

The photo often decides in seconds whether someone clicks or scrolls past. These basic rules make the difference:

Bright background, no clutter
Show multiple angles
Make labels and logos visible
Honestly document flaws
Prefer natural daylight

For shoes, it’s worth photographing the soles, lining, and any signs of wear separately. Buyers appreciate transparency – and you avoid returns.

Descriptions That Build Trust

A good product description answers all the questions before the buyer even has to ask: brand, size, material, condition, reason for selling, and whether the original packaging is included. Use terms people actually search for – so “Nike Air Max size 9 white” rather than “cool sneakers.”

Getting Rid of Electronics, Cameras, and Smartphones

Used electronics are a category of their own. Different rules apply here than with clothing, since buyers are much more critical and expect technical details.

What Absolutely Must Be Done Before Selling

Before a smartphone, tablet, or laptop changes hands, a few things absolutely have to be taken care of. Here’s a complete checklist you should work through step by step:

☐ Completely delete all personal data
☐ Perform a factory reset
☐ Remove your iCloud or Google account
☐ Remove the SIM card
☐ Gather the original accessories
☐ Find the original packaging (if available)
☐ Run and document a function test
☐ Check and state the battery life
☐ Include the receipt or warranty documents

Where Electronics Sell for the Most

For newer smartphones, specialized buyback portals with transparent price calculators are recommended. Simply enter the model and condition and get an instant offer. If the device isn’t more than two generations old, it’s worth comparing several providers – the price differences can be substantial. For older cameras or specialty equipment, forums and community marketplaces are often more lucrative than large buyback portals, since enthusiasts are willing to pay more.

Buying and Selling Safely: What You Need to Watch Out For

The online market for used goods is largely legitimate – but there are risks you should be aware of. Being prepared protects you from fraud and disappointment.

Staying Safe as a Seller

Never ship without secured payment. On platforms like Vinted, payment is built in and you only receive the money once the buyer confirms receipt. For private sales: PayPal’s “friends and family” payment is not a safe option for sellers – insist on a normal bank transfer or PayPal’s goods and services payment. Also be cautious of buyers who insist on communicating outside the platform – that’s a classic warning sign.

Paying Attention to Quality as a Buyer

When buying used goods, there’s no legal right of return like there is in retail. So: always ask for additional photos, read the seller’s reviews, and use platforms with buyer protection. For luxury items like designer bags or expensive watches, platforms with a built-in authentication service are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Platform Is Best for Beginners?

For your first attempt, Vinted is ideal: no seller fees, built-in shipping, and a large community that actively searches and buys. The interface is simple, and getting started takes just a few minutes. If you also want to sell electronics or other categories, you should use eBay Kleinanzeigen alongside it.

How Long Does It Take for an Item to Sell?

That depends heavily on the item, price, and description. Brand-name shoes or current smartphone models often sell within a few hours if the price is right. Niche products or older items can take weeks. If you want to sell fast, set the price slightly below the market average and actively share or relist the item.

Do I Have to Pay Tax on Proceeds from Private Sales?

Anyone who occasionally sells private items generally doesn’t have to pay tax – that counts as a private sale with no tax relevance. It’s different if you sell regularly and on a commercial basis. Beyond a certain volume, the tax office may classify it as a commercial activity. If in doubt, it’s worth a quick check with a tax advisor.

What Should I Do If a Buyer Returns an Item?

For platform transactions with buyer protection, there are clearly defined processes. Important: document the item’s condition with photos before shipping. If a buyer returns an item claiming it was damaged, good before-photos give you a strong argument. Platforms like Vinted have customer service that mediates disputes. Outside of platforms, unfortunately, legal action is often your only recourse in a dispute.