Meet Your New Friends: Marketplace and Kijiji

Are you tired of playing the same games over and over? Need a cheap flick to watch that you don’t want to spend $20 at the store for? Perhaps you are looking for a bicycle, furniture, or appliances. The list of possibilities is endless.  

The warm spring mornings feels like I should see yard sales everywhere. Tables on people’s lawns filled with all sorts of goodies to be explored. When you’re crunching a budget, these little ventures can be a gold mine.  

Well, since outdoor yard sales have been shut down at the moment, let’s take the party elsewhere.  If you haven’t explored the world of online yard sales, now is the time! Introducing your new friends: Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji.     

It doesn’t take long to catch the bug and work your way into all sorts of deals. Michael and I tend to look at these two places before we buy something now. There’s always a chance that you can find what you’re looking for in good condition for less price. 

Talking about budget, this is also a great place to make some extra cash. Are you paying down debt or saving for something special? Are there items around your house that you can live without? I’m sure there’s plenty. Let’s get selling!

There’s no need to be intimidated. I’m not a techy person, but I managed to figure it out. In fact, I panicked the first time I posted something on Kijiji. Did I post the pictures right? Did I have a “catchy ad”? What if no one contacts me?

I didn’t think it would sell. I was nervous when I met the person that wanted to buy it. What if it they didn’t show up? But after all, I walked away with the money and it felt good. It was a great experience.

If you’re wondering what to sell something for, go to these sites and type in the item. Get an idea of what others are selling it for or what the price of it is new from the actual store. Then gauge your price accordingly. Take a few photos and post them. Note: Never take pictures of the front of your house, of yourself, or anything valuable. 

The interested buyer will contact you through the company’s messaging system. So, you don’t have to worry about giving your personal information out. If you have a confirmed buyer, you can work out a time and location to meet. If you’re nervous, pick somewhere public. 

Since COVID, I’ve opted for doing it at our house. However, I leave the product on the porch, tell the buyer to leave the money, and give a knock on the door. I open the door when I see them heading towards their car to confirm that I have the money. This way, it gives us the social distancing and a happy exchange. It also gives them opportunity to ask questions and to say hello if they like. Then I take my trusty sanitizer spray and disinfect the money and my hands before I bring it in the house. 

Once you get the hang of buying and/or selling, it can actually be quite fun. Michael and I will periodically go through our belongings and see what else we can possibly sell. The more we do it, the more we realize how much stuff we have and what we can live without. It’s a satisfying feeling because we’re cleaning out and getting more organized at the same time. 

My only caution is that you don’t spend too much on your quest for inexpensive products. It’s easy to scan the sites and see all the items you could enjoy and even afford. But make sure to ask yourself before you buy it if you really need it, especially if you’re currently paying off debt. 

Have any of you found this to be a great savings tool? What success stories do you have?