How to price secondhand items: a no-BS guide

Pricing secondhand items is an art, not a science. Price too high and you'll stare at unsold items for months. Price too low and you'll feel like you gave things away. Here's a framework that actually works.

The 30% rule

For items in good condition, start at 30% of the original retail price. This is your anchor. Adjust from there:

• •Like new (barely used, with tags): 40-50% of retail
• •Good condition (used but well-maintained): 25-35%
• •Fair condition (visible wear, still functional): 15-25%
• •For parts/repair: 5-10%

Brand matters (but less than you think)

A €200 Zara jacket doesn't hold value like a €200 North Face jacket. Fast fashion loses value quickly because supply is high. Heritage brands, outdoor gear, and electronics with loyal followings hold value better.

Don't price your Primark haul like it's designer. Buyers know what things cost.

The speed vs. price tradeoff

Ask yourself: do you want it gone fast, or do you want maximum value?

• •Want it gone this week? Price at 20-25% of retail. You'll sell fast.
• •Can wait a month? Price at 30-35%. Be patient.
• •Rare or in-demand item? Price at 40-50%. The right buyer will find you.

Electronics depreciate fast

A 2-year-old phone is worth maybe 30% of what you paid. A 3-year-old laptop, even less. Check what the same model sells for on marketplaces and price at or slightly below the average.

Furniture is heavy (literally)

Furniture is hard to sell because of logistics. Nobody wants to rent a van for a €30 bookshelf. Price furniture low if you want it gone, or offer delivery if you have a car. The convenience premium is real.

The bundle trick

Items that seem worthless alone become attractive in bundles:

• •5 books for €10 instead of €3 each
• •A box of kitchen gadgets for €15 instead of pricing each one
• •All your kid's size 2 clothes for €25

Bundles save you time photographing individual items and give buyers the feeling of a deal.

Don't negotiate before listing

Set your price. If someone offers less, decide then. Don't pre-negotiate with yourself by pricing too low "because they'll negotiate anyway." Price where you're comfortable, and most buyers will pay it.

When in doubt, look at sold items

Check what similar items actually sold for recently — not what people are asking. The asking price is aspirational. The sold price is reality.

The emotional premium

Some items feel more valuable because of their sentimental attachment. Your first guitar, your grandmother's china set. Recognise that the emotional value is yours, not the buyer's. Price for the market, not for your memories.

Just list it

The most common pricing mistake is overthinking and never listing at all. A rough price on a listed item beats a perfect price on something sitting in your garage. You can always adjust.