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Spring-cleaning season is here, and if you’re struggling to decide what to do with all that old hiking gear collecting dust in your closet, let the internet bring the garage sale to you.
For the Colorado adventurer who has everything and then some, there’s GearTrade, an online marketplace where outdoor enthusiasts can buy and sell new and gently used gear easily and with fewer fees than traditional internet platforms. The Park City–based company hosts one of the largest online exchanges for outdoor products, including ski gear, water-sports equipment, camping accessories, and even clothing. On the website, users can upload a few photos of their item, set a price, and list it in less than three minutes, according to site manager Rob Reinfurt. “We try to make it as easy and streamlined as possible for everyone so they can get back outside doing what they love,” he says. Users can review products and message sellers directly, and if a product doesn’t sell, listers can take it down at no cost.
With brands like Arc’teryx and Patagonia topping the list of best sellers, it’s easy to see why Colorado is the site’s fourth largest market. Says Reinfurt, “People know to come to GearTrade for the deals”—like $119 for a North Face jacket that retails for more than $500 or a set of 4Front skis for $325, originally priced at $899.
So what’s the best way to score some cash for your extra gear? Reinfurt shared a few tips for maximizing your profit (which, of course, you can reinvest in that stand-up paddleboard you’ve been eyeing for this summer).
- Take good photos: Find a room with good lighting or take them outside. Shoot multiple angles so buyers can see details.
- Be honest: If there’s a chip in your ski or a tear in your jacket, make a note of it in the listing. Reinfurt suggests taking a photo of damage with an object such as a quarter to show scale.
- Price smart: Reinfurt says the average item sells for 55 percent off retail price, but his most competitive sellers are pricing their items at 60 to 65 percent off.
Bonus Round
If you’ve got more than just gear to get rid of, here are a few other online selling options.
Close5: This free mobile app is perfect for unloading housewares or old toys and games. Just snap a photo and upload it to your profile to list everything from an old nightstand to that electronic keyboard you never learned to play.
Poshmark: Pick up some extra cash for your trendy threads with this fashion resale app. Top-selling lines include J. Crew, Coach, and yoga-crowd favorite Lululemon. With features that allow you to like and follow other users, it’s like a social media platform for fans of brand-name duds.
Swappa: Got outdated electronics lying around? Upcycle your gently used smartphones and tablets on this technology marketplace. The site will even let you trade in your broken electronics for cash or direct you to the nearest repair shop.