Best Selling Sites in the UK: Selling Online Series Part 1

Have you ever looked around your home and thought, “Where did all this stuff come from?” Maybe it’s shelves overflowing with books, a wardrobe crammed with clothes you never wear, or that old gadget you upgraded ages ago but couldn’t bring yourself to get rid of. Well, here’s some good news: all that “stuff” might actually be worth something! Selling online is a brilliant way to declutter your home, earn a bit of extra cash, and even do your bit for the planet by giving your items a second life.

But where should you start? With so many online selling platforms to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in! Whether you’re a bookworm, a hardcore gamer, or just someone who loves a good declutter, this guide will walk you through the best places to sell your items in the UK, how to get started, and tips to make your experience on selling sites a success.

 

Why Sell Online?

We all know that feeling of satisfaction after a good clear-out. But selling online takes it one step further. Not only are you freeing up space in your home, but you’re also putting money in your pocket and giving your items a new lease on life. Plus, with the rising popularity of second-hand shopping, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

Selling online isn’t just about making money (although that’s a great bonus!). It’s also about sustainability. Second-hand selling has become a huge trend, with more people looking to buy pre-loved items to save money and reduce waste.

Here’s why it works:

• Convenience: It’s easy. You can list items from the comfort of your sofa—no car boot sales or hauling things around town.
• Eco-Friendliness: It’s eco-friendly. Selling second-hand helps reduce waste and keeps perfectly good items out of landfill.
• Extra Income: It’s rewarding. There’s something satisfying about seeing your old items find new homes (and making some cash in the process!).

 

The Best Online Selling Sites in the UK

Let’s explore the top platforms for selling your stuff a bit deeper, starting with general marketplaces that let you sell almost anything and then diving into specialist sites for specific items. General marketplaces cater to a broad audience and support diverse item categories, making them a popular choice for many sellers.

On the other hand, specialist platforms connect you with niche audiences, making it easier to sell specific types of items. If you’re selling niche items, these platforms are designed to connect you with the right audience.

 

eBay

If you’ve ever thought about selling online, chances are eBay was the first site that came to mind. With millions of users worldwide, it’s a powerhouse for selling just about anything - whether it’s electronics, collectables, or clothes. You can choose between auction-style listings for a bit of excitement or fixed-price sales if you want things to move quickly.

Best for:

• Selling a wide variety of items, including electronics, collectables, and furniture.

Why Use It:

• Huge audience, both locally and internationally.
• Secure payment options via PayPal or direct bank transfers.
• Flexible selling methods (auction or fixed price).

Things to keep in mind:

• Listing and final value fees can reduce profits.
• Highly competitive in popular categories like tech or fashion.

 

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is great if you want to sell locally and skip the hassle of postage. Whether it’s furniture, baby gear, or home decor, you can connect with buyers in your area quickly and easily. It’s free to list items, and the fact that it’s tied to Facebook profiles helps build trust between buyers and sellers.

Best for:

• Local sales of furniture, baby gear, and home decor.

Why Use It:

• Free to list items.
• Perfect for bulky items that are hard to ship.
• Integration with Facebook profiles builds trust with buyers.

Things to keep in mind:

• No formal protections for buyers or sellers.
• Listings can get buried due to the high volume of posts.

 

Gumtree

If you’re looking to sell large items locally, like furniture, appliances, or even a car, Gumtree is a solid choice. It’s free to use for basic listings, though you can pay for upgrades to boost visibility. Gumtree’s local focus makes it ideal for items that are too big or awkward to post.

Best for:

• Selling furniture, appliances, or vehicles locally.

Why Use It:

• Free basic listings make it accessible to everyone.
• Ideal for large items that are hard to ship.
• Local focus simplifies logistics and handovers.

Things to keep in mind:

• Limited buyer protections compared to other platforms.
• Smaller audience than eBay.

 

Shpock

Shpock (short for “Shop in your pocket”) is often called the “boot sale app,” and for good reason. It’s a mobile-first platform that’s perfect for selling second-hand goods locally. Whether you’re selling clothes, gadgets, or furniture, Shpock makes it easy to upload listings and chat with buyers.

Best for:

• A variety of items, from clothes and gadgets to furniture.

Why Use It:

• Free to list items.
• Simple, mobile-friendly platform.
• Local sales eliminate shipping hassles.

Things to keep in mind:

• Smaller user base than Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
• Limited protections for buyers and sellers.

 

WeBuyBooks

Got books, DVDs, or video games gathering dust? WeBuyBooks is perfect for turning them into cash. It’s simple - scan the barcodes, get an instant valuation, and send them off for free.

Best for:

• Books, DVDs, CDs, and video games.

Why Use It:

• Instant valuations via barcode scanning or manual entry.
• Free postage for all items.
• Eco-friendly platform promoting recycling.

Things to keep in mind:

• Focuses specifically on books and media items.

 

Vinted

If your wardrobe could use a clear-out, Vinted is the perfect place to sell clothes, shoes, and accessories. You keep 100% of your earnings, as buyers cover the shipping costs.

Best for:

• Clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Why Use It:

• No seller fees; buyers cover the shipping costs.
• User-friendly platform with a large, fashion-focused audience.
• Perfect for decluttering your wardrobe.

Things to keep in mind:

• Focused solely on fashion; not suitable for other items.

 

Depop

Looking to sell trendy, vintage, or handmade clothes? Depop is like a mix of social media and a marketplace, appealing to younger, style-conscious buyers.

Best for:

• Unique, vintage, or handmade clothing and accessories.

Why Use It:

• Appeals to younger, trend-focused buyers.
• Easy-to-use platform with a social media-style interface.
• Ideal for selling creative or on-trend pieces.

Things to keep in mind:

• Takes a 10% commission on sales.
• Buyers may haggle, so be prepared for negotiations.

 

WeBuyGames

Gamers, this one’s for you! WeBuyGames is perfect for selling video games, consoles, and accessories. It’s quick, easy, and offers competitive prices.

Best for:

• Video games, consoles, and gaming accessories.

Why Use It:

• Fast and competitive valuations.
• Free postage for all items.
• Streamlined process for fast payments.

Things to keep in mind:

• Focuses exclusively on gaming items.

 

WeBuyBricks

LEGO enthusiasts will love WeBuyBricks. Whether you have complete sets or loose bricks, this platform connects you with buyers who value your collection.

Best for:

• LEGO sets and bricks, both complete and loose.

Why Use It:

• Targets LEGO enthusiasts for fair valuations.
• Encourages sustainability by recycling unused pieces.
• Simple and quick selling process.

Things to keep in mind:

• Tailored specifically for LEGO items.

 

Envirofone

If you’ve upgraded your phone or tablet, Envirofone is a great way to sell your old device. It’s easy to use and focuses on recycling gadgets responsibly.

Best for:

• Selling smartphones and tablets.

Why Use It:

• Competitive prices for used devices.
• Focuses on recycling, making it environmentally friendly.
• Fast and hassle-free payouts.

Things to keep in mind:

• Limited to mobile devices and select gadgets.

 

AutoTrader

Selling a car? AutoTrader is the UK’s most trusted platform for reaching private buyers and dealers.

Best for:

• Selling used cars.

Why Use It:

• Trusted platform with a large audience.
• Tools to help value your car accurately.
• Straightforward process for listing and selling.

Things to keep in mind:

• Listing fees may apply, depending on the vehicle and ad type.

 

Etsy

If you’re a creative type, Etsy is the perfect place to sell handmade or vintage items. It connects you with buyers worldwide who appreciate unique, one-of-a-kind goods.

Best for:

• Handmade, vintage, or creative craft items.

Why Use It:

• Ideal for reaching international buyers.
• Focused audience interested in one-of-a-kind items.
• Supports branding and store customisation.

Things to keep in mind:

• Charges listing fees and takes a commission on sales.

 

Choosing the Right Selling Site Based on Your Needs

When it comes to selling online, one size doesn’t fit all. The key to a successful selling experience is matching your items to the platform best suited for them. Each platform has its strengths and focuses on connecting you with the right buyers. By choosing carefully, you can save time, maximise profits, and make the process as smooth as possible.  

Why Choosing the Right Site Matters:

• Audience Fit: Platforms attract specific types of buyers. Selling vintage clothes? A site like Depop with its trend-focused audience is ideal. Offloading books? A niche platform like WeBuyBooks connects you with buyers looking for exactly what you’re selling.
• Ease of Use: Some platforms simplify the process with tools like barcode scanning or local collection options, while others require more time for creating detailed listings.
• Cost Efficiency: Free-to-use platforms like Vinted let you keep more of your profits, whereas some sites charge fees for listing or selling.
• Speed of Sale: Niche platforms often speed up sales by targeting the right audience, while general marketplaces may take longer due to broader competition.

To help you choose the right platform at a glance, here’s a quick summary of the best options for different types of items:

 

Key Features to Look for in a Selling Site

Choosing the right platform is key to a successful selling experience. Not all sites are created equal, so consider these factors to find one that fits your needs:

1. User Reviews and Reputation

Before committing to a selling site, check its reviews and overall reputation. Platforms with a large, trusted community are more likely to connect you with serious buyers and reduce the risk of scams. Look for seller feedback on forums or review websites and note any recurring complaints about payment delays, buyer behaviour, or fraud.

• What to check: How long the platform has been established, feedback from other sellers, and the general tone of user reviews.
• Why it matters: A trustworthy platform makes for a safer, smoother selling experience.

2. Seller Protection Policies

Accidents and disputes happen, even when you’ve done everything right. That’s where seller protection comes in. Some platforms offer safeguards like dispute resolution or compensation for lost shipments. Check if the site provides resources to protect sellers in cases of fraud, item damage during delivery, or non-payment.

• What to check: Whether the site has clear guidelines for handling disputes and tools to ensure secure transactions.
• Why it matters: Seller protection helps you feel confident listing high-value items.

3. Fees

Fees can quickly eat into your profits, so understanding the platform’s cost structure is essential. Some sites, like Vinted or Facebook Marketplace, are free to use, while others charge for listing items, taking a cut of the final sale, or promoting your ads.

• What to check: Look for transparency in listing fees, commission percentages, and any extra costs for additional features like promotions or premium listings.
• Why it matters: Minimising fees ensures you get the most out of your sales.

4. Ease of Listing

The more straightforward the listing process, the quicker you can get your items online and sold. Platforms with tools like barcode scanning, pre-filled templates, or drag-and-drop photo uploads save you time and effort.

• What to check: Whether the platform allows for batch uploads (ideal for bulk selling) and how intuitive its mobile or desktop interface is.
• Why it matters: A smooth listing process makes selling feel effortless, especially if you’re dealing with multiple items.

5. Shipping Options

Shipping is a big part of the selling experience. Some platforms provide prepaid shipping labels or integrated courier services, which can save you time and money. Others, like Facebook Marketplace, focus on local sales, where buyers handle their own pickups.

• What to check: Whether the platform offers shipping assistance, discounts with courier services, or local selling options.
• Why it matters: The right shipping options ensure a seamless delivery process and keep buyers happy.

 

Sustainability and Second-Hand Selling Trends

If you’re selling online, you’re already part of a growing movement. Second-hand sales have skyrocketed in recent years, driven by eco-conscious buyers and the increasing focus on sustainability. Here’s why it’s more popular than ever:

1. Rising Demand for Second-Hand Fashion: Platforms like Vinted and Depop are thriving because more people are turning to pre-loved clothing to save money and reduce fast fashion waste. According to research, the second-hand clothing market is expected to double by 2030.
2. Recycling Tech Gadgets: Selling old phones and gadgets on sites like Envirofone helps reduce electronic waste—a major environmental issue. By recycling tech, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future.
3. Decluttering Culture: With trends like minimalism and Marie Kondo’s tidying philosophy, more people are decluttering their homes and selling unwanted items online. It’s a win-win: less clutter for you, and a new home for your items.

By selling second-hand, you’re helping to create a more sustainable economy while enjoying the benefits of extra cash and a cleaner home.

 

Tips for Success on Online Selling Sites

Maximise your profits with these tips:

1. Create Eye-Catching Listings: Use clear, high-quality images and detailed descriptions.
2. Price Competitively: Research similar items to set a fair price.
3. Promote Listings: Share on social media or opt for promoted listings if available.
4. Communicate Clearly: Respond promptly to buyer inquiries and provide accurate item details.
5. Handle Returns Gracefully: A positive reputation will lead to more sales.

Looking for more tips for selling your stuff online? We have a blog on just that. Check out our article: A Guide to Selling Your Stuff

From books and clothes to LEGO and cars, there’s a platform for everything you want to sell. Whether you’re decluttering for extra cash or embracing a sustainable lifestyle, these platforms make it easy to turn unwanted items into treasures.

This guide is the first in our Sell Online Series, where we’re walking you through everything you need to know about selling online. In this first part, we’ve explored the best online selling platforms in the UK, from versatile general marketplaces to specialist sites for specific items.

Now that you know the best platforms for selling online, you’re ready to take the next step. Stay tuned for Part 2: A Guide to Selling Your Stuff, where we’ll guide you through the process of selling your items step-by-step - from creating standout listings to setting competitive prices.

Ready to start decluttering? Let’s turn that clutter into cash!