Sell Unwanted Gifts and Make Money
January 7, 2010 by The Frugal Home
Filed under Frugal Living, Gifts
How many of you get home, drop your bags on the floor, crash on the couch, and wonder just what you are going to do with all those gifts you got that you didn’t want or need? How many times have you heard that it is the thought that counts? While it is the thought that counts, there are still many items that you receive that you either do not need or want and you have to decide just what you are going to do with these items.
If possible, and if you have a receipt, return the item to the store in which it was purchased. While store policy may not always allow you to receive cash for the returned item you can at least exchange it for something you will use. If you can’t find something for yourself think about any wedding, birthday, or graduation gifts that you may need to get for someone else.
Sometimes it isn’t possible to return a gift. You may not have a store nearby or you may not have a receipt. If you can’t return it then sell your unwanted gifts!
* eBay – Ebay is a great way to sell anything you may have gotten as a gift, right down to that talking fish. Fees to list your items are low but you will have to deal with shipping the item to the buyer.
* Consignment shops or flea markets – Since your item will most likely be looked at as used you can sell it at consignment shops of flea markets. There are often small fees involved and for flea markets you may have to rent an entire booth. The flea market would be a great option if you are cleaning out your whole house of unwanted items and gifts.
* Classified ads or sites such as craigslist– Classified and their online equivalents are great places to get rid of items you don’t need and, because people will usually come to your house or meet you somewhere to purchase the item, you don’t have to deal with the shipping like you would with places like Ebay.
Keep in mind that selling a gift doesn’t mean you are not grateful for it or do ot appreciate that someone took the time and money to purchase a gift for you. Using the money you get to purchase something you need or pay down debt will make a better use of the gift than putting it in the back of your closet.
