Selling Online vs. Donating to ReStore

It’s bound to happen – you have things in your house or garage that you don’t use anymore, and it’s time to get them out of the way. It may seem easy to sell your stuff online, such as Facebook Marketplace. But online selling comes with hassles and risks that can make you think twice. Let's take a look at the potential problems you may encounter. 

Selling Online

Lack of Customer Interaction

Doing business online lacks in-person interaction. It’s true that some people prefer this, but the downside is missing out on personal connections and building trust. There is also a security concern when you don’t truly know who you’re dealing with. Online, it can be hard to gauge a buyer’s tone, mood, and demeanor. Having that person come to your residence is a risk in itself.

Also, when hiding behind a computer screen, scammers can take advantage of online sellers and even trick them into revealing information that leads to identity theft. Common scams include asking for items before payment, overpayment, and fake peer-to-peer payment app requests.

Ghosting

This is arguably the most frustrating part of selling items online: a buyer commits to picking up the product but never actually shows. You might have to follow up with the buyer multiple times, and you may never hear from that person again. Or, the buyer’s schedule suddenly becomes very busy, and they are no longer able to come get the item. These situations are frequent and can waste a lot of your time and energy.

Product Quality

Many online shoppers are uncertain about the quality of products listed online, and they must be wary of counterfeit products, as well. Your item may be in good condition, but a buyer may want to see and inspect it before purchasing, which takes extra time and energy out of your day.

Stiff Competition

Online marketplaces can be highly competitive. If you post an item for sale, you may get dozens of responses with offers that run the gamut. Do you go with whoever is offering the best price? Or do you go with the person that can pick up the item quicker? There are also hundreds of other people selling similar products, so getting your item to stand out in the crowd can be tricky. You may be left storing your unwanted items longer than you want, particularly in the winter months.

Go the ReStore Route

To avoid these pitfalls and frustrations, consider donating your unwanted items to ReStore! You won’t make money off your items, but there are benefits that outweigh the few dollars you may get otherwise.

Convenient

We have two convenient ReStore locations in the metro area: New Brighton and Minneapolis. The stores are just 12 minutes apart! No matter where you are in the Twin Cities, there is a ReStore close by.

You can easily drop items off at ReStore, but we also offer a convenient pickup service for bigger items or large quantities of items. Then you don’t have to leave your house or make an extra trip – one of our large box trucks will come out and our driver will load up your items!

Tax Deduction

Though you’re not making money off your items, you will receive a tax deduction slip each time you donate. You can deduct the fair market value of furniture, household goods, tools, and more. (Fair market value is the price a willing buyer would pay for them.) You could benefit from significant savings, especially if you donate many times or donate high-value items.

The fair market value of an item must be determined by you, the donor. We have a handy Donation Value Guide that breakdowns down what commonly donated items are worth.

No Ghosts!

ReStore will never ever ghost you. If you schedule a pickup, we guarantee we’ll be there. (If an emergency does come up, we will communicate and reschedule as quickly as possible.) And we always have staff at our donation door, so you’ll never be left waiting for help. Our goal is superior customer service, and we do everything we can to make the donation process smooth and easy.

Help the Planet and Local Families

Each year, ReStore keeps more than 5 million pounds of materials from going into landfills. That’s because people like you donate! An end table, desk, or cabinet that doesn’t work for you anymore might be the perfect solution for someone else. And you'll feel good knowing your items are going to a new home where a new family can enjoy their use.

Store Inventory

"Donations are the lifeblood of ReStore," says Jill Carmody, Minneapolis ReStore Senior Manager. When you donate to ReStore, you’re helping us offer an exciting, ever-changing variety of products, which makes ReStore an exciting place to thrift shop.

Truth is, you’re more likely to have a positive donation experience with ReStore than you are selling your items online. ReStore offers convenience and security, and making a donation will warm your heart.

ReStore accepts household items such as appliances, building materials, doors, flooring, furniture, hardware, kitchen cabinets, plumbing products, and windows. Check our website for a complete list of accepted items.