Selling unused items online is one of the fastest ways to generate extra money — and clear space at the same time. The three main platforms in the UK are Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Each has different strengths, audiences and fee structures.
Vinted — best for clothing and accessories
Vinted has grown rapidly in the UK and is now the go-to platform for second-hand clothing. Sellers pay no listing fees and no selling fees — Vinted charges a small buyer protection fee to the buyer instead. Items are posted using prepaid labels sent via the app. The audience is heavily fashion-focused.
- Best for: clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, children's clothes
- Fees: free to sell
- Posting: Vinted provides prepaid labels — straightforward for most sellers
- Tips: clear photos against a light background, measure and list sizes accurately, bundle similar items
eBay — best for electronics, collectibles and most other items
eBay has the largest buyer base in the UK and suits almost any item. Private sellers get a set number of free listings per month; beyond that, a small insertion fee applies. eBay takes a percentage of the final sale price. You can list as auction or fixed price.
- Best for: electronics, gaming, books, collectibles, branded goods, home items
- Fees: insertion fee (some free allowance), selling fee as a percentage of sale
- Posting: you arrange postage — use tracked postage for anything over £20
- Tips: start auctions at a low price to generate interest, check completed listings to price realistically
Facebook Marketplace — best for local, large or heavy items
Facebook Marketplace is free to list and sell on for local transactions. Buyers collect in person, which makes it ideal for furniture, appliances and anything too bulky or heavy to post economically. You can also opt for shipping on some items.
- Best for: furniture, large appliances, bicycles, local collection items
- Fees: free for local sales
- Meeting buyers: always meet in a public place for safety, or arrange daytime home collections
- Tips: respond quickly — competition is high and buyers move on fast
General guidance only — not regulated financial advice.