1. LetGo
Marketing itself as a mobile classified section, LetGo (Android, iOS) allows users to buy and sell virtually anything. LetGo focuses on local sales, matching users looking to buy or sell an item via location. This makes the app similar to web-based marketplace Craigslist, although LetGo has a much more inviting user interface. Currently, LetGo is available in a number of countries worldwide; however, it is most popular in the United States and Canada.
LetGo makes buying and selling quick and easy. First, download the app and create an account. Next, find something you want to sell, open the app and snap a photo. The app will recognize the item and help to automatically build the listing. Once all of the required fields are filled out, your listing is ready to go live. LetGo does not allow users to enter any contact information like emails or phone numbers. Instead, prospective buyers can message sellers from within the app, increasing the safety of sensitive information. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, LetGo does not have a built-in payment method.
2. OfferUp
OfferUp (Android, iOS) is another app that aims to create an online marketplace to buy and sell local items. In many ways OfferUp is very similar to LetGo. Buying and selling is very easy: simply download the app, register and start snapping photos to post to the online marketplace. The app uses your phone’s location to match you up with buyers and sellers in your area.
A large part of OfferUp’s appeal is their strong stance on safety and trust. Users message each other from within the app, meaning that no personal information appears on the listing. That being said, every OfferUp user verifies his or her identify by linking their Facebook profile, ID and email address. This helps to eliminate spam bots and phishing scams. Furthermore, OfferUp users create a public profile where other users can leave feedback, similar to eBay.
3. CPlus
If you love Craiglist but loathe the fact that you have to hunker down in front of a PC in order to use it, CPlus (Android, iOS) is for you. CPlus is Craigslist for mobile devices. Originally starting life as a third-party app with no affiliation with Craigslist, CPlus is now an officially licensed subsidiary of Craigslist. The app allows you to create in-app postings. This is much more convenient than snapping a photo of an item you want to sell and then transferring those photos to your PC in order to create your listing.
In addition to posting directly from the app, one of the best features of the CPlus app is the ability to search multiple cities. When using the Craigslist website, you have to pick a specific location before looking at the ads. The ads would be cultivated from that specific location only, meaning you wouldn’t see ads from other nearby areas. CPlus eliminates this by retrieving ads from surrounding areas and listing them in your search results.
4. 5miles
If you like the idea of Craigslist but want something that doesn’t look like a GeoCities website from 1997, 5miles (Android, iOS) is for you. 5miles is yet another online local marketplace where people can buy and sell a variety of items. That being said, 5miles differentiates itself from the competition in two ways. Users can opt to use the 5miles website if they do not have a mobile device or simply prefer not to install yet another app. This is a nice alternative that allows virtually everyone to participate in the 5miles marketplace regardless of whether they use a smartphone.
In addition, 5miles has a feature dubbed 5miles Dash. This is an auction feature similar to eBay. What sets 5miles Dash apart, however, is that these auctions only last ninety seconds, meaning that users stand to snag a bargain if they stumble upon an auction at the right time. To sweeten the pot, 90% of the items featured on 5miles Dash have a starting bid of $1. Furthermore, winning bidders have the item shipped directly to their door.
5. Poshmark
Are you a fashionista who has trouble closing your closet door? If so, you’re in luck. Poshmark (Android, iOS) can help you reclaim some closet space. Founded in 2011, Poshmark is an online marketplace made specifically for women’s, men’s and children’s fashion, including clothing, handbags, shoes and even makeup. Items posted on Poshmark are new or gently used, meaning you won’t find anything that was destined for the trash heap. Additionally, the app boasts items from the most popular brands and designers, ensuring that users are always on trend.
Poshmark is similar to eBay in many ways. The app itself is simply a platform for users to list their items. When a sale occurs, it is up to the seller to ship the item to the buyer. Poshmark does offer buyer protection similar to eBay. If a seller doesn’t send the item or if the item is not as described, Poshmark will step in and rectify the situation. Like eBay, Poshmark makes money by charging sellers listing fees. Word of warning: these can be a bit high depending on what you’re used to. Overall, if you;re looking for brand name fashion at a fraction of the cost, Poshmark is a must try. Which apps do you use to sell your stuff? Let us know in the comments!
