Consumer Reports Reveals the Best Ways to Make Money on Unwanted Stuff

How to decide on where to sell furniture, artwork, clothing, collectibles and more; Plus, what consumers can do when they can’t make a sale

CR September 2014 Cover YONKERS, NY — Many basements, attics, and garages are bursting with unwanted possessions and their owners may be surprised by how much they can make by selling them. Consumer Reports has put together a comprehensive guide to help consumers get the most money for their stuff that includes information on where to sell items, when to get them appraised, and what to do when selling efforts are unsuccessful.

The full report, “Sell Your Stuff” is featured in the September 2014 issue of Consumer Reports magazine and is available at www.ConsumerReports.org.

“You may be tempted to toss unwanted stuff in the trash,” said Mandy Walker, senior project editor for Consumer Reports. “But its important to carefully sift through these items, there may be treasure lurking that could put some extra cash in your pocket.”

Before deciding where to sell their stuff, Consumer Reports says consumers must determine if any of the items are valuable, say, $1,000 or more, by looking up similar objects in reference books or on websites for collectors. Valuable items may be worth getting appraised.

Next, choose a selling venue that makes the most sense: auction house, consignment shop, website, or yard sale. Consumer Reports outlines which venues consumers should try first based on condition and value for a variety of goods including furniture, artwork, sports and exercise gear, clothing, musical instruments, collectibles, jewelry, electronics and appliances, and housewares.

Despite best efforts, sometimes attempts to sell unwanted possessions are unsuccessful. Consumer Reports outlines the steps people need to take to ensure any items they donate to charity qualify for a tax deduction.

For more information on selling unwanted stuff, check out the September 2014 issue of Consumer Reports, on newsstands now or online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.

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