BBB offers tips for selling used items online safely

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI) — As people tackle New Year’s resolutions to declutter, the Better Business Bureau is offering guidance on how to safely sell used items online.

Online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and eBay make it easy to sell unwanted items, but they also attract scammers, according to Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO.

To avoid scams, the BBB recommends:

Choosing the right platform for the item being sold
Researching prices for similar items
Including clear photos and descriptions in listings
Understanding fees associated with the marketplace
Being cautious of buyers who ask for personal information or payments outside of the platform

The BBB also suggests considering alternatives to selling, such as swapping or donating items.