We all have that one drawer or shelf full of old tools we don’t use anymore, don’t we?
I know I’ve got a few random wrenches and hammers lying around that I haven’t touched in years.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: those old tools can actually make you some quick cash if you sell them the right way.
In this article, I’ll share my top 10 picks for the best places to sell used tools for cash, whether online or in your local area.
Trust me, it’s easier than you think! Clearing out your used tools is a great way to declutter and put some extra money in your pocket.
Where To Sell Used Tools For Cash – 10 Best Options!
Below are the 10 best options to sell used tools for cash:
Sell Used Tools For Cash Online
Selling used tools for cash online is the most convenient way to earn extra money. Selling tools online help to get the best value for the tools, reach a wider audience in a small amount of time, and receive payments within a few days through quick payment methods.
Below are a few websites that you can use to sell your used tools for cash online:
1. Craigslist
Craigslist is a great online platform to post and browse listings related to jobs, personal ads, housing, etc.
It is a free and easy platform where you can sell used tools like saws, wrenches, plungers, pliers, etc very easily. Craigslist is a local platform that will help you to reach out to potential customers in your neighborhood.
Start by creating a free account on Craigslist and then create an attractive listing of the tool that you want to sell.
It is recommended to upload a lot of images and write detailed descriptions of the used tool to get the best value for your product.
All the transactions are done in person, which means that the sellers and buyers have to meet up to complete the transaction. In-person transactions help to decrease the chances of scams and avoid shipping costs.
2. eBay
Did you know eBay has around 132 million active buyers worldwide?
With such an excellent active user base and markets all around the world, eBay has become the world’s biggest online marketplace to buy and sell new or pre-owned products.
If you want to sell used tools on eBay, start by creating a seller account. Then create a great listing on eBay by writing a standout title, uploading high-quality photos, picking a purchase format, and setting the right price for your item.
You can list your item for a fixed price or start an auction. In auction format, you have to set a starting price for the bidding and then wait for people to place their bids. The buyer with the highest bid gets to buy the item.
All the transactions on eBay are done through PayPal. So, make sure you have a PayPal account before you start selling on eBay.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Launched in 2016, Facebook Marketplace is an online platform for Facebook users to buy and sell new or used products in their local area.
According to Oberlo, Facebook has around 3.05 billion monthly active users worldwide which makes it a perfect platform to list items for sale, including furniture, tools, clothing, electronics, etc.
All listings on Facebook Marketplace are free, you can interact with the buyer using Facebook Messenger to clear doubts and arrange transactions.
All the common tools like pliers, hacksaws, wrenches, etc sell very easily on Facebook Marketplace. But if you want to sell any specialty tool, then you might have to join local Facebook groups related to your specialty tool.
You can post about your used tool on that group, negotiate with interested buyers via messenger, and set up a meetup for transactions.
4. Ruby Lane
Do you want to sell vintage and antique tools online?
Then Ruby Lane is the perfect online marketplace for you. Ruby Lane is recognized as one of the biggest vintage marketplaces, along with GoAntiques and TIAS.com.
Ruby Lane is an online space for people to buy and sell high-quality vintage items like jewelry, pottery, furniture, art, and other vintage collectibles.
To start selling used tools on Ruby Lane, join Ruby Lane as a seller and fill out an application form. Ruby Lane will accept your application form if it meets certain criteria.
Tip: Make sure you have at least 10 used tools ready to sell before filling out the application form.
Because according to Ruby Lane shop requirements, if you do not meet the 10 listing criteria, your application form will get rejected.
5. Etsy
Etsy is another great platform for buying and selling handmade or vintage goods like toys, furniture, clothing, jewelry, etc.
You can easily sell your used tools on Etsy by creating your own Etsy store. Click on the ‘Open Your Etsy Shop’ button and list your products for $0.20 per item.
On each sale, Etsy charges a 6.5% transaction fee and small payment processing fees depending upon the location of your bank. To know more in detail about the Etsy fee structure, go through the Etsy fees and payments policy.
Once you start receiving revenue from your sales, you can withdraw your money through PayPal, Bank Transfers, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.
Etsy also provides resources like powerful tools, support, and educational material to help sellers grow and optimize their stores.
Sell Used Tools For Cash Offline
If you are not interested in selling your products online then you can also sell your used tools for cash locally. Selling used tools in person will protect you from scammers, avoid online hassles, negotiate properly, etc.
Below are a few ways to sell your used tools for cash offline:
6. Pawn Shops
If you want immediate money in exchange for your tools then pawn shops are the right destination for you.
Pawn shops provide short-term loans in exchange for collateral such as jewelry, antiques, tools, etc.
However, some pawn shops also buy products from sellers at a lower rate and then resell them to buyers at a higher price.
So, the money that you will earn from pawn shops will be comparatively less than selling your used tools online.
So, visit the local pawn shops in your area to get the best value for your used tools.
7. Garage Sale
A garage sale is where people put unwanted items on sale in their garages. You can put individual tools for sale or combine them to form a toolset.
The success of the garage sale depends upon the set prices. Make sure to visit online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, Craiglist, etc to research the prices set by other sellers for the same item.
Set your prices lower than the average price on the market to attract customers and increase sales.
Don’t forget to advertise your sale beforehand in your neighborhood to increase the chances of selling your used tools.
8. Flea Markets
You can also sign up for a flea market to sell your used tools locally. Flea markets are a type of street market where sellers display their products for sale.
Mostly handmade and vintage goods are sold in flea markets, although you can sell anything from clothing to furniture etc.
To sell used tools in flea markets, you have to set up a booth. You will have to invest in a tent, table, and cash container.
People often visit flea markets to purchase unique goods at lower prices.
9. Hardware Stores
You can visit local hardware stores in your neighborhood to sell your used tools.
But keep in mind that big chains like Lowe’s and Home Depot do not buy used goods. Reputed companies like these do not engage in reselling used products.
However, small hardware stores are more likely to purchase your used tools for a lower price and then resale them to other buyers to make a profit.
Approach all the local hardware stores in your neighborhood to get the best deal for your used tools.
10. Equipment Rental Stores
Equipment rental stores are local stores that provide tools for rent to interested customers. They provide tools for housing, construction, repairs, etc.
Some equipment rental stores may be in need of specific tools. You can visit such rental stores to see if they want to buy your used tool or not.
An equipment rental store is a convenient option for selling your used goods for immediate cash. It helps in quick sales and local connections.
Tips For Selling Used Tools
Here are some key tips for selling used tools locally or online to help you make the most profit:
1. Take Quality Photos From All Angles
Great photos are very important for selling used tools online. Take multiple high-quality photos from every angle to show the tool’s condition.
- Take close-up shots of the brand name, model number, and other details.
- Natural lighting usually works best, but use a flash if you need extra light.
With detailed photos, buyers know exactly what they’ll get. There won’t be any surprises or requests for refunds when they see the tools in person.
2. Set Your Prices Competitively
Check listings on eBay, Craigslist, and other sites to see what similar tools have sold for recently. This helps you set fair asking prices.
Remember you want to attract buyers, not drive them away. High prices compared to the competition will not attract customers to buy your product.
On the other side, don’t undervalue your tools and lose out on earning potential. Consider factors like tool brand, age, condition, demand, etc before setting the price for your used tools.
3. Reply Quickly To Buyer Questions
Once your tools are listed for sale online, respond quickly to any inquiries from interested buyers. Nothing turns off potential buyers faster than late replies.
- Answer questions thoroughly and provide any additional details or photos requested.
- Remain polite even if the customer tries to negotiate on price.
- Don’t take more than 24 hours maximum to reply. The faster the better.
4. Conduct Transactions in Safe Public Places
When meeting local buyers, choose a safe public place like a coffee shop or an active parking place. This keeps things secure for both parties.
- Avoid inviting strangers to your home. You don’t want to give out your address or have them know where you live.
- Be aware if a buyer insists on meeting in a quiet place. Trust your gut if you get a bad vibe.
- Bring a friend or family member with you for extra security if you’re worried.
Always get paid in cash only, no personal checks or digital payments for in-person sales. Count the cash to ensure it’s the agreed amount before handing over your tools.
5. Clean Tools Before Selling
Even tools that look clean often have built-up dust and debris. Give your used tools a thorough cleaning before listing them for sale online or locally.
Scrub away dirt with soap and water. Remove rust carefully with white vinegar and salt. It will make dull surfaces shine again.
Your tools will look much more appealing after a good cleaning. Their damage will be minimized, and the branding will stand out.
Cleaning up your tools also allows you to photograph them clearly.
6. Test Tools Before Selling
Before trying to sell your used tools, test and confirm that they work or function properly.
Nothing destroys a buyer’s confidence faster than a tool that doesn’t work properly or has issues you failed to mention.
Plug-in power tools and make sure the motor runs smoothly without making odd noises. Check that blades, bits, and accessories fit and operate correctly.
7. Include All Original Parts and Accessories
Used tools hold significantly higher value when all original parts, accessories, cases, chargers, blades, chuck keys, batteries, etc. are included.
If anything is missing, be upfront and disclose this in your listing. Some buyers may not mind, but others expect a complete set.
Bundle accessories like blades and bits in clear plastic bags and display them together in your photos. The visibility helps convince buyers to purchase your products.
FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding:
How Can I Sell My Used Products?
You can easily sell your used products in online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, Craiglist, etc. You can sell used products like clothing, tools, furniture, décor, etc.
Create a seller account on the respective platform and then start listing your used products online.
Or if you want to sell your used products locally, host a garage sale, sign up for flea markets, contact local pawn shop owners, etc.
Can You Sell Used Items On Amazon?
Yes, you can easily sell used items on Amazon. You can also take part in the Amazon Renewed program that allows sellers to sell pre-owned or used products on Amazon.
However, the selling of used items on Amazon is restricted to a few categories. So, make sure to carefully read the Amazon guidelines before you start selling used items on Amazon.
Wrapping Up
As someone who has sold quite a few tools over the years, I’ve found the above places the best options for selling used tools.
From local options like garage sales and pawn shops to online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist, I’ve covered a variety of options to help you get the best value for your used tools.
Whatever option you choose, make sure to take clear photos, explain the condition of the tool in detail, and price your tools competitively.
Feel free to leave a comment and share this article if you find it helpful. I’d love to hear about your own experiences selling used tools.
Hey there! I’m Rohit Lohia, a passionate SEO enthusiast and the proud founder of Branded Bucks. I’m all about helping small business owners achieve success online through my blog. Join me on this exciting journey as we explore ways to make money online and build a thriving digital presence.