Unwanted things you can sell to make $5.3k
The average Australian has $5,286 worth of pre-loved and unwanted goods they could sell online, and as financial stress increases, experts are urging them to take stock.
Combined, there is $48 billion worth of pre-loved, unused or unwanted items that could be sold across Australia, in an increase of 4 per cent over 2020, according to a new Gumtree report.
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Most people have around 21 items they could sell for some quick cash, however one in five have 40 or more. At the same time, 48 per cent of Australians say the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their income, and 34 per cent admit to experiencing financial stress.
However, 40 per cent are also unaware of the sale potential of their unwanted items.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on many Australians emotionally, and financially,” Gumtree Australia managing director Mark Kehoe said.
“Fifty-three per cent of Australians who experienced a decrease in revenue or income due to COVID-19 have bought or sold items through the circular economy to supplement the income or revenue they lost during this time.”
“We know that when we trade together, we save together and our hope is that the findings in our report can go some way to encourage more communities across Australia to discover the financial benefits of the circular economy while, at the same time, making better choices for the planet.”
What can I sell?
If you’re looking to make some money, these are the most common pre-loved items you probably have around the house:
o Clothing, Shoes and Accessories (60%)
o Books (47%)
o Music, DVD’s and CD’s (42%)
o Electronic Goods (40%)
o Games and Toys (37%).
o Home Décor/Furniture (31%)
o Sports Equipment (23%)
o Baby items or clothing (21%)
o Tools/Gardening/DIY items (19%)
o Whitegoods/Home Appliances (19%)
Nearly nine in 10 (87 per cent) of Australians have some unwanted items around the house they can sell.
When it comes to making the most money, clothing and accessories are the most valuable, followed by electronic goods and furniture.
Gumtree noted that the main reason people aren’t selling their items is because they don’t think anyone would buy them, or they’re unsure how to list and price their items.
However, Gumtree partner Planet Ark is urging Australians to consider selling - rather than just disposing - their items.
“The beauty of the circular economy is that, as part of our communities, we can all help each other out,” Planet Ark head of circular economy development Dr Nicole Garofano said.
“Your unwanted item taking up space might be exactly the thing your neighbour needs to transform their home.”
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