It seems like there’s a bit of a division between people who don’t really like to buy and sell online, and those who absolutely love it.

I’m firmly in the latter, having used online buying and selling for over a decade.

Since moving here to Canada, I have started buying and selling with Kijiji, which I was surprised to learn is actually the most popular online classifieds site in the country. It’s a really nice site to browse or look for something specific. Are you looking for a Adult-sized reindeer costume? Then keep reading.

There are always too many things in my closet. I’ve put random things in there with the thought that they might be useful at some time in the future. Now I can barely get in there, it’s the time to clear out and make some money.

Firstly, I’m selling my old record player. I’ve just upgraded to a beautiful Fluance turntable and would love for my old one to go to a new home.

I’m also going to sell last year’s Halloween costume, a giant reindeer and get my new costume for my work department’s theme – Harry Potter. Being English and a glasses-wearer, I may have influenced this.

There’s plenty of Halloween costumes to choose from. I’ve narrowed the search down to ‘Halloween Costumes in British Columbia’ – click here to see the latest results.

Ready for Halloween, Preparing for Christmas

Let’s Make Some Money!

Unlike Craigslist, Kijiji has their own official app (iTunes and Google Play Store) which lets you take photos, list your item and do everything you need to do without having to sit at the computer.

For an effective ad, you need to be thorough with your description and share as many photos as it takes to show off your item in the best light. Let’s start by selling my record player.

Selling Online – What You Need To Include:

• Name the brand and model
• Features
• What comes with it?
• What’s the condition?
• Any size or dimensions
• Recommended users
• Any links to give more details or what it’s worth new.

The description:

One of the most important parts of online selling is the culture of honesty and good communication. It’s up to all of us to be friendly and helpful when buying or selling things online.

Check your email and respond, which you can do directly in the app. If someone asks you a question about your item, respond quickly and with all the info. If they make you an offer, feel free to say yes or no, but respond either way. Oh, and don’t forget to delete your listing once you’ve sold it.

Buying and Selling

Only a few hours after I posted the record player, I’d had a couple of people asking about it. The first person to reply bought it, and she lived really close so it was really easy and convenient. We met at the local mall and I handed over her new toy. She paid via PayPal through the Kijiji app, so it went straight into my account and we didn’t have to handle any cash.

The reindeer costume sold pretty quickly too. It looks like there’s plenty of interest in the city for planning their Halloween early. The buyer came to my house after a couple of emails exchanged and he was super-friendly.

When you’re meeting someone to buy or sell, remember that there are lots of safe zones set up, including in the lobby of your local police station or in a supermarket.

Here are a few tips:

• Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe, bank, or shopping center.
• Be careful buying/selling high value items.
• Tell a friend or family member where you’re going.
• Take your cell phone
• Consider having a friend accompany you

I bought my Harry Potter Tie and Glasses from a local student who used them just once and they were in mint condition! I saved a few dollars compared to buying it new, which is perfect as I’ll only wear them on 31st Oct and then sell them before next year’s festivities.

I’ve found that Kijiji is a great platform for finding things that I’d prefer to buy second-hand, like vinyl records and a Halloween costume that I’m really only going to wear for an hour or two before laundering and selling again. Buying previously-loved items actually reduces our carbon-footprint by keeping sought-after pieces away from being discarded and new ones being made.

I can’t wait to go through my cupboards and find other things to sell. The extra money is really going to come in handy this Christmas.

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Disclaimer: This post was supported by Kijiji Canada, which I really appreciate as I’ve been buying and selling like crazy on there! Head to Kijiji.ca to get started.