Selling stuff from home can be a great way to make some extra money, or, for example, to partially cover the cost of a house clearance. We regularly advise our clients where we do a house clearance to sell the valuable items in the house to cover the costs. However, there are rules to consider when choosing to sell items from your home. We explain these and give you our tips.
The rules for selling stuff from home
In the Netherlands, you may simply sell stuff from home, if it is private property. You may sell all your private possessions online or offline to others, such as furniture after a move or, for example, old clothes you no longer wear. You do not have to pay taxes on these. Be careful if you sell or buy with the purpose of selling very regularly. The tax authorities may see this as a source of income and ask you to pay taxes. Online sales platforms also have an obligation to report to the tax authorities when you sell more than €2000 worth of goods per year or when you sell a lot. This does not necessarily mean that you will have to pay taxes, but the tax authorities may ask questions.
More info on this is on the website of the tax authorities.
What is the best way to sell stuff from home?
Selling stuff from home can be handled in several ways. The best way to do it depends on your personal preferences and the type of stuff.
Online platforms
Online platforms are perfect for selling old stuff quickly and easily. For example, consider the following platforms:
- Marketplace: for furniture, electronics, tools and household goods.
- Facebook marketplace: similar to marketplace, but often a little more local.
- Vinted: for old clothes, shoes, accessories.
- eBay: for collectibles or valuables.
Offline platforms
Would you rather sell your stuff directly and not hassle with shipping? Then, of course, you can try to sell your stuff “offline.” For example:
- Secondhand stores: there are stores that sell used stuff that also buy stuff. Especially useful for the more valuable items such as electronics and tools.
- Thrift stores: some thrift stores offer a small fee for good items.
- Flea markets: can also be useful for selling smaller items.
Additional tips for selling stuff from home
- Take good pictures of the items: Make sure you have several pictures and good lighting. Good photos often make the items sell a lot faster and you’ll get fewer inquiries.
- Provide enough information: Provide information about the items’ condition, sizes, measurements, etc. This will make the item sell sooner and you will get fewer inquiries.
- Set a good price: if the price is too high, the items will not sell quickly, and if the price is too low you may be losing money. Do research on what is a fair price for your items. It may be smart to undercut this slightly if you want to get rid of your items quickly.
- Pay attention to shipping costs: Clearly agree on who pays for shipping.
Are you not getting rid of old stuff? You can often drop off usable items for free at thrift stores. Do you have old or broken items that you can’t get rid of and are difficult to transport? Then you can also make use of our waste collection service. We will come to your home to pick up the items and dispose of them properly for a fair fee. So you do not have to arrange anything else and you are super fast rid of your old stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay taxes if I sell stuff through Marketplace or Vinted?
If you sell your private property (such as old furniture, clothing or electronics), you don’t have to pay taxes on you sales. Only if you start trading as a business, the IRS may see it as income and levy taxes.
How do I determine the selling price of my stuff?
Look at similar items on the platform you want to sell on and base the price on that.
Can you also buy up my stuff?
It is possible that we will give you a compensation for valuables, if you request a house clearance or moving from us. The value of the belongings can then be deducted from the quotation. Please indicate this to us during your request.
