How to make some extra money by selling your extra stuff

— -- The economy's tanking, cash is tight at home, and there are seemingly few ways to quickly make a little extra money. But selling household goods — dare we say, junk — is a proven way, and spring cleaning can provide the perfect impetus.

Options abound, from hawking items at pawn shops (where business is booming) to selling items online to hosting the old standby, the garage sale.

Successful organization and marketing are key factors in maximizing what you can charge — and earn.

"The wintertime is a perfect time to perfect your nest and move out the things that you no longer need or want," says author and garage sale enthusiast Bruce Littlefield. "In this economy, we quickly realize our excesses and are willing to let go of them if we can make a few bucks in the process."

The few bucks add up: Garage sales are a $3 billion industry, says Littlefield, author of Garage Sale America.

Jack Waddick of Arlington Heights, Ill., says garage sales have their place, but the online marketplace dwarfs America's front yards as the best sales location. He works full time buying, selling and teaching others the ins and outs of eBay.

"If you look at the traffic on your driveway vs. your traffic on eBay, it's not even a comparison," he says.

Waddick started posting his junk in 2003 and was immediately hooked when his first item, a 1984-85 Chicago Bears Super Bowl highlight tape, sold for $47. Waddick started bids at $9.

With 86 million active users, eBay moved more than $48 billion worth of goods last year, it says. Craigslist, GetItDaisy.com and backpage.com are other popular online marketplaces.

The e-markets have advantages, but posting every book and pillow — one by one — online can have its drawbacks.

"It's a lot of work," says Jim Griffith, an eBay marketplace expert. "There is less work involved in doing a garage sale."

If the goal is to empty closets and bookshelves, your lawn may provide the best solution.

"For a garage sale, your mission is to end that sale by the end of the day. You don't want to pack it up again," says Pat Simpson, the home building and remodeling expert from HGTV's Before and After.

Tips for a successful garage sale:

•Signage is key. Make sure signs can be read by someone driving past. Littlefield suggests attracting people to a sale with colorful balloons or a vintage car. "You want large items to collect eyes," he says. Also, place an ad on craigslist and in your local newspaper.

•Have plenty of change. Five-dollar bills and singles are a must. If you can, grab some $2 bills — some shoppers will be so excited to receive one they may tell friends where they got it.

•Add a neighbor and his junk. The more stuff to look at, the more people you are likely to attract.

•Set up the sale as a real store. Hang up clothing and avoid clutter. If it looks like dirty clothes stuck in a hamper, "People aren't going to buy it," Littlefield says. Price everything, too — unmarked items in retail stores can cause frustration — something you don't want at your garage sale. Have an extension cord handy to test electrical items.

•Get a permit if required. California, Tennessee, Utah and South Carolina all have permit laws. Check on your state's requirements.

•Give your leftovers to charity. "You'll feel good about it and get a tax write-off," Littlefield says.

•Price fairly but competitively. Pricing at 20% to 30% higher than value will invite bargaining, which is good. Use humor — perhaps on signs — to invite bargaining.

•Use masking tape to price goods. This will help deter theft. During your sale, the sound of ripping tape should be a cue to check your inventory. Just make sure the tape doesn't damage items.

But if dealing with strangers in person and coping with potential weather problems sounds terrible, the online marketplaces may be a better option.

Different e-markets have different rules and formats, but here are some tips to keep in mind when selling items online:

•Do some research. In many cases, all of your competitors' information is easy to see. Take a look at how others price similar items. Use keywords in your postings that helped previous sellers. But also look for ways to set your ad and item apart — the goal is to drive traffic to your sale.

•Take a picture. A professional-looking photo in an ad will help sell the item. Use a cloth backdrop to make your item stand out.

•Be honest. "It's OK to sell things that are chipped and cracked, but you need to be honest," Waddick says. "Show an additional photo so people know what they are bidding on."

•Mention shipping/pickup arrangements. This varies by site. On eBay, for example, the seller is responsible for shipping items. You determine the shipping costs and arrangements in the listing. Be competitive but fair. On craigslist.org, transactions can occur similarly. But if a transaction is local and will be done in person, safety and cost issues must be considered.

•Remember that feedback occurs. On sites such as eBay, after every sale, buyers and sellers have the opportunity to comment. Feedback will affect future sales, so be honest and treat your listing and buyers like a business.

•Consider fees and payment options. EBay charges a listing fee, listing upgrade fee, a commission fee and a final value fee. Though small, they can add up. For example, a shirt listed in an eBay auction for $12, with pictures and bold font, will cost you $5 in fees. Though the site is not affiliated with eBay, you can calculate your fees at ebcalc.com. PayPal and other payment options allow sellers and buyers to trade products for cash without revealing either party's financial information.