How to sell furniture on eBay and Vinted

• Exact dimensions, to check it fits their room, doorway and stairs.
• Whether it comes apart, and whether you still have the fixings and tools.
• Material: solid wood, veneer, MDF, chipboard or metal.
• Wear: scratches, water rings, wobbles, sagging cushions, sticking drawers.
• Whether it comes from a smoke-free or pet-free home, if you can honestly say so.
• Where it is and when they can collect, and whether you can help carry it.
• For upholstered items: whether it has a fire safety label attached.

1. The whole piece in good daylight, cleared of clutter, from the front and at an angle.
2. The back and sides.
3. Inside drawers and doors, showing runners and hinges.
4. Close-ups of the wood grain or fabric so the colour is accurate.
5. Any maker's label, stamp or brand name.
6. Every flaw, each in its own photo.
7. A tape measure stretched across the piece can help buyers picture its size.

• Lead with what it is: chest of drawers, dining table, sofa.
• Add the brand or maker if known (IKEA, John Lewis, G Plan, Ercol).
• Add material and colour.
• Add key dimensions or capacity, for example "seats 6" or "3 seater".
• Add "collection only" and the town, so local buyers find it.

Example title

Solid Oak Chest of 5 Drawers 80cm Wide, Collection Only Leeds

Words buyers search for

• solid wood
• oak
• pine
• mid-century
• retro
• upcycled
• flat pack
• collection only
• 3 seater
• extending table
• chest of drawers
• wardrobe

• Height, width and depth in cm, measured at the widest points.
• For tables: height and table-top size, extended size for extending tables.
• For sofas and chairs: seat height, seat depth and overall depth.
• For storage: internal drawer and shelf sizes.
• Whether it comes apart, and the size of the largest piece once dismantled.

• Describe wear in plain words: "light scratches on the top", "one drawer sticks".
• Say whether it is solid wood or veneer if you know; if not, don't guess.
• Mention repairs, replacement handles or repainting.
• Upholstered furniture: mention stains, fading and pilling, and whether the fire safety label is attached.
• Say if it has been dismantled and whether all the fixings are there.

Large furniture is usually best listed as collection only. eBay lets you set collection in person as the delivery option, and buyers can search for items near them.

Vinted is built around shipping parcels through its integrated carriers, so bulky furniture generally doesn't fit its parcel limits. Small pieces like stools, mirrors or bedside tables might; check the size limits first.

Local selling sites and apps are also popular for furniture because buyers can view and collect in one trip.

• For collection only, say the town or area in the listing and agree a time once it sells. Don't share your full address until it is paid for.
• Say whether the buyer needs to bring help or a van, and whether it fits in a car.
• Clear a route to the door and take off legs or doors in advance if it helps.
• Small items that can be posted should be wrapped, with corners protected by card.
• Measure the packed parcel and check it against carrier limits on the postage guide; many furniture items exceed standard parcel sizes.

Not sure which parcel size you need? Check the postage size guide.

• Leaving out measurements, which leads to wasted trips and no-shows.
• Photographing it in a dark corner or surrounded by clutter.
• Offering postage without checking that the item fits a carrier's limits.
• Calling something solid wood when it is veneer or MDF.
• Selling upholstered furniture as a business without its fire safety label, which UK rules generally don't allow.

Can I sell furniture on Vinted?

Vinted relies on parcel delivery, so only items that fit its carriers' size and weight limits can be sent. Large furniture generally won't fit; check the limits shown when you list.

How do I set up collection only on eBay?

When you set postage on the listing, choose collection in person and enter the item's location. Buyers then see that they need to collect.

Should I take it apart before selling?

If it is designed to come apart, dismantling it can make collection easier. Bag and label the fixings and keep the instructions with it.