How to sell homeware on eBay and Vinted

• The maker or brand, shown by the backstamp or label on the base.
• Chips, cracks, crazing (fine cracks in the glaze), scratches and wear to gold or silver rims.
• Exact size, so they know it fits their shelf, table or window.
• How many pieces are in a set and whether they all match.
• Whether it is dishwasher, microwave or oven safe, if the base says so.
• For electrical items such as lamps: whether it works, the plug type and the condition of the cable.
• For textiles: stains, fading, pet hair and smoke smell.

1. The item on a plain surface, in natural light, from the front.
2. The whole set together, then a close-up of one piece.
3. The base showing the backstamp, label or maker's mark.
4. Rims and edges up close, where chips hide.
5. Any flaws, each in its own photo.
6. A styled photo in a room setting can help buyers picture it, but keep a plain one too.
7. For lamps: switched on.

• Start with the brand or maker if there is one.
• Then the pattern or range name if it is marked.
• Then what it is and how many pieces.
• Add colour, material and size.
• Add style words buyers search for, only if they're accurate (mid-century, Scandi, art deco).

Example title

Denby Imperial Blue Dinner Plates x4 26cm Stoneware, No Chips

Words buyers search for

• set of
• dinner set
• stoneware
• porcelain
• glassware
• retro
• mid-century
• Scandi
• vintage
• vase
• table lamp
• cushion cover

• Height, width and depth in cm, or diameter for plates, bowls and vases.
• Capacity for jugs, teapots and glasses if marked.
• Number of pieces and what each is.
• For textiles: dimensions and whether the inner pad is included.
• For lamps: height with and without the shade, and plug type.

• Run a finger round every rim and edge: chips you can feel should be mentioned even if they are small.
• Hold glass and china up to the light to spot hairline cracks.
• Name crazing, utensil marks and worn gilding plainly.
• Say whether pieces have been used or are unused.
• For electricals, say you tested it and how, and never claim it is safety tested unless it has been PAT tested.

eBay tends to suit named makers, collectable ranges and replacement pieces, since buyers search by pattern name to complete a set.

Vinted has a home category and tends to suit smaller décor, textiles and styled pieces, especially for buyers already browsing for clothes.

Large sets and heavy items are often easier to sell locally with collection, which avoids the risk of breakage in the post.

• Wrap each piece separately in bubble wrap or paper, then pack with at least a few centimetres of padding on every side.
• Use a double box for fragile items: a small box inside a larger one with padding between.
• Put plates on their edge rather than flat, with card between them.
• Take lampshades off and pack them separately so they don't get crushed.
• Weigh after packing: ceramics add up quickly. Check the size and weight against the postage guide.

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

• Missing a chip on the underside or rim that the buyer finds straight away.
• Not giving measurements, so buyers guess at size from a photo.
• Packing breakables loosely in a single box.
• Calling a mass-produced item vintage or antique without knowing its age.
• Listing a set without saying how many pieces it has.

How do I find out who made a piece?

Look at the backstamp or mark on the base. Searching the mark wording or a description of the symbol usually identifies the maker. If you can't identify it, describe the mark rather than guessing.

Can I sell used electrical homeware?

Generally yes, but it must be safe. Check the cable and plug, say how you tested it, and check the platform's rules for used electricals before listing.

Should I sell a dinner set as one lot or split it?

Some buyers want a full set, others need replacements. If you split it, say so and use the pattern name in every listing so replacement hunters can find it.