Five ways to make some quick cash

If a sudden bill, gift occasion, or other money needing issue comes up, and you don’t have savings, or maybe don’t want to dip into your savings for cash, you’ll need to make money another way. The best way to do this (without resorting to selling a kidney) is to sell some household items.

Frankly, this is a good thing, because there’s likely plenty of stuff hanging around your house that you don’t need or even use. First you’ll need to clean out the most obvious places in search of items to sell. Your closet, attic, garage, bookshelf, video shelf, and CD shelf are good places to start. Once you have a box (or two or three) full of items, you’ll need to find a place to sell your goods. Following are five options…

Go local & used: Try places like your local bookstore, record shop, and used multimedia establishments. Look for places that offer a wide selection of the item you’re selling, and make sure it’s semi-decent. By semi-decent, I mean not trashy. For example, you’ll have better luck earning more cash if you sell at a bookstore that’s clean, frequented, and organized, then you will at a hole in the wall, out of the way bookstore.

Try consignment: Consignment stores don’t all fall under the same money-making schemes. For example, where I live there are stores that call themselves consignment, who offer cash or trade on the same day you take your goods in. There are other consignment stores near me that send out checks once a month, and only if they sell your goods. Call ahead to learn the terms of the consignment stores near you.

Craigslist: Craigslist classifieds section can make you some quick money if you work your ad right. Don’t be vague. Really describe your items. “Bag o’ clothes” is not good. “Four women’s winter dresses size 7 in black, patterned, red, and cream” is better. Be descriptive, no matter what you may be selling. You’ll also do better on Craigslist if you live in a major city rather then a small town. To get to the “For Sale” area, go to Craigslist, click on your city, and look for the sale items.

Oodle: Oodle is a possible better choice for online sales than Craigslist. It depends on the item. Oodle is a bit like eBay, but not so obnoxious (no fees or auctions).

College billboards: College kids like cheap stuff. College kids will make do with wonky couches, and oddball shelving. College kids need things like clothes, furniture, and CDs at cost. All in all, you can make quick cash if you have a college nearby. Create a list of the goods you have for sale, multiply that list and tack it up at college dorms, on cafe billboards, and in the bookstore. You can make money faster if you actually post photos of your items as well – college kids may be willing to spend money on bizarre items, but they’re also short on time, so photos can make or break a quick sale.

Bonus tip - when all else fails, you can always hold a garage sale.