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🛍️ Selling & Reselling

Selling Old Books/Games

💰 £30-£150 ⏱ Ongoing 📊 Beginner

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What is it?

Selling old books and games is a fantastic beginner-friendly way to raise money for your adventure trip. It declutters your space while turning items you no longer use into cash, making it both practical and rewarding. Plus, it's an ongoing effort that can fit around your school schedule.

Why does it work?

People love buying second-hand books and games because they’re often cheaper than new ones and can be rarer or out of print. By sourcing items you already own, you avoid upfront costs, and by pricing competitively, you attract buyers quickly. The psychology of nostalgia and value for money drives steady sales.

What you'll need

  • A collection of old books, video games, board games, or card games in good condition
  • Smartphone or camera for taking clear photos
  • Access to selling platforms (e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, local buy & sell groups)
  • Packaging materials (boxes, bubble wrap, tape) for postage
  • A PayPal account or bank account for receiving payments
  • A notebook or spreadsheet to track sales and expenses

Step-by-step plan

1
Gather all your old books and games from your room and home. Sort them by condition and popularity—look for titles or games that are well-loved or collectible.
2
Research each item online to see what similar ones are selling for. Check eBay’s ‘sold listings’ or other selling sites to get realistic price ideas.
3
Take clear, well-lit photos of each item from multiple angles, including any damage or wear. Honest photos build buyer trust.
4
Create appealing listings on your chosen platforms. Write detailed descriptions including condition, edition, and any extras (like original packaging or manuals).
5
Set competitive prices but leave some room for negotiation. Consider bundling related items (e.g., a series of books or a game plus expansions) to increase value.
6
Respond promptly and politely to buyer enquiries. Arrange safe meet-ups for local sales or package items carefully for postage.
7
Keep track of all sales and expenses. Save money from sales to add towards your fundraising goal.
8
Regularly restock your listings by finding more items to sell, whether from your home or friends and family who want to declutter too.

How to advertise it

  • Post your listings in local community Facebook groups and buy & sell pages
  • Share your fundraising goal and items on your personal social media accounts with a clear call to action
  • Ask friends and family to spread the word to their networks
  • Use hashtags like #SecondHandBooks, #UsedGames, #FundraisingSale on platforms like Instagram and Twitter
  • Leave flyers or posters in local libraries or community centres (with permission) advertising your sale

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn between £30 and £150 depending on how many items they sell and their condition. Regularly uploading new items and engaging with buyers can increase earnings over time.

Top tips

✅ Be honest about item conditions; buyers appreciate transparency and this leads to better reviews and repeat customers.
✅ Bundle smaller items together to increase average sale value and reduce postage costs.
✅ Keep packaging simple but secure to avoid damage and returns.
✅ Set aside time weekly to list new items and respond to messages promptly to maintain momentum.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Pricing items too high without checking market rates, leading to no sales.
⚠️ Posting blurry or unappealing photos that discourage buyers.
⚠️ Ignoring buyer messages or shipping items late, damaging your reputation.