If you have an older appliance that you no longer need, let it be known that you can sell it, no matter what kind of condition it is in!  Yes, even if it’s not working, I promise you that you can find a scraper who will be more than willing to throw you a few dollars so that they can haul it off to the local scrapyard.

In today’s post, I wanted to talk about the many places you can sell your used appliances. Whether you just bought one or you just need to get rid of one, don’t let a company take it away at no cost as you’re watching money walk right out your door.

As in all of my guides, I only recommend 100% legitimate websites that I can vouch for.

Where to Sell Used Appliances

TIP:  Since it doesn’t make sense to ship an appliance as you wouldn’t make money, you will more than likely have to meet in person.  If you have the means to do so, meet in a public location.  If you can’t, always make sure you have at least one other person with you at the meetup location.

Facebook Marketplace

Almost everyone today uses Facebook.  And, if you want to sell anything fast, Facebook is the way to go as many people browse the Marketplace for deals or specific items.  The Facebook Marketplace is free to use and it only takes a few minutes to get your ad up and running.  Even if you don’t have an account, it doesn’t take long to create one. The thing I like about Facebook is that you can see who you’re dealing with as everyone on Facebook has to create an account.  It can kind of give you peace of mind.  To see how you can succeed on the Facebook Marketplace, refer to my quick guide to Facebook garage sales guide.  This is one of the best options to sell your used appliances, the main reason I put it so high on the list.

• Website:  Facebook

Craigslist

This is the most obvious choice, I know, but it will probably draw the most eyeballs.  The thing I don’t like about Craigslist is that it’s not as tech-savvy as the rest I’m about to list.  With that being said, you will find it’s much easier to list your used appliances via the desktop site rather than using your phone.  Trust me, it will save you a lot of headaches.  In using Craigslist, be sure to apply my selling techniques later on in this guide so that you can see a fast sale.

• Website:  Craigslist

OfferUP

It used to be that Craigslist was the only go-to when it came to selling anything in person.  This has changed.  OfferUp, one of the best Craigslist alternatives, allows you to sell just about anything locally, as long as it’s legal, of course.  Download the app, snap a picture and then create a short description.  Once live, you can converse within the app and work out meeting details.

• Website:  OfferUp

5Miles

5Miles is an app I have mentioned before, such as in my best websites to sell used CDs and best apps to sell used furniture posts.  It used to be that all sellers you saw would be five miles from your home but this has since changed.  Now, you can view postings up to 25+ miles away.  Selling on 5miles is 100% free, and it only takes seconds to create an account.  Just list your appliance and then work out the arrangement details in the app.

• Website:  5Miles

VarageSale

The VarageSale app isn’t as well known, but I feel it’s one to consider.  It works just like the 5Miles and OfferUp app, wherein you can snap a few pictures and add a description.  It’s free to use and your ad is blasted to app users up to 25+ miles away.

• Website:  VarageSale

eBay

Yes, eBay is an option, but it’s not my favorite option as most people will more than likely want you to ship the item to them.  As you know, appliances are quite heavy, so the shipping costs will more than likely offset any profits you make.  However, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least consider using the platform as you can change your settings to local pickup only.

Sell at a Garage Sale

This option won’t be as targeted, but if you’re going to have a garage sale any time soon, consider putting your appliances out for sale.  That way, if someone were interested, they could take them right away.

I wouldn’t count on making top dollar in going this route, but it’s worth a shot, especially if your appliances don’t work.  Oftentimes, scrappers will come to garage sales to see if there’s anything worth picking up, even if they have to pay.

Recycle as Scrap Metal

If you want to make money fast in selling your used appliances, this is your best bet.  It will be as simple as taking your appliance to a recycling facility and dropping it off to get your cash.

The nice thing about scrapping metal is that these facilities don’t care if they work or not.  Heck, they don’t even care if you kicked in the side of it to create a big dent.  All they want is the metal to recycle it.

Since scrap metal prices are just like the stock market, you will find the prices vary.  However, you can expect to make $5 to $20 per appliance. It’s not much, but if you had three or four to drop off, you could come to close to walking away with $100.  That’s not bad if the facility is nearby and the appliances didn’t work in the first place.  Of course, just make sure it makes sense to drive to the facility as it could cost more in gas.

Get a Rebate

Depending on your appliance, you may be able to get a rebate, in which can be applied to your electric bill.  This may be a great option if the rebate is high enough that it makes sense and your appliance no longer works and/or is just too old to resale.

To see if you can get a rebate for one of your appliances, go to EnergyStar.gov and input your zip code.  Then, browse through the listings to see if there are any rebates that you can qualify for.

For example, in my area, my local gas company was offering a $50 rebate if I recycled a gas dryer.  In most cases, rebates can range anywhere from $30 to more than $100, all depending on your geographical location and your appliance.

Aside from EnergyStar.gov, you can also check with your utility provider to see if they offer any sort of rebate as well.  This can usually be found on their official website.

Local Appliance Stores

I can’t list them all as I’m a one-man show, but thankfully, Google can find the many local appliance stores in your area that’s more than willing to buy your appliances off you.

What you will want to do is search for terms such as “where can I sell used appliances near me” or “where to sell used appliances near me.”  In using this search term, you should find a variety of options that may be willing to buy your appliances.   How many listings you see will greatly depend on where you live.  This can be said about any services.

In many cases, if you were to find an option, these stores will ask that your appliances work and some may even ask that you drop them off at the store yourself.

Most appliance stores have a website with more information so be sure to check out the details, either online or via a phone call, before bringing your appliances in.

Consider a Pawn Shop

This is worth a shot, but I’m not saying you will get the best bang for your buck.

Like the local appliance stores, a pawn shop may want to buy your appliance, only if it’s in good working order and in demand.  If you can check these two marks, you may get your cash instantly, but it’s going to be a low-ball offer in comparison to what you could get selling on your own.

To find a pawn shop in your area, a quick search such as “pawn shop near me” can yield some decent results.  Be sure to call them ahead of time to make sure they even accept appliances before wasting your time.

Donate

If you want to give back to a good cause rather than put cash in your pocket, this could be something nice to consider.

By donating your appliances, you can still financially take advantage as you can write off this donation and help your tax returns come tax season.

If interested, consider calling a few of the following nationwide charities as they will come to your house for a free pickup:

• Goodwill
• Habitat for Humanity
• The Salvation Army
• St. Vincent de Paul

How to Sell Appliances for Top Dollar

Price Aggressively

If you price too high, it will sit on the marketplace for quite some time.  If it’s too low, well, it could be gone before you even close out your browser.  To know what your appliance is worth, I would do a few things.

First, I would recommend that you search Craigslist, but do so via Google by searching for “site:craigslist <your make/model>.”  You will be surprised at how many people are selling the same appliance you have.  Just browse through the listings and see what people are selling it for to get a good idea as to what the average may be.  Just make sure that you’re comparing apples to apples as a non-working washer won’t sell for $300, even though someone was selling their working washer for it.

If Craigslist doesn’t work, try the Google Shopping tab.  This can bring up resalers online to give you an idea as to what it may be worth, too.  As long as your appliance isn’t too old, you may be able to find a listing or two.

TIP:  99% of your buyers will negotiate.  So, if you want $300 at a minimum, then it may be wise to price it at $350.

Be Honest

This is so important.  If there’s a dent, note it.  If the refrigerator dies every third day, let it be known.  Hiding blemishes or problems will never work and will just come around to bite you in the butt.  As long as you’re honest, you can avoid a lot of trouble with the buyer and after they buy it.  When you create a listing, this is one of the first things you should note.  As that cliche saying goes, honesty is the best policy.

Remember the Dimensions

This is another big one.  Measure your appliance both by the length, width as well as the height.  Since these appliances can often fit in a tight space, they will want to make sure it fits.  If you don’t include the dimensions, you can count on people emailing you and asking.

Take Great Pictures

If your appliances are in good shape, be sure to take clear photos at all angles.  While a good description can help, people want to see what your appliances look like.  This means taking a picture from the front, the back, the sides, and on the inside.  If you can take a picture of it, do it.  Also, if there’s any damage, be sure to note it as well as take a picture of it in detail so that you’re not wasting the buyer’s time.

Write a Captivating Headline

If you’re selling on any of the platforms mentioned prior, then you probably already know you’re competing with hundreds, maybe even thousands of sellers in your area.  Instead of writing “Used Refrigerator” in your title, be more specific.  Something such as “Slightly Used LG Refrigerator for Sale” could draw more eyeballs as you can show up in searches when people are looking for particular appliances.  The more detailed you can be in your headline and description, the more likely you can show up in the search results.

Contact Information

This sounds obvious, but some people do not include the contact information.  Some people are vague while some people skip it altogether.  While you don’t have to include your physical address, at least include your nearest crossroads.  Also, don’t forget to include a phone number so that people can text and/or call you.  Texting is best as this is what 99% of your potential buyers will want to do anyway.

Why Are You Selling?

This is another common question you will be asked so you might as well as answer it in the description.  If you’re simply upgrading, let it be known.  If the appliance broke and you just want to get a few dollars for it, then let it be known.  Whatever the case may be, let your buyer know as they will ask if you don’t.

Respond Quickly

And, lastly, don’t forget to respond as soon as you can.  If you’re slow to respond, your potential buyer could find another appliance and leave you in the dark.  Buyers don’t like waiting around, so be sure to set some sort of notification with the apps mentioned above so that you’re alerted whenever you’re contacted.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have an older refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove or dishwasher, there’s a way to make money, even if it’s $10.  With that being said, don’t throw away your older appliances as they will always have some sort of value.

I hope these tips help if you’re looking to sell an older appliance.

As always, I’m open to more ideas, so if I’m missing any, you’re more than welcome to suggest additional options in the comments below.