Creating a Gumtree Account
Go to the Gumtree website. Use your browser to search for “Gumtree.” The homepage for Gumtree should be the first result in the search list. You can also access Gumtree on your iPhone or Android phone by downloading the Gumtree app in the Apps store. You can then click the app open once it downloads.
Create a username and password. To make an account on Gumtree, you will need to create a username for the site. Choose a username that does not give out too much personal information yourself. Use a nickname or a variation on your name. You may need to add numbers to the end of the username if it has already been taken by another user on Gumtree. For example, you may have a username like “ThrifyOne555.” Use a password that you can remember easily. Try to have a combination of letters and numbers so the password is strong and hard to guess.
Add a profile picture. You can use a picture of yourself or a photo of something appealing, such as your dog or cat. Having a profile picture can make your ad stand out to potential buyers and attract them to your items. Go for a photo that looks professional but still has personality. Have a picture in your profile is optional and completely up to you. You can have a Gumtree account without one.
Creating an Ad for Your Item
Select the category for the item. Put the item in the category that makes the most sense to attract buyers. For example, if you are selling furniture, choose the “Home & Garden” category. If you are selling electronic equipment, choose the “Computers & Software” category. Try to include sub-categories like “Furniture” in “Home & Garden” or “Electronics” in “Computers & Software.” This will make it easier for buyers to search for your item. You can also use the “Tell us what you are posting” option on Gumtree. You can then type in the item and the site will categorize it for you.
Note your selling location. Type in your postal code to mark your selling location so buyers can search for your item that way. Gumtree will then show your item to buyers in your local area. Your postal code will not appear in the ad. Gumtree will use your postal code to classify your ad based on location.
Describe the item in detail. Include the type of item you are selling, the material it is made of, and the condition of the item. Note the measurements or dimensions of the item and include a reason why you are selling it. For example, you may have a description like, “Beautiful walnut dining chair with blue upholstered seat. In good condition with no marks or scratches. It is 34” (84 cm) long x 20” (50 cm) wide. Changed decor so no space for it.” Be honest in your description and do not oversell the item. Be upfront if there is damage or an issue with the item so the buyer knows what they are getting.
Use good pictures of the item. Take photos of the item on a good camera. Make sure the photos are clear and focused, not blurry. Choose an area with good light, such as a brightly lit room or outside in your driveway. Having good pictures will encourage buyers to contact you about your item. Include pictures of the item from several angles. Take a wide shot of the item as well as a close-up shot. If the item has a unique design on the bottom or side, take a photo of this detail and include it in your ad. Put at least one to two good photos of the item on the ad. The more good photos you have of the item on your ad, the better your chances of selling it.
Include the price. Note if you are firm on the price by writing “FIRM” next to the price or by writing, “No negotiating.” You can also note if you are willing to negotiate the price by putting down “OBO,” which stands for “Or Best Offer.”
Title the ad. Use a short, descriptive title to attract buyers. Make it clear what type of item you are selling in the title. You can also include a note like “Great Deal” or “Rare” or “Antique” if they apply to the item. For example, you may use a title like, “Dining Room Chair, Antique” or “Record Player in Good Condition.”
Post the ad. Once you are done with your ad, post it on Gumtree. It is free to post ads on Gumtree. You can then respond directly to buyers who contact you by logging onto your Gumtree account. If you are using the Gumtree App on your phone, you can chat with potential buyers through the App.
Responding to Potential Buyers
Respond to offers promptly. Stay on top of any offers you get for the item. Try to reply as soon as possible so you do not risk losing the buyer. Use the "My Messages" tab on the Gumtree App to respond to buyers right away. Using the "My Messages" tab will also make it easy for you to keep track of all of your potential buyers and have a history of your conversations with them.
Answer any questions by potential buyers. Provide clear, brief answers to any questions the buyer might have about the item. Be friendly and helpful so the buyer is encouraged to buy your item. You may get questions about the material of the item and the condition of the item. The buyer may also ask you if they can buy multiple items from you for a certain price if you have listed multiple items on Gumtree.
Take the best offer if you get more than one. You may end up fielding offers from multiple buyers. Pick the offer that you feel is the best value for you. Often, this is the highest offer from a buyer. If you accept one buyer’s offer over another, send a brief message to the other buyers to let them know the item has sold.
Arrange payment for the item with the buyer. You should always be paid in cash for the item in person. Arrange a pick up place that is convenient for you, such as your office or a nearby parking lot. If you offer delivery, set up a drop off spot with the buyer. Always get the cash for the item first in person before handing over the item. If you are worried about meeting the buyer in person on your own due to safety, bring a friend with you. Meet the buyer in a public place. In rare cases, you may offer to mail the item to the buyer. If so, discuss adding extra money to the sale amount with the buyer for postage and packaging.
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