The Best Ways to Buy and Sell Online in 2025

With the cost of living still high and more people thinking about sustainability, millions of us are turning to online marketplaces to save money or make a bit of extra cash.

Buying and selling secondhand has never been more popular, and it’s easy to see why! In 2024, nearly 24 million Brits were using platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Vinted or Depop to grab discounted goods or sell their unwanted bits and bobs.

The secondhand clothing market is also booming! Sales jumped by 18% last year, reaching $197 billion globally. And it’s not just about saving money – there’s also a growing community around ‘thrifting’ and reselling for profit, fuelled by TikTok and YouTube.

Search ‘car boot flip’ or ‘thrift haul’ and you’ll find people turning £5 finds into £50 profits through the likes of Facebook Marketplace, Vinted and even their local Car Boot Sales.

If you’re curious about how to get involved, we’re sharing what to buy secondhand, how to get the best deals on Facebook Marketplace and how to start reselling for profit.

Whether you’re trying to stretch your monthly budget or fancy a new side hustle, we’ve got you covered.

Why is Facebook Marketplace so popular?

Facebook Marketplace is a brilliant way to buy and sell within your local area. It’s built into the Facebook app, so you don’t need to download anything new, and you can often find items super cheap – or sometimes even free! If someone’s moving or having a clearout, they just want stuff gone, and that’s where you’ll find the bargains.

Compared to eBay or Gumtree, Marketplace feels more casual and quicker. You spot something, send the seller a message, agree on a price, and arrange a pick-up. It’s like a digital car boot sale happening 24/7 in your neighbourhood.

Other platforms like Vinted and Depop are also huge right now! Vinted is ideal for secondhand clothes, as there are no seller fees, and they sort out postage too.

Depop has more of a fashion-forward feel and is popular with the likes of Gen Z for Y2K and vintage pieces. Meanwhile, eBay remains a classic for everything from trainers to collectables, and they now offer zero seller fees on secondhand fashion to stay competitive.

Even offline, the love for secondhand is growing. Car boot sales are still packed every weekend, with loads of people finding amazing items to keep or resell. You’ll even see #carbootsale trending on TikTok most weekends.

Best things to buy secondhand on Marketplace

Not everything is worth buying secondhand, but some items are absolute bargains. Here are some of the best pre-loved buys we’ve found:

Baby gear

Baby gear is perfect for buying second-hand, as babies grow so fast, parents sell nearly-new gear for a steal. You’ll find prams, high chairs, bouncers, toys and clothes across online marketplaces like Facebook. Sellers often advertise baby gear as part of a bundle, letting you pick up a full 6-month-old’s wardrobe for a bargain price.

Home gym equipment

During lockdown, loads of people bought home gym equipment like treadmills and dumbbells, which they’re now selling online. These items are usually in great condition and are much cheaper second-hand than brand new. Sellers often offer cheaper prices for those of you who can collect large items like cross trainers, so bear this in mind when browsing.

Garden items

Other pricey items that tend to pop up for cheap second-hand are BBQs, patio sets and lawnmowers. Garden equipment proves more popular in spring and summer, so keep an eye out during this time for bargains. I recently purchased a second-hand Ninja BBQ for just £70 – it was as good as new, all it needed was a quick clean!

Furniture

Furniture, especially solid wood furniture like wardrobes, sideboards and tables, can be bought for a fraction of their original price on platforms like Facebook marketplace. People tend to advertise these items at low-cost prices or even for free when moving or clearing out their houses. In the past, I’ve picked up a solid wood chest of drawers for under £30 that would have cost hundreds new.

Kitchen appliances

Expensive kitchen appliances like air fryers, slow cookers and or coffee machines are often bought on a whim and then barely used. Many then crop up on online marketplace sites for incredibly cheap prices. I got a nearly-new food processor for just £15 from Facebook marketplace, so I’d recommend browsing there before ever buying new.

Pet supplies

Marketplace is a go-to for affordable pet supplies. Lots of people invest in expensive gear for their pets, for them to grow out of them or not use them at all, which means they turn to Marketplace to get rid of them (for a fraction they originally paid!). Crates, cat trees, playpens – these are all great secondhand buys you’ll often find on Facebook Marketplace. Simply give them a good clean and they will be good to go.

Cars and bikes

Push bikes and vehicles can also be found on your local Facebook Marketplace. Kids grow out of their bikes quickly, often without having used them very much! A second-hand bike is not only better for the environment, but better for your pocket, with many in fantastic, rarely-used condition.

Cars & Motorbikes are also commonly found on local marketplaces. But like with any big purchase, we suggest you carry out all the usual checks, and make sure you’re clued up on how to spot & avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace.

Top tips for using Facebook Marketplace

For Buyers

1. Expand your search area

Don’t just stick to your local area. Try widening your location settings and browsing listings in nearby towns or more wealthy neighbourhoods. People in wealthier areas often upgrade their items more frequently and may be keen to get rid of things quickly, meaning you could spot high-quality goods at lower prices than you’d expect!

2. Factor in travel or collection costs

That free sofa or £10 chest of drawers might seem like an unmissable deal, but always think about how you’ll get it home! If you need to hire a van or make a long round trip, those extra costs can quickly add up. Before committing, work out whether it’s still a good deal once you’ve factored in petrol, transport or any help you might need with heavy lifting.

3. Set alerts

If you’re looking for something specific, use the save search and notifications feature. You’ll get a ping when something new is listed, giving you a better chance of getting your hands on it before someone else does. This is especially handy with in-demand items like consoles, furniture brands or gym wear.

4. Try broad keywords

Not everyone uses perfect titles or detailed descriptions, so keep your search terms simple. A basic ‘TV unit’ or ‘coffee table’ might show great results that others have missed. It’s also worth searching for common misspellings – things like ‘Nikie’ trainers or ‘coffee table’ could lead you to listings with less competition and better deals.

For sellers

1. List items at peak times

People are more likely to shop and spend money on weekday evenings or Sunday nights, so make sure you wait until then to post your items. The end of the month is also a more lucrative time for sellers, as this is when most people get paid and are looking to spend.

2. Refresh your listings

If your item hasn’t sold in a few days, update the photos or tweak the description, as this can help it show up again. It may also be an idea to adjust the price of your item if it hasn’t sold after a few weeks. Even adjusting the price by 50p can help it sell.

3. Bundle up

Selling similar items together can move them faster and make it easier to sell less sought-after items alongside popular pieces. Bundles are popular for things like baby clothing and toys. You can also offer your customers the chance to make bundles themselves in exchange for a discount from you.

How to make extra money by flipping items

Marketplace isn’t just for buyers – it’s a great way to make some extra cash too. Here’s how:

Find free or cheap items

One of the easiest ways to make money on Facebook Marketplace is by picking up freebies. Many people just want to get rid of bulky items quickly, especially when moving house or redecorating. Check the Free section regularly – you’ll often find furniture, baby items or even gardening tools going for next to nothing. With a quick clean or repair, these can be resold for a profit!

Flip items when the season’s right

Buying and selling at the right time can make a big difference. Patio heaters and BBQs are often listed cheaply in autumn, while fans and paddling pools can be picked up for pennies in winter. Hold onto them and re-list when demand spikes – like the first sunny weekend or during a heatwave, and you’ll often make double your money!

Split bundles for bigger profits

You’ll often see people selling job lots of clothes, books or electronics just to clear space. These bundles can be goldmines. By picking out the most valuable items and selling them individually, you can make far more than the bundle cost, and move the rest on as another lot or at a car boot sale!

It’s also worth knowing that you can earn up to £1,000 a year from casual selling without needing to declare it to HMRC – this is called the UK’s trading allowance. If you’re looking for more ways you can boost your income on the side, take a look at our blog on easy side hustles to discover more ways to earn some extra cash.

Safety tips for Marketplace users

Most Marketplace deals are smooth, but there are a few things to watch out for:

Always meet in public: A supermarket car park or cafe is ideal. Never go alone to a stranger’s house if you’re unsure. If in doubt, take someone with you.
Trust your gut: If a listing looks dodgy or a seller is pressuring you to pay upfront, walk away. Scammers often lure people in with too-good-to-be-true prices.
Stick to cash or secure payments: Only pay once you’ve seen and checked the item. Don’t send money in advance.
Check the seller’s profile: A proper profile with a few listings and friends is a good sign. Be wary of brand-new profiles with just one listing.

Avoid these secondhand items

Although there are loads of items that are great second-hand, some things are best bought new. Here are some second-hand items we’d recommend avoiding:

Makeup and skincare: Used products can carry bacteria and may have been tampered with.
Helmets and car seats: Safety gear should never be secondhand unless you know the full history.
Electronics without chargers: These could be faulty or stolen. Always test them first.
Event tickets: These are often fake or duplicated. Stick to official resale platforms.

Other platforms to try

While Facebook Marketplace is brilliant, it’s not the only option:

Vinted

If you’re clearing out your wardrobe, Vinted is one of the easiest places to sell clothes online. There are no seller fees, so you keep 100% of what you earn. Postage is sorted for you too – buyers choose their delivery option, and you simply print the label or a digital version is sent to your email. It’s especially good for selling high-street brands and everyday fashion, and with millions of UK users, your items often sell quickly.

Depop

Depop is ideal if you’re selling vintage, Y2K or trend-led clothing, especially if you’ve got a good eye for style. It works a bit like a social media platform, where followers can ‘like’ and save your items. It’s popular with younger sellers and buyers, particularly Gen Z, and great for turning quirky or unique finds into profit.

eBay

eBay’s been around for decades, and it’s still one of the best platforms for specialist, rare or collectable items. Whether you’re selling designer fashion, retro toys or electronics, choosing eBay means you’ll have an international audience viewing your items. You can set a fixed price or auction your item to the highest bidder. Just keep in mind there are seller fees, so factor those into your pricing.

Gumtree

Gumtree works in a similar way to Facebook Marketplace – it’s focused on local, in-person sales and is popular for furniture, tools, cars and household items. Listings are free, and there’s less competition than on Facebook, so it’s worth a quick search if you’re hunting for a bargain or want to list something quickly in your area.

Car boot sales

The old-school way to buy and sell! Car boot sales are still full of goodies, especially if you get there early. Lots of resellers use them to pick up underpriced vintage goods, books, DVDs or kitchenware and flip them online. You can also book a pitch yourself to offload a load of clutter in one morning – no postage or fees involved.

Facebook Groups

As well as Marketplace, it’s worth joining local Facebook buy and sell groups. These are often more active for niche communities (like baby gear, pet items or student furniture), and some listings don’t appear on the main Marketplace feed. You’ll often find quicker responses here, and many sellers are happy to haggle or offer bundle deals.

Getting started

If you’ve never bought or sold secondhand before, now’s a great time to give it a go. Whether you’re clearing out your wardrobe, kitting out a new flat, or just fancy a bit of bargain hunting, by buying or selling items online, you can save money, reduce waste and maybe even make a bit of extra cash on the side. Getting started is easy – just make a profile for free and start listing items.