Can't decide whether to unload your unwanted items on eBay or at a Garage Sale?

Fees for both are nominal, but your choice can determine what kind of profit you'll rake in.

When to sell online

• When you have an item that requires national prospects rather than local. It may be a specialized collectible that needs a wide audience to sell.
• When an item is small and easy to ship.
• When an item does not have any flaws that prospects would need to see.
• When you can offer sharp and multiple-view photos of what you are selling.
• When you want maximum money. You usually don't get into bidding wars at garage sales.
• When you have some time to wait and let a buyer find your item. Online buying can require patience for a seller and buyer to find each other.

When to sell at a garage sale

• When an item is common, such as a compact-disc player or a toaster.
• When an item is large and/or heavy and would be expensive or difficult to ship to a buyer. Examples are a sofa or a kitchen table and chairs.
• When you want to get rid of clutter and money is a secondary factor.
• When an item has imperfections that a potential buyer would want to see before buying.
• When you enjoy meeting people and the interaction of selling.
• When you want to get rid of clutter quickly.
• When you have the time and energy to organize and hold a one- or two-day sale.
• When you have lots of items you want to get rid of all at once.