There was a unique kind of window air-conditioner that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s.  It was all plastic; the outdoor side looked like a large speaker with a round vent and best of all, it had a built-in handle, making it easy to carry.  They were sold under several different brand names.  They look like this.

Some technical information

These air-conditioners have anywhere from 4000 to 6000 BTUs, so they can easily cool down a bedroom or a guest room/bonus room or a study.  They measure 24 inches long, 16 inches high and either 11 or 14 inches deep.  They also have expandable side curtains that allow them to fit into a window that is up to three feet wide.  They use 110 to 120 volts, so they can use a regular grounded household outlet. 

The portable window air-conditioner is very handy and very convenient.  You can use it in your guest room or take it to your summer cottage.  I've taken one with me when I was traveling and stayed in a guest/bonus room.  Having the built-in handle makes it easy to carry and move.  In addition, this air-conditioner is slim enough that it can be easily stored.

Though they are no longer made, there is still a market out there for used portable window air-conditioners.  Many people are reluctant to sell window air-conditioners on eBay because of their weight, but it is much easier than you think if you follow the steps listed below.

How to sell

Below are some suggestions on how to sell your air-conditioner.  You should list it under the following category:

Home & Garden > Tools & Home Improvement > Heating, Cooling & Air > Air Conditioners > Window

The title of your listing should include the brand name, the a/c model name (if any) and the BTU rating.

You can find the brand name on the control panel.  There is also a nameplate on the upper left corner of the front outside panel.  You can find out the BTU rating by either removing the front inside panel or looking on the bottom of the a/c unit.

There is a silver tab that has the BTU rating and other information such as the model number and serial number.

Your listing should have a gallery picture.  Anyone looking at listings will be far likelier to check out your listing if you have a gallery picture.  The gallery picture should be a photograph of the indoor side of the air-conditioner.  Here is an example:

 Indoor Side

In the listing itself, you should include pictures of both the indoor and outdoor sides and the control knobs.  See the example below.  To make sure that they appear in your listing, upload them to the eBay website when prompted to add photographs.  Here are examples of other pictures to include:

 Outdoor side

 Controls/Knobs

You should provide other information in the text for your listing.  It should include:

• Model Number
• Serial Number
• BTU rating
• Voltage
• Dimensions (length, width and depth)

Again, you can find the model number and serial number on the silver tab.  This type of air-conditioner can use a regular grounded household plug.

In addition, you should tell lookers that it has a built-in handle, which makes it easy to carry and move from window to window and of any additional features that it might have.

Pickup Only or ship?

I would definitely recommend shipping.  eBay allows you to reach a very wide market; you should take advantage of it.  With Pickup Only, you lose a lot of potential customers and thus decrease the chances of successfully selling your air-conditioner.  For example, you're in Baltimore and you're trying to sell your air-conditioner.  Someone in Detroit sees your listing and may want to bid on it, but with Pickup Only, he can't bid.  In addition, arranging a pickup can get very complicated and time-consuming, with arranging a meeting time and place.  It's not that hard to ship one of these air-conditioners and the shipping cost is usually within the buyer's budget.

These air-conditioners are relatively easy to ship.  They weigh between 45 and 60 pounds, depending on the model.  Once you pack one up and include the weight of the packing material, the weight is still below the 150 pound limit of most shipping companies.  There is no need to ship one of these freight.  You can ship one of these air-conditioners with any of the well-known shipping companies.  These air-conditioners will fit in a box that is at least 25 inches long x 16 inches wide x 18 inches high.  You can get a box for free from a nearby store or purchase one from a moving company.  If not, you can get two large boxes and tape them together using strapping tape to make a box big enough to ship your air-conditioner.

If the cost of shipping is a concern, remember that on eBay, the buyer usually pays for shipping.  In the listing, make sure to include the shipping costs involved.  If possible, use the eBay shipping calculator.

If the weight of the air-conditioner is a concern, you can always arrange to have your shipping company come by your house and pick it up.

To find out the shipping cost in advance, weigh your air-conditioner and then add ten pounds--the weight of the additional packing and the box.  You can then get quotes from shipping companies on their website or you can call them up and ask for a quote.  Be sure to include the shipping cost in the listing.  It's a good idea to use the shipping calculator, as it provides a more accurate shipping quote.

Shipping your air-conditioner

Before you put up your listing, you'll be prompted to enter the weight and dimensions of the package.  Make sure that you enter both the total weight of the air-conditioner plus packing and the dimensions of the box that you're using.  Using the shipping calculator will help you and your buyer get a more accurate shipping quote.

Once the buyer has paid, it's time to ship your air-conditioner.  To make sure it arrives safely, follow these steps with packing.

1. Be sure that the side curtain panels are pushed in as far as possible.  You don't want them sticking out.
2. Place a small amount of bubble wrap in the control panel, over the knobs.  Wrap the handle in bubble wrap. 
3. Wrap the entire air-conditioner in bubble wrap.
4. Place the air-conditioner in the box you will use to ship it.  Before you place the air-conditioner in the box, you may want to put a sheet of styrofoam or some packing peanuts in the bottom of the box.  The air-conditioner should either go upright, or on its side with the controls facing upward.

   

5. Once you've placed the air-conditioner in the box, fill up the rest of the box with packing material, to protect the air-conditioner from being banged around during shipping.  Packing peanuts are the best packing material.
6. Securely tape up the box.
7. Mark the box FRAGILE to ensure careful handling.

Conclusion

I hope you have found this guide helpful.  There is a market out there for window air-conditioners that are easy to carry and convenient to use.  With the right kind of information and pictures in your listing, and offering to ship, you should be able to sell yours easily.

Good luck with your sale.