If waiting for shipping isn’t an option but you still want to shop online to find the best possible price, buying from local sellers is the perfect solution. There are lots of apps available that specialize in buying and selling locally. Even major companies like eBay and Facebook offer community marketplaces and free local pickup.
Many of the items available through these apps are used and being sold for well below the retail price. Even the new items often go for cheaper than you’d find in stores. These six apps are the best choices when you simply can’t wait to get your merchandise.
1. OfferUp
OfferUp is a massive consumer-to-consumer marketplace that makes it easy to buy items from local sellers. The company recently acquired its rival, LetGo, merging the two marketplaces into one giant platform. While it’s possible to have items from OfferUp shipped to your door, the app’s main focus is on local pickup.
This marketplace is huge. You can find pretty much anything you can imagine here, all at great prices. Most of the items available on OfferUp are used but some sellers have new items for sale too.
The great thing about this app is the seller profile where you’ll find a five-star rating and preset compliments from past clients. The compliments are chosen by a client after a transaction and include categories such as Communicative, Friendly, and Item as Described.
Download: OfferUp for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
2. Carousell
Carousell is another great marketplace for finding a range of items locally. The service works kind of like a social network, allowing you to choose the item types you want to see the most of and to follow the sellers you like. Depending on the things you’re interested in, the listings you’re shown through the app will change.
The app also features different seller groups you can join. These unique marketplaces feature items from different neighborhoods, schools, or interests. This allows you to buy from specific people to help support an area or cause you believe in. Carousell also verifies its sellers and features reviews from past clients as well as a star-rating system.
Download: Carousell for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. VarageSale
VarageSale describes itself as a virtual garage sale where you can use your phone to buy and sell everything from tableware to cars. When you sign up for VarageSale, you’re asked about the types of items you’re interested in so the app knows what to show you. You also need to join a local community and you’ll be fed items from this area. The service allows you to join as many communities as you like regardless of your current location.
As you use the app to buy and sell items, you can earn a Top Member badge. This badge will appear on your profile so other members will know you’re trustworthy. You can easily spot reputable sellers by looking for their Top Member badge as well. To earn the badge, you have to complete at least five successful transactions per month and receive praise from one of them.
Download: VarageSale for Android | iOS (Free)
4. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is the online buying and selling function that’s available through the Facebook app. Not only is it a great place to buy cheap stuff from local sellers, but it can also be used to score quality free items.
Sellers offer just about everything on this marketplace, including used and new cars, electronics, furniture, clothing, and pet supplies. You can access Facebook Marketplace through the menu in your regular Facebook app.
The service allows you to join buying and selling groups in your local area. The different groups sell and discuss items based on location and specific interests. When you list items, they’re not only visible on Facebook Marketplace but they also pop up in your friends' feeds. You can visit a seller’s Facebook profile as well, where you can see their seller rating and any badges they’ve earned through their transaction history.
Download: Facebook for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Craigslist
Craigslist, the popular classified ads website also makes an app where local sellers offer tons of low-priced and even free items. The app functions pretty similarly to the website, with listings that include items for sale, as well as jobs, housing, and other services.
The stuff on Craigslist varies in quality, from top-of-the-line new items to junk that people are just trying to get someone to haul out of their yard.
Sellers on Craigslist are pretty much anonymous as there’s no review system on the app. Therefore, when buying on Craigslist it’s a good idea to take some caution and use your common sense. That being said, it’s still an excellent place to find some amazing deals.
Download: Craigslist for Android | iOS (Free)
6. eBay
eBay is primarily known for its massive online auction platform, but you can also use the service to locate items being sold from sellers in your area for local pickup.
To do this, open the eBay app and search for the item you’re interested in. Next, hit the Filter button just under the search bar on the right-hand side. From the Filter menu, scroll down to Delivery Options, open it, and choose Free Local Pickup.
When using eBay to find local items, you have the benefit of the company’s reliable user review system and its buyer’s protections. This makes eBay one of the safer ways to buy items locally. Most of the products that offer free local pickup are large, difficult to ship things, such as cars and appliances.
Download: eBay for Android | iOS (Free)
Buying From Local Sellers
Shopping online for items that are available locally is a great way to save some money and get your goods quickly. However, it’s not entirely without risk. The platforms listed above nearly all have a reliable review system that will offer some protection from unscrupulous sellers.
Still, avoid any items that seem too good to be true or sellers that make you feel uncomfortable. Buying locally offers plenty of benefits, but like with any other online transaction, it pays to play it safe.
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