Be safe when selling online

Know that there are many alternatives to using Craigslist, eBay.

Spring is on the way and you will probably soon be cleaning out your home. Given recent news reports of crimes linked to Craigslist ads, you may be hesitant to use the free listing service to discard your unwanted items. There are some precautions you can take to make sure those types of transactions are as safe as possible, but if you want to avoid Craigslist altogether, consider these alternatives for buying/selling everything from clothing to cars:

Auctions: Depending on what you wish to sell, you can hire a local auctioneer. Typical items that go up for auction include furniture, artwork, jewelry, or memorabilia from an estate sale, downsizing or moving. Search online for a reputable company and get referrals. Buyers can see a catalog of what is available in upcoming auctions.

Consignment: If you don’t have auction-worthy items, try a consignment store. This works well for furniture, clothing, accessories and more. It also makes the selling process painless. Yes, you only get a percentage of the sale, but this would be true even if you sell through a site like eBay (see below). Buyers get to shop in a retail environment, and at the best stores, they can be certain the items are authentic.

Craigslist

EBay: This is the most obvious way to sell a range of items. What makes it safer than Craigslist? EBay encourages use of PayPal or credit cards for payment. It also has extensive protections in place for certain types of transactions including car sales. Sellers on eBay are rated, so you will know if the individual has a good track record. In addition, unlike Craigslist, anyone selling on eBay is paying fees to list and sell their items.

Flea market: The Starlight Swap Meet is still going strong from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at 2000 Moreland Ave. S.E., Atlanta. Sellers rent a space for $17 (up to four spaces per vendor), and buyers pay 25 cents to enter (parking is free). There are some restrictions on what you can sell — no cars, no guns or ammo, no narcotics, etc.

Nextdoor: This private social network for neighborhoods also serves as a place to list items for sale or curbside giveaways. I’ve seen clothing, furniture and more listed by neighbors. Nextdoor requires new members to submit their address, which is verified by a penny transaction on a credit card. Alternately, you can be verified by an existing member. A map shows you which neighbors are also members, so you would generally know where the person you are interacting with lives.

Swap sites: Selling for cash is what most people think of when unloading unwanted items, but eliminate the money and you reduce the incentive for crime. Sites like Listia.com use credits instead of dollars when you sell. You can then use credits to purchase something else. Freecycle.org offers local listings for items that are on offer or desired. Some items are available for porch pickup. There are dozens of other such sites offering everything from services to books on a barter system or free of charge.

Yard sale: If you have the energy for it, coordinate a yard sale. Better yet, hook up with one or more neighbors and host one together. You will have more merchandise to offer, the protection of other people around you and more muscle to move all that stuff around.