Have you ever posted something online and then waited weeks for someone to respond? While other offers are gone within hours? The difference usually isn't the item itself, but the presentation.
Here are a few things I've learned over the years.
Photos Make the Difference
Nothing is more important than good photos. Really, nothing.
A blurry phone photo in a dark room says: "I don't care if this gets taken." A bright, clear photo says: "This is a good item, take a look."
You don't need a professional camera. But you need good light. Ideally daylight, by a window or outside. Avoid flash -- it makes everything flat and ugly.
Tidy up the background. A chair in front of a white wall looks different from a chair in the middle of chaos. The item should be the focus, not your messy living room.
Multiple photos are better than one. For furniture: overall view, details, any damage. For clothing: front and back. For electronics: the device turned on, if possible.
The Description: Short and Honest
You don't need to write a novel. But the key information should be there.
What is it? Not everyone recognizes every piece of furniture. "Bookshelf" is clearer than "shelf."
What are the dimensions? Essential for furniture. Nothing is more frustrating than picking up a shelf only to find it doesn't fit through the door.
What condition is it in? Be honest. "Signs of use" or "small scratches on the corner" is fair. Whoever still comes then knows what to expect.
Why are you giving it away? Optional, but helpful. "I'm moving and it doesn't fit in the new apartment" explains why a good item is free.
Pickup Address and Time
Be specific, but not too specific.
The neighborhood or district is enough at first. "Zurich-Oerlikon" or "Bern-Laenggasse" provides enough info without publishing your exact address.
What times can it be picked up? "Pickup on weekdays from 6 PM or on weekends" helps interested parties assess whether it works for them.
Flexible times increase your chances. If you're only available on Tuesday between 2 and 3 PM, many people will have to pass.
Respond Quickly
When someone reaches out, reply promptly. The motivation to pick something up is highest right after the inquiry. If you don't respond for three days, the person may have already found something elsewhere.
That doesn't mean you need to be glued to your phone around the clock. But checking messages once in the morning and once in the evening makes sense.
When multiple people inquire: first come, first served. That's fair and simple.
Be Reliable
If you agree on a time, keep it. Sounds obvious, but it isn't always.
If something comes up, let the person know in time. Nobody gets upset if you have to cancel. But someone standing at your door when you're not there will be upset.
Conversely: expect that not all collectors will be reliable. Some stop responding, some don't show up. That's annoying, but normal.
Give Away the Right Things
Not everything you want to get rid of is a gift.
Broken things are not a gift -- they're waste disposal at someone else's expense. If something no longer works, dispose of it yourself.
Heavily soiled items are also problematic. Wash the clothing, wipe down the furniture. A little care shows respect.
The question is: would you take it yourself if you saw it? If yes, it's a good offer. If no, maybe not.
A Word About Safety
In 99% of cases, everything is straightforward. But a few precautions don't hurt.
Meet in a semi-public place if possible. In front of the building rather than inside the apartment. For larger items that need to be carried out, leave the door open.
Trust your gut feeling. If an inquiry seems strange or someone asks odd questions, decline.
Don't accept cash, even if someone offers. Free means free. That avoids misunderstandings.
Conclusion
A successful free listing isn't an art. Good photos, an honest description, a quick response, reliable behavior. That's all.
If you do that, your things will go faster. And the people who pick them up will be happy.
On PIKITUP, we try to make this as easy as possible. Check it out -- and put these tips into practice.
Have your own listing tips? Write to me -- hello@pikitup.ch