Whether you're looking to let go of items that don't – in the words of Marie Kondo – spark joy, or clearing out your home ahead of a big move, it's best to know your options when it comes to selling items you no longer need.
But in the current climate, the idea of an informal garage sale or hitting up a flea market isn't quite as palatable as it was pre-pandemic.
So, here are some tips on selling second-hand goods during this time, from using technology to your benefit to meeting buyers while minimising physical contact.
1. Look up the online platforms at your disposal
According to Jennifer Sault, founder and managing director of Thrift for Good, there are a number of digital platforms available in the UAE where you can sell second-hand goods.
“We have all these resources at our fingertips that enable us to sell products online without meeting, or by only meeting with a good distance,” she says.
When it comes selling luxury items, she recommends using The Luxury Closet, which offers a home pick-up service for those looking to sell their wares, or La Suite UAE. For those willing to drop off their mid to high-end goods, Dubai's Retold, on Umm Suqeim Road, is a boutique that accepts pre-owned fashion.
Those looking to sell furniture and other household items can look at Dubizzle, Varage Sale or use community or second-hand groups on Facebook.
2. Fix a fair price
The best way to decide on the price of a second-hand product is to do a cursory search online, and compare it to similar items being sold.
“On average, users discount the price between 40 to 70 per cent [from its original retail cost], depending on the condition of the item,” says Helmut Bracun, general manager of classifieds, trust and safety at Dubizzle.
Used clothing, for example, can be priced at roughly a fifth of the original retail price.
Bracun advises that customers should set the prices slightly above what they are willing to settle for. “Buyers will try to negotiate, especially when an item is not competitively priced.”
3. Take a good picture
It’s worth taking the time to get that perfect snap, as the right photo really helps make a product more attractive to buyers. Some things to keep in mind are good lighting, and being honest about any flaws in the product, so that you are not misleading potential buyers, says Bracun.
Another important rule is to ensure that the photo does not accidentally include any personal details or family members in the background.
“Do not put out any information that identifies you personally unless necessary. Keep in mind that every piece of information you post may be used for purposes other than what you intended. Limit your information to limit your risk and just focus on showing the item being sold,” says Bracun.
4. Be honest in the description
Along with a good photo, include a catchy but correct title, making the brand and model of the item clear, and a strong description. The information should be precise, detailing every element of the product, its current condition and any further information about why it is fairly priced (for example, if it has a tag or an original receipt, and how long it has been used).
If they are essential products that you need until a set date, make sure you mention when it will be available for pick-up.
5. Set up a meeting
Once you have found an interested buyer, conduct a socially distanced meeting, with both parties wearing face masks, avoid handshakes and staying two metres apart for the exchange.
Bracun advises sanitising items before handing them over. Finally, do not schedule a meeting if you have any Covid-19 symptoms, such as a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
Not comfortable with a physical meeting? Small items can be delivered through services such as Careem Box, while Dubizzle has launched a delivery service that allows sellers to send items sold via Service Market.
6. Opt for cashless payments
A number of brands and restaurants now require cashless payments, and you can too if you would like to reduce contact. Inform the seller that you would prefer a bank transfer. Sault also recommends GoCollect for cashless payments.
7. If you can’t sell, donate
Given the current economic situation around the world, Sault encourages people not to throw away products that are in a good condition. “There are channels where other people may be able to benefit from then,” she explains. Thrift for Good, for example, resells or recycles donated items, with money going towards Gulf for Good.
It has a pick-up service in Dubai every Monday, and accepts anything from clothing to furniture to books.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
RACECARD
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT
Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures
October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA
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Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
More on Quran memorisation:
Overall standings
1. Christopher Froome (GBR/Sky) 68hr 18min 36sec,
2. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) at 0:18.
3. Romain Bardet (FRA/ALM) 0:23.
4. Rigoberto Uran (COL/CAN) 0:29.
5. Mikel Landa (ESP/SKY) 1:17.
Mountain%20Boy
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More coverage from the Future Forum
The Ashes
Results
First Test, Brisbane: Australia won by 10 wickets
Second Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 120 runs
Third Test, Perth: Australia won by an innings and 41 runs
Fourth Test: Melbourne: Drawn
Fifth Test: Australia won by an innings and 123 runs
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
