What you say has a lot of elements of truth in it.

Back in the early 2000s we used to sell small items, often for about $3 up (pick up or plus postage) and still managed to make a profit.

Those days have long gone, we certainly wouldn't be doing it now. Probably should have bumped our prices up more even back then.

But the thing is, ebay is a business so if you want to use it, you will need to price your goods enough so you still come out of it with a reasonable profit even after paying thre fees.

Here is what I have found: I have had fairly good success with Gumtree. I only do pick up/cash. The things that sell quite well are either heavier items or what I would call more substantial items. For instance in the last week I have sold a wedding wishing well & a thermos flask (both new) with no hassles, very dependable people who turned up the second they said they would.

But you certainly can strike some numpties, have done in the past. There isn't the same accountability as on ebay so they are a bit thicker on the ground.

Then again, you don't lose your item, only your time or patience.

Where gumtree is pretty hopeless is on small items, costing only a few dollars. I don't think people can be bothered calling round for small garage sale type stuff. They prefer ebay where small things are posted.

Garage sales/markets: You get bottom dollar for your stuff at these but if you have a lot of small items, this is probably the best way. Mind you, an ad in the local paper would set you back about $50+, which makes ebay look good, doesn't it!!.

You can put a free garage sale ad on gumtree and it works very well. It's what everyone does now, that and a couple of other online sites for free garage sale ads.

If you have anything you want to give away, gumtree is also good, you'll be run off your phone!