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Donate vs. listing on ebay

by Alan Petersen
4 replies
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I'm moving from Minnesota to California next month so as we're getting ready to move we're getting rid of a lot of stuff we don't want to move. At first I was like great, put the stuff on eBay make a little money. But that's the problem... after eBay/PayPal fees... postage/shipping supplies... and my time to pack and ship it's a complete joke. The money we could make isn't worth it.

So we decided to donate most everything. We get a very nice tax write off and we're helping one of our local charities. They even come to the house and picked all the stuff up (they send a truck out every other month or so picking up donations). It's a win-win and makes us feel a lot better than pocketing a couple bucks by selling it on eBay.

We also thought of just posting stuff on Craigslist but why deal with creepy people coming to the house. Garage sale... no thanks.

Donating all the stuff was the way to go for us so something to consider if you have stuff you want to get rid of. Save the hassles and why make the eBay stock-holders richer with your fees when you can help a local charity.
#charity #donating #ebay
  • Profile picture of the author Jagged
    Hey Alan,

    We did exactly the same thing a few months back when we moved. Went through the same thoughts with eBay & craigslist but opted to donate a ton of stuff to charity. Absolutely no hassles & it's nice knowing someone who really needs it will benefit. Nearly filled their truck.....Even donated a car....

    On top of all this, when i first spoke to the people I let them know that their website had some issues....they were aware of them but had no money or anyone in-house to fix it....so...I repaired it for them & helped them with a little local seo. They were very happy & ended up referring a few (paying) website clients to us....so it was a win-win for everyone...

    ~Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    That's really too bad. You wouldn't believe how expensive it is to live in this state. I've been at my sister's for the summer and I can't believe the cost of living down here. It's absolutely crazy. I'm thinking of spending the winter now because I don't want to go back north just in time for cold weather, and it's looking like it will be cold enough right here this year -- but I'll be out of here before I have to change my car tags. If I were to do that in Idaho, it would cost me around 58 bucks -- here it would be almost 700 bucks and my insurance would shoot through the roof. Because I bought the car less than a year ago they also feel they have a right to charge more sales tax on it - believe that one? They call it a use fee, but when they go through the explanation, it's a Sales tax.

    I was thinking of living here half the year and up north half the year. After getting a load of the prices here - and a few other little regulations, along with the crowding, I'm thinking my subsequent trips here will be 2 months at the VERY max - and that will be during dead of winter.........and that's if I come back for more than a weekend at all.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      That's really too bad. You wouldn't believe how expensive it is to live in this state.
      I think it's easy to get sticker shock when you first get to CA. Things that are easily affordable in other states (food, as an example) become pricey to the point you wonder "wtf!"

      After living at the beach in SoCal for 29 years I was amazed how inexpensive everyday items are now that I'm back in VA. Maybe it's the high cost of square footage at the retail stores combined with the taxes businesses have to pay to operate in the state, who knows.

      Chualk it up to the price of living in a temperate climate where the sun shines all the time except during the summer months (June Gloom).

      ~Bill
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      • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
        Yea looking at houses is crazy, half the house for twice the money compared to Minnesota but we knew that going in. My wife's company asked her to relocate so at least the moving expenses are all covered.

        It's a goofy state but what the hell. Nice change and better weather in the winter.
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