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How to Price Used Appliances

Lorna Hordos

Pricing used appliances too high, especially non-working ones, can be a bit like asking for a pay raise before your first day on a new job; you likely won't get what you asked for. If you don't ask enough for your old working washer, dryer, fridge, stove or dishwasher, however, you're not going to recoup its worth.

Offering free delivery or charging a small fee to deliver a large appliance often generates a sale.

Learn to price secondhand appliances accordingly to initiate a sale without selling your goods short.

Comparisons and Condition

Visit secondhand appliance stores and private online or newspaper buy-and-sell advertisements to see how much money other sellers are asking for appliances similar to yours. Find at least five of the closest comparable items by age, make, quality and condition for realistic values. Average the prices and list your appliance accordingly. If you want it sold quickly, set it at the lowest price you are willing to accept. If you're not in a hurry, price it on the high side, but note comparisons for new items as opposed to yours; even if your appliance is in top condition, asking no more than 50 to 75 percent of the new item's price should encourage a sale.

Candor and Curiosity

Be honest in your ad about the appliance's condition. Note if it's dented, scratched, a bit rusty, squeaks during operation or is working or not. Reveal this or fix it before listing it. Include a picture of the appliance to get about 50 percent more ad views, says Kijiji. Decide if a non-working appliance is worth listing as a free or low cost "handyman special" or if you'll haul it to the landfill or scrap yard where it may have scrap-metal value.