How to Sell Used Mattress: The Complete Guide
- By Jessica
- Last Update: May 16, 2023
Have you ever bought a new mattress and wondered how you are going to sell your old mattress? Where to start and even what to do before selling your old mattress? Without forgetting if it’s worth selling? Selling a used mattress is one of the challenging things to do, especially if you do not know how to go about it.
It involves intense research of local laws and regulations, having a price, finding a buyer, and much more. There are also some factors you must consider before selling your used mattress. Luckily, you can follow this step-by-step guide to sell your used mattress successfully. Let’s get started.
What to Do Before Selling Your Mattress?
Here are several things you can do before selling your mattress.
Clean the Mattress
Your buyer might not want to buy a mattress full of odors, stains, and mold, among other signs of damage. To be on the safer side, you will have to clean your mattress. You can use a few drops of dishwashing liquid to remove stains that are not that old.
You can also use water and white vinegar to remove old stubborn stains. Another option is to use a combination of hydrogen peroxide with water and spray it over the stain. After cleaning the stains, sprinkle baking soda around the mattress and let it stay for one hour. Finally, vacuum the mattress and let it lay in a well-ventilated area to air out.
Also see: How to Get Sweat Smell out of Mattress?
Other things you will have to do before selling the mattress include:
- Remove the mattress from its bed frame and thoroughly inspect it: Ensure there are no tears around the edges that may pose a challenge to the next person sleeping on them.
- Thoroughly inspect the mattress outside: Check for any rips or tears on the fabric and damages. Remember, if it’s damaged, you cannot sell it.
- Take your mattress pictures: Ensure they are high quality since they are the first thing the buyers will notice when shopping for a mattress online.
- Use a mattress protector: If you plan to sell your used mattress in the future, you can start now by using a mattress protector to prevent your mattress from damaging prematurely.
Steps of How to Sell Used Mattress
Below is a step-by-step process of how to sell your used mattress.
1. Research Applicable Laws and Regulations
You must follow certain regulations before you plan to sell a used mattress. Most areas of the US allow the sale of used mattresses, but they must acquire certain processing requirements or labeling. You have to check for specific laws and regulations in your local zones.
For instance, many states need you to professionally sanitize your bed before selling it, while others require you to label the used mattress as “used” when selling it. You will also find in other states prohibiting the sale of used mattresses but allowing you to sell specific mattress components. That is why you must know the laws in your area concerning selling your used mattress.
You can also check for any used mattress markets in your area. That can be easier, especially if you sell the bed to a retailer. Although you will get little out of your mattress, it will be less hassle.
2. Set a Fair Price
After being sure it’s legal to sell your used mattress, it’s time to set a fair price. In most cases, the fairest price for your used mattress can range from 20-30% of the original buying price. Several factors determine the fair price of your used mattress, and they include:
- The age of the mattress- 3-year mattress will get you more value than a 7-year mattress
- How you frequently use the mattress (guest bedroom vs. primary bed)
- The mattress review and brand
- The mattress condition; visible sagging, stains, odors, and tears
- Seller perks (pick-up only or delivery included)
3. Write an Advertisement
The next process is to compose an advertisement majorly describing your used mattress. Ensure you are honest and truthful about the mattress’s current condition. Remember also to pinpoint its selling points or what makes the mattress stand out.
You can include in your description the below information:
- Mattress size- measure it or check on the manual your mattress size
- Brand and model
- Mattress type – whether it’s hybrid, innerspring, or all foam.
- The materials used to design the mattress – they include springs, latex, polyfoam, and memory foam
- Mattress age
- The fabric used on its cover
- The purpose of the mattress (primary bed or guest bed)
- Whether you use a mattress protector on the mattress
Remember to state your asking price and also mention if you are open to offers. Finally, state where your mattress is, delivery options, and contact information.
4. Be Prepared to Negotiate
Having a firm price is good since you are the one who understands the value of your mattress. However, it is also a good idea to negotiate with the buyer. You can highlight if you are open to offers.
5. Select a Market Place
The next action you can take is to choose where to advertise your mattress if you sell it online. Below are some of the online marketplaces you can leverage:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay
Remember to work with an active website or app around your area. The above marketplaces are usually free for sellers, so you can use them all to get buyers faster. Remember to use a local fused and pickup-driven online marketplace.
6. Sell the Mattress
Finally, it’s time to sell your mattress. This happens after you have posted your mattress in your local marketplace. You will have to wait to hear from interested buyers. If you notice no responses after one or two weeks, you will have to change your strategies.
Here are various strategies you can employ:
- Lower the price
- Repost your listing
- Use another eye-catching listing title
- Offer delivery options to the buyers
Tips to Sell Your Mattress Safely
Here are various tips you can maximize to sell your mattress safely:
- Be detailed in your description- practice transparency
- Offer free delivery
- Use high-quality photos
- Get a fresh cover on top of the mattress
- Remove all the labels and tags from the mattress
- Do not share too much private information
Summary
Knowing how to sell your used mattress will make you do it quickly and effortlessly. First, you need to research your local area’s applicable laws and regulations, then set a fair price, write an advertisement and sell the mattress. Remember to use high-quality photos and be honest and truthful when selling mattresses online.
In case you don’t get a buyer after one or two weeks, kindly lower the price, repost your listing and use an eye-catching listing title.
Jessica is a lover of both life and gardening. She loves to share his passion for both on social media. He often posts about his latest gardening projects, as well as tips and tricks for others who might be interested in starting their own gardens. She also frequently posts about the different aspects of his life that he enjoys, from spending time with friends and family to exploring new places.
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