I have my own junk removal business. And I get a lot of good stuff that I resell. Furniture, appliances, etc.

My problem is my home where I keep this stuff is not very accessible by public transportation. Many of my customers are students and low-income who don't have vehicles, so it's difficult for them to come and examine the goods for themselves. What I do for them is they can come after dinner when I'm home, and if they like what I'm selling, we'll throw it on the truck and they can get a lift home with their new/used dining room set.

Other people are happy buying the goods unseen. If the washer is in good working order, and I can bring it up to their 3rd floor apartment that's all they need to know. But I've had to deal with some flaky characters who aren't home when I deliver the item, or they want to re-negotiate the price. So I insist on a deposit to cover the delivery.

Sometimes I'll pick up the money while I'm doing a job, I'll write them up a little receipt with the balance owing on delivery, and we're in business. But what I really need is a way they can use their credit card to deposit money in a pay pal account. Once the goods are paid for, I'll put them on the truck and deliver them.

Anyone have experience doing this? I was thinking of listing goods on E-bay, but I'd rather not pay a commission to them for every transaction? If there was a cheap way that I could accept credit cards that would be a bonus as well. I don't mind paying a commission, but I don't want to have to invest any money in this. Any ideas?

 

Craigslist.org, or Kijiji in your area are good options. Then have them send a deposit to your e-mail via paypal, the balance payable in cash in person. Watch out for some scam potential, though, since paypal does take the buyer's side in a dispute. Since you aren't shipping anything, there isn't any kind of tracking number that can be looked up online so there is no evidence of delivery available to paypal.