Steal the deal: How to find the best buys on online resale groups
Buy-nothing groups are fab places for a good deal, but only if you know which ones to join, and how to spot a gem
It happens quietly, often in the middle of the night. A post goes up on a neighbourhood resale group on Facebook—a sleek espresso machine, barely used, is listed for a fraction of its original price. Within minutes, the comments pile up: “Interested!” “Next in line.” “DM’d you!” By sunrise, the machine has a new owner, no haggling, no middleman, no storefront.
But more often than not, online resale and buy-nothing groups just have an uncle overestimating the value of his stinky ’90s sofa, some lady trying to get rid of ugly crockery, and families expecting full price for an “only used in summer” AC. The trick to making the most of a swap group calls for generosity, community and … strategy. Those who’ve tried it say it can be done, just update your terms.
Find the niche. Not all resale groups are created equal. Some cater to budget-friendly home essentials, others are hotspots for high-end fashion. A swap group in a new neighbourhood full of young renters is likely to yield better contemporary items than an old community that treasures antiques. Entrepreneur Payal Thakkar, 36, is admin of a few popular WhatsApp resale communities in Bandra, Mumbai. “Fashion swap groups are dedicated to Michael Kors bags and high-end Indian labels,” she says. These are more likely to be city-wide, and sellers will add a courier fee to their asking price.
Revise your geography. Many buyers stick to local groups. Deal-hunters widen their nets to include the whole city. Hidden gems often surface outside your immediate locality – and if you find a deal in a suburb far, far away, ask a friend or colleague who lives close enough to pick it up. “My Facebook group for household item resales has nearly 50,000 members from Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai,” says Rizwan Ahmed Qadri, 26. “You never know where the perfect find might surface.”
Manifest your must-have. Savvy buyers don’t wait for an item to appear. They take control with a #Seek post. “Instead of endlessly scrolling through listings hoping to find a specific stroller model, try posting this: ‘Looking for a Bugaboo Fox stroller in excellent condition. Based in Bandra. Willing to pick up. Please DM if selling,’” says Thakkar. This prompts potential sellers to reach out before listing the item for general sale. It also gets people to look around their own homes and cupboards for items they’d never thought they’d sell.
Get specific. A well-crafted resale post is about three things: Precision, transparency and style. “Start with a striking, well-lit image that highlights the item from multiple angles,” advises Thakkar. “Buyers want to see what they’re getting, and a good photo can make all the difference.” Be upfront about why you’re selling—whether it’s a wardrobe refresh, an upgrade, or simply decluttering. A little honesty builds trust and makes the purchase feel more intentional. Condition is everything, so spell it out. Is it brand new, barely used, or sporting a few imperfections? “Buyers appreciate full disclosure, and clear descriptions minimise last-minute hesitation.”
And nothing slows down a sale like “DM for price.” Be direct. “It eliminates unnecessary back-and-forth, and attracts serious buyers,” says Thakkar.
Set your watch. “Pre-Diwali decluttering is prime time for scoring barely used homeware, while the financial year-end sees professionals offloading gadgets and office furniture for cheap,” says social activist Aleesha Gupta, 38. Most home renovation happens over summer, which makes it a good time to score appliances and furniture that no longer fits someone’s new décor. “If you’re in a college town, watch for the flood of dorm essentials as students graduate and move out. The real goldmine? Moving sales. When people relocate—especially expats and corporate professionals—they’re desperate to declutter. You can snap up luxe finds at a steal.”
Keep an eye out. “Resale deals are also about strategy. Weekends may bring fresh listings, but midweek searches give you less competition,” says Gupta. Follow the 48-hour window rule—express interest fast, but if an item lingers unsold, sellers are likely to slash prices just to close the deal.
Negotiate without offending. “Lowballing too aggressively can offend sellers and shut down potential deals,” says Amol Subhash Dhaigude, associate professor of operations and supply-chain management at SPJIMR. And on a resale group, everyone’s watching. So, stay calm and polite: “I love this stroller, but my budget is closer to ₹8,000. Would you be open to that?” This keeps the conversation open, respects the seller’s pricing, and increases the chances of a positive response.
Bow to the admin. They’re not just the moderator—they’re the class monitor, the rule enforcer, and the ultimate gatekeeper. “I spend at least half an hour daily ensuring the group stays authentic,” says Qadri. “If someone isn’t genuine? One click, and they’re blacklisted.” For members, survival in these groups hinges on one thing: Trust. “Reputation is everything. Feedback is the lifeline. Every deal should be followed by a review—it’s how the community stays informed. One bad deal doesn’t just affect one person; it sets off alarms for everyone.”
From HT Brunch, March 01, 2025
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