In the same vein of the government’s Cash for Clunkers program, some retailers have started coming up with incentive programs to encourage consumers to turn in their trash for an opportunity to make a little cash. One notable example is Babies ‘R’ Us. The retail store is currently offering a 20% discount on selected baby gear, such as cribs and strollers in return for taking in used ones. This is a great incentive to turn in old items that probably no longer meet safety requirements and still save on items that probably would have been purchased anyway.
Where there isn’t a specialized retailer offering cash, or at the very least considerable savings on items purchased in-store for the item of trash, there may be a dealer that may want to purchase the item for parts or for second-hand retail. Take a look at the categorized list below for some ideas.
Get Rid of Used Books and Make Some Cash
One option is to sell used books directly to end-users via an online platform like Amazon or E-bay. Amazon charges a commission of 15% while eBay’s commission is 8%. Consider also the market reach of both retailers when making a decision. The process is fairly simple either way, list the book title and description of condition and select a price that is competitive with other listings for the same book. Wait for a buyer and then ship to the address specified in the email notification.
The alternative is selling used books to a specialized dealer like Cash4Books.net. They specialize in textbooks and technical books though so paperback novels are not likely to fetch a high price. The bonus of going this route is that shipping is free and payment is made via check or PayPal with an extra 3% bonus to cover charges if the latter method is selected.
Get Paid to Ditch Old Electronics
RapidRepair.com will buy used small electronic items, such as iPods, Zunes and Nintendo and X-Box parts. The prices won’t turn anyone into a millionaire but they are decent considering they will be recycled and they were probably headed for landfill anyway.
Clear Out Used DVDs, CDs and Games and Make a Little Money
CashforCDs.com between $1 to $3 for all used CDs and DVDs. Playstation, XBox and Wii games can fetch from $3 to $5. The final price depends on the popularity of the title and also the condition of the disc.
Earn Coupons for Curbside Garbage
Recyclebank.com issues coupons and cash back points to dutiful recyclers. The program is painless to implement and the rewards are applicable at over 1,500 local and national businesses. If Recycle Bank operates in the catchment area, the process involves signing up for a recycle bin. The bin is outfitted with a computer chip that records the weight of the items inside. Paper, glass, plastic and metal can all be piled into the same bin and then an electronic arm picks up the bin at collection time and reads the chip, transferring the equivalent points onto an online account.
There are several ways to earn some cash rewards from ordinary discarded items, some of which don’t even involve leaving the house. Research the available options today and make some money while making the responsible decision.
Natalia Jones - Natalia Jones is a full time freelance writer. She has an Advanced Diploma in Financial Management (ACCA) and she has previously worked in ...
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