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Pricing is the most common reason listings stall. Sellers who price too high get no bids. Sellers who price too low feel they are giving things away. The goal is a price that feels fair to both parties — and finding it is more science than guesswork.
Start with the Original Retail Price
For branded items, look up what the item originally retailed for new. This is your ceiling — second-hand items should almost always be priced below retail (unless they are rare, vintage, or collectible). The gap between retail and your asking price is what makes the deal attractive to buyers.
Apply the Condition Discount
As a general rule, deduct from retail based on condition:
- Like New / Unworn with tags: 20–30% below retail
- Excellent condition, minimal use: 30–45% below retail
- Good condition, normal wear: 45–60% below retail
- Fair condition, visible wear: 60–75% below retail
- Poor condition / for parts: 75%+ below retail, price for quick sale
Tip
Be honest with yourself about condition. Buyers will notice any discrepancy between your description and what arrives. An accurately priced item in "good" condition sells faster than an overpriced "excellent" one.
Check Comparable Listings
Search OurBazaar for the same or similar items. What are other sellers asking? What have recently sold listings gone for? Price yourself competitively within that range — slightly below comparable listings to generate faster interest, slightly above if your item is in noticeably better condition.
Factor in Your Costs
Do not forget platform commission and shipping costs. If you are offering free delivery, build the postage cost into your asking price. Calculate what you will actually receive after commission and factor that into your minimum acceptable price.
Consider Using Auction for Uncertain Items
If you genuinely do not know what something is worth — vintage jewellery, limited-edition sneakers, rare collectibles — an auction often finds the true market price better than a fixed listing. Set a reserve price to protect against selling below your minimum, then let the bidding do the rest.
The Stale Listing Problem
If a listing has been live for two weeks with no interest, the price is almost certainly the issue (assuming photos and description are solid). Drop the price by 10–15% and relist. Sometimes a small price reduction generates a disproportionately large increase in interest.
Note
Refreshing a stale listing — even with no price change — bumps it back up in search results. Try updating the photos or description if you don't want to reduce the price yet.
The best price is one that sells the item quickly at a value you are happy with. Use comparable listings as your anchor, be honest about condition, and don't be afraid to adjust. A sold item at a fair price beats an unsold item at a perfect price every time.