Christmas will soon be behind us, and before you know it it’ll be time for a spring clean. Spring is the season of fresh starts, and there’s no better time to declutter your home and give it a new lease of life. But what if your spring clean could also help you pocket some extra cash? For many, auctioning off modern household items – such as HiFi systems, gaming consoles and home gadgets – is an untapped goldmine. Even items you consider outdated or surplus to requirements can fetch surprising sums.
Here’s how to turn those unused belongings into a source of income by selling them at auction.
Identify what to sell
Start your decluttering mission by sorting items into three categories: keep, donate and sell. The “sell” pile is where the magic happens. Modern consumer goods like HiFi systems, audio equipment and smart home devices often retain value due to their desirability among enthusiasts or those looking for affordable upgrades.
Even everyday items like coffee machines, Dyson vacuum cleaners and designer kitchenware can attract buyers at auction. Look for items that are functional and in good condition – especially branded goods, which often command a premium.
Why auction instead of using online marketplaces?
While online marketplaces might seem convenient, they come with challenges like unreliable buyers, haggling and endless back-and-forth communication. An auction house, by contrast, offers a streamlined process that connects your items to motivated buyers who are prepared to pay fair market value – or even more.
At auction, your items are professionally appraised, marketed, and sold to the highest bidder. This means less stress for you and the chance to secure higher prices for items of real quality or niche appeal.
Preparing your items for auction
To maximise your profits, presentation is key. Clean and test your items to ensure they are in good working order. If you have the original packaging or accessories – such as remote controls or instruction manuals – include them to boost the item’s value.
If you’re unsure of an item’s worth, Potteries Auctions is here to help. We offer free valuation services to help you understand the potential of your belongings. You might be surprised to discover that an old sound system or a rarely-used gadget could be worth hundreds of pounds.
What modern items sell well at auction?
Recent trends show growing interest in:
- Home audio equipment: HiFi systems, speakers and turntables are especially popular with audiophiles.
- Designer household goods: Premium brands like KitchenAid, Le Creuset or Dyson are often a hit.
- Fitness equipment: Hardly used exercise bikes or weights find a ready audience post-Christmas.
The environmental bonus
Selling through auction is also a sustainable choice. Instead of adding to landfill, you’re giving your items a second life with someone who values them. It’s a win-win: your home becomes clutter-free, your wallet gets a boost and you’re doing your bit for the planet.
So why wait? A spring clean isn’t just about tidying up – it’s an opportunity to turn unused items into profit. Check out some of our recent sold lots below for some inspiration. The treasures buried in your attic or cupboards could be more valuable than you think!
This Raleigh Sanyo Select 6 Electric Bike, complete with bell, front basket, rear rack and charger, sold for £45 at our Cobridge auction earlier this month.
Lot 600a in our December Cobridge auction was this Envoy Electric Mobility Scooter with charger. In working order and good condition, it sold for £70.
Perhaps you bought something for a little home renovation, but then changed your mind after it was too late to return it? You can sell that too! This new and unused 8.5kw White Triton Enrich Electric Shower sold for £20.
Did you decide to take up a musical instrument, but then found that it just wasn’t for you? Guitars and other instruments often prove popular at auction. This Marlin Sidewinder Electric Guitar, Fender Sidekick Reverb 25 and Peavey Xport USB Guitar Interface sold together for £50 in our October Cobridge auction.
Another example is this Gibson-style Hollowbody Custom Guitar that sold for £55 at our September 2024 auction. Don’t think you can’t make money from it just because it’s not an official name brand!
HiFi systems and other audio equipment have been very popular at our auctions recently. Lot 668 contained a collection of HiFi equipment. It included an Audio Technica AT-LP60 turntable, Technics RS-BX501 cassette deck, Akai AM-U01 stereo amplifier, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray player, Tibo TI435 DAB tuner, a Sony DTC-55ES DAT, and Wharfedale Opus speakers. The whole lot sold together for £260!
Another collection of HiFi equipment from our October 2024 auction. Lot 417 contained a Pioneer PDR-509 CD recorder/player, Teac MD8 Minidisc recorder, Kenwood KX-3050 cassette deck, Yamaha DDP2 digital surround processor, Akai AM2450 stereo amplifier, and Denon SC-M2 stereo speakers. The lot sold for a wonderful £240.
Lot 682 from the same auction included a Rotel RB-850 amplifier, NAD 2140 amplifier, NAD 2140 amplifier and an Akai GX-215D reel to reel recorder. The collection sold for a tremendous £340!
These Spendor SP2 stereo speakers sold for an incredible £240.
And these Celestion Ditton 44 speakers sold for £150!
Perhaps you’ve even got an old car that’s past its best taking up space on your drive or in your garage? Selling it at auction couldn’t be easier! We sold this 2005 Ford Mondeo Zetec TDCI back in October for £200.
How to sell at auction with Potteries Auctions
We identify and provide valuations on a range of modern and electronic items to help you get the best value.
Please get in touch if you’re looking for an expert evaluation. We hold free valuation days every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom and every Thursday at our Cobridge saleroom. To book an appointment, use our online booking form here.
Due to popular demand, we have also started to offer a private valuation service for premium items. Please contact us directly to arrange an appointment by emailing amy@potteriesauctions.com.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100. Valuations can even be provided via WhatsApp! Send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.