How to Price Used Items in Kingston: Complete 2026 Guide for Sellers
Price it right, or watch it sit on Marketplace for three months while you slowly descend into madness.
You have stuff to sell. Good. But here's the question that keeps sellers up at night: how much should I ask for it?
Price too high and your listing gathers dust while potential buyers scroll past. Price too low and you leave money on the table, plus get 47 messages in an hour from people who smell blood in the water.
I've sold thousands of dollars worth of used items in Kingston. I've made every pricing mistake. I've priced too high and watched identical items sell around me. I've priced too low and watched flippers grab my stuff to resell for double.
Here's exactly how to price used items in Kingston in 2026.
First: The 2026 Pricing Reality
What's changed:
- Inflation means people want deals - buyers are price-sensitive
- Students drive the market - April and September are prime
- Free stuff groups are everywhere - competition from free
- Research is easier - buyers know what things are worth
- Season matters - winter items sell for more in winter
The golden rule: Your item is worth what someone will pay for it TODAY, not what you paid for it in 2019.
The 3-Step Pricing Formula
Step 1: Research What Others Are Asking
Where to research:
Fliku:
- Search for similar items in Kingston
- Check sold listings (if available)
- See what's still sitting (overpriced)
Facebook Marketplace:
- Search your item
- Filter to Kingston area
- Look at both active and sold listings
- Note which ones have been up for weeks (overpriced)
Kijiji:
- Same process
- Older demographic, sometimes different pricing
What to look for:
- Same brand/model
- Same condition (honestly assess yours)
- Same age
- Similar location (downtown vs west end matters for pickup)
The formula:
Average asking price of 3-5 similar items = your starting point.
Must Read:-
How to Post Your First Ad on Fliku
10 Tips for Writing Effective Product Descriptions
How to Avoid Scams When Buying or Selling Online
9 Ways to Get Free Furniture & More
12 Best Places for Secondhand Deals
Step 2: Adjust for Condition
Condition matters more than anything.
Like New (open box, barely used):
- 70-80% of retail price
- Original packaging helps
- Proof of purchase helps
Good (normal wear, fully functional):
- 50-60% of retail price
- Some scratches, dings expected
- Everything works
Fair (visible wear, minor issues):
- 30-40% of retail price
- Cosmetic damage
- Fully functional but ugly
Poor (needs work, parts/repair):
- 10-20% of retail price
- "As-is" pricing
- Only for specific buyers
Salvage (for parts or free):
- Free or curb alert
- Donate if possible
Step 3: Adjust for Speed
How fast do you need it gone?
Want top dollar:
- Price at higher end of range
- Willing to wait weeks
- Negotiate slowly
- Don't drop price often
Want it sold this week:
- Price at lower end of range
- Accept reasonable offers
- Drop price after 5-7 days
- Bundle similar items
Need it gone TODAY:
- Price at 50% of market value
- Post in free groups with price
- Curb alert if desperate
- Donate as backup
Pricing by Category
Furniture
Dressers:
IKEA MALM (popular in Kingston):
- Like new: $100-150
- Good: $60-100
- Fair: $40-60
- Damaged: Free or $20
Solid wood dresser (real wood, not particle board):
- Like new: $200-400
- Good: $150-250
- Fair: $80-150
- Antique/vintage: research separately
Particle board dresser (basic):
- Like new: $50-80
- Good: $30-50
- Fair: $15-30
- Damaged: Free
Sofas and Couches:
IKEA sofa:
- Like new: $300-500
- Good: $200-300
- Fair: $100-200
- Stained/torn: Free (or donate)
Mid-range sofa (The Brick, Leon's):
- Like new: $400-600
- Good: $250-400
- Fair: $150-250
- Poor: Free or $50
Higher-end (EQ3, Article, Crate and Barrel):
- Like new: $600-1,000
- Good: $400-600
- Fair: $200-400
- Research model specifically
Warning: Sofas are hard to sell. Everyone worries about bed bugs and stains. Be honest. Price accordingly.
Tables:
IKEA dining table:
- Like new: $100-200
- Good: $60-120
- Fair: $40-60
- Damaged: $20 or free
Solid wood dining table:
- Like new: $300-600
- Good: $200-400
- Fair: $100-200
- Antique: research
Coffee tables:
- IKEA: $30-60
- Solid wood: $50-150
- Basic: $20-40
Bed frames:
Metal frame:
- Like new: $80-150
- Good: $50-80
- Fair: $30-50
Wooden frame:
- Like new: $150-300
- Good: $80-150
- Fair: $50-80
Platform bed with storage:
- Like new: $200-400
- Good: $120-200
- Fair: $80-120
Note: Bed bugs are the enemy. Disassemble and show clean joints. Photos help.
Electronics
Laptops:
Recent model (1-2 years old):
- Like new: 60-70% of retail
- Good: 50-60% of retail
- Fair: 40-50% of retail
Older model (3-5 years):
- Like new: 40-50% of retail
- Good: 30-40% of retail
- Fair: 20-30% of retail
Very old (5+ years):
- Good: $100-200 (if usable)
- Parts: $50-100
Battery health matters:
- 90%+ = premium price
- 80-90% = standard price
- Below 80% = discount 20-30%
iPhones:
Current model (latest release):
- Like new: $800-1,200
- Good: $600-800
- Fair: $400-600
Previous model (1-2 years old):
- Like new: $500-700
- Good: $400-500
- Fair: $300-400
2-3 years old:
- Good: $300-400
- Fair: $200-300
3+ years:
- Good: $150-250
- Fair: $100-150
Battery health is EVERYTHING. Include screenshot in listing.
Gaming Consoles:
PS5 / Xbox Series X:
- Like new: $500-600
- Good: $450-500
- With games: add $20-40 each
PS4 / Xbox One:
- Like new: $250-300
- Good: $200-250
- Fair: $150-200
Nintendo Switch:
- Like new: $250-300
- Good: $200-250
- Fair: $150-200
TVs:
4K Smart TV (1-3 years old):
- Size matters: $50 per 10 inches roughly
- 50": $250-350
- 55": $300-400
- 65": $400-600
1080p TV (older):
- 40-50": $100-200
- 50-60": $150-250
Non-smart / older:
- $50-100 if working
- Free if not smart
Clothing
Brand names:
Higher-end (Lululemon, Aritzia, Patagonia):
- Like new: 50-60% of retail
- Good: 40-50% of retail
- Fair: 30-40% of retail
Mid-range (Gap, Banana Republic, Zara):
- Like new: 30-40% of retail
- Good: 20-30% of retail
- Fair: $5-15
Everyday (Old Navy, H&M, Joe Fresh):
- Like new: $10-20
- Good: $5-15
- Fair: Donate
Vintage:
Research individually. Some vintage is valuable. Most isn't.
Shoes:
Designer/brand name:
- Like new: 50-60% of retail
- Good: 30-40% of retail
- Fair: $20-30
Everyday:
- Like new: $20-40
- Good: $10-20
- Fair: Donate
Winter gear:
Canada Goose / high-end coats:
- Like new: $400-700
- Good: $300-500
- Fair: $200-300
Mid-range coats:
- Like new: $100-200
- Good: $50-100
- Fair: $20-50
Kitchen Items
Small appliances:
Keurig / coffee makers:
- Like new: $40-80
- Good: $20-40
- Fair: $10-20
Instant Pot / air fryer:
- Like new: $60-100
- Good: $40-60
- Fair: $20-40
Mixer (KitchenAid):
- Like new: $200-300
- Good: $150-200
- Fair: $100-150
- Vintage: research (some are valuable)
Dishes and glassware:
Everyday dishes (set):
- Like new: $30-50 per setting
- Good: $20-30 per setting
- Fair: $10-20 per setting
Glassware (set):
- Like new: $2-5 per piece
- Good: $1-3 per piece
Vintage/collectible:
- Research individually
Pots and pans:
Good brand (All-Clad, Calphalon):
- Like new: 50-60% of retail
- Good: 40-50% of retail
- Fair: 30-40% of retail
Everyday brand:
- Like new: $30-50 per set
- Good: $20-30 per set
- Fair: $10-20 per set
Baby and Kids
Baby gear:
Stroller (higher-end):
- Like new: $200-400
- Good: $150-250
- Fair: $100-150
Stroller (basic):
- Like new: $50-100
- Good: $30-50
- Fair: $20-30
Car seat:
- NEVER BUY USED (expire, unknown history)
- If selling, disclose expiration date clearly
- Price: 30-50% of retail with clear expiration
Crib:
- Like new: $100-200
- Good: $60-100
- Fair: $40-60
- Must meet current safety standards
Kids clothes:
Brand name:
- Like new: $10-20 per piece
- Good: $5-10 per piece
- Bundle deals work well
Everyday:
- Like new: $5-10 per piece
- Good: $2-5 per piece
- Bundle by size: $20-30 for bag of clothes
Toys:
Brand name in good condition:
- 30-50% of retail
- Clean, complete sets
Everyday toys:
- $1-10 depending on size
- Bundle multiples
Tools
Power tools (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita):
Like new with case/batteries:
- 60-70% of retail
Good with batteries:
- 50-60% of retail
Fair (tool only):
- 30-40% of retail
Hand tools:
- 30-50% of retail for quality brands
- Garage sale pricing for basic tools
The Kingston Factor
Student premium:
If selling to students (April and September):
- You can price 10-20% higher
- Students need stuff NOW
- They have parents' money
- They're less experienced at negotiating
Student discount:
If selling IN April (students leaving):
- Prices drop 20-30%
- Students NEED to sell before moving
- Lowball offers accepted
Military moves:
CFB Kingston means:
- People arrive and leave year-round
- Motivated sellers (moving)
- Motivated buyers (just arrived)
Winter vs summer:
- Winter items (coats, snow blowers) cost more in October-December
- Summer items (bikes, patio furniture) cost more in April-June
- Reverse for buying
The "It's Not Selling" Checklist
If your item has been listed for 2+ weeks with minimal interest:
Problem 1: Price too high
Solution: Drop by 20%. Refresh listing. Note price drop in description.
Problem 2: Bad photos
Solution: Retake photos. Clean item. Natural light. Multiple angles.
Problem 3: Bad description
Solution: Rewrite with more detail. Be honest about condition. Include measurements.
Problem 4: Wrong platform
Solution: If on Marketplace only, add Fliku. If on Fliku only, add Marketplace.
Problem 5: Wrong time of year
Solution: Wait. Store item. Relist in right season.
Problem 6: Item just isn't wanted
Solution: Donate. Free group. Curb alert. Some things have no value.
The Psychology of Pricing
Charm pricing works:
- $49 sells better than $50
- $199 sells better than $200
- $975 sells better than $1,000
Odd numbers feel calculated:
- $87 feels more precise than $85
- $123 feels specific (like you did math)
Negotiation cushion:
Price 10-20% above your minimum. Let buyers feel like they won.
The "firm" strategy:
If you price accurately and say "firm" in description:
- Fewer messages
- More serious buyers
- No negotiation games
The OBO strategy:
"Or best offer" invites negotiation. Price higher if using OBO.
What to Do With Items That Won't Sell
Step 1: Drop price 20% after 1 week
Step 2: Drop another 20% after 2 weeks
Step 3: Bundle with similar items
"Take this lamp and side table for $40 total"
Step 4: Post in free groups with price
"Free if you pick up today, otherwise $20"
Step 5: Donate
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore (furniture)
- Mission Thrift (household)
- Value Village (clothing)
Step 6: Curb alert
Post address in Free Stuff Kingston group. Put on curb with "FREE" sign. It will disappear.
Why Fliku Helps With Pricing
On Fliku, you can:
- See what similar items sold for (price history)
- Check seller ratings (trustworthy listings)
- Reach verified buyers (serious only)
- Get feedback on your pricing from community
[List your items on Fliku - Kingston's smartest marketplace]
FAQ: Pricing Used Items in Kingston
Q: How do I know if my price is fair?
A: Research 3-5 similar items on Fliku and Marketplace. Adjust for condition.
Q: What if someone offers half my price?
A: Counter with your minimum. "I can do $40, meet in the middle at $45?" Negotiation is normal.
Q: Should I accept offers?
A: Yes, if you priced with negotiation cushion. No, if you priced firm.
Q: What's the best time of year to sell?
A: April (students leaving), September (students arriving), January (post-holiday cleanout).
Q: How long should I wait before dropping price?
A: 5-7 days. Refresh listing when you drop price.
Q: What items don't sell in Kingston?
A: Large appliances (hard to move), mattresses (bed bug fear), old TVs.
Q: Should I include delivery?
A: No. Pickup only. Delivery is headache.
Q: What's the biggest pricing mistake?
A: Emotional pricing. Your stuff isn't worth what you paid.
The Bottom Line
Pricing used items in Kingston isn't rocket science. Research. Be honest about condition. Adjust for speed. Drop price if it doesn't sell.
The right price means:
- Faster sale
- Less stress
- More money in your pocket
- Buyer feels good too
Price it right the first time. You'll thank yourself later.
Struggling to price something? Drop it in the comments. Kingston sellers help each other.
