Expats make up approximately 85% of Qatar’s population and each year there is a considerable turnover of people coming in and out of the country. This means that throughout the year there are a huge number of residents trying to sell goods before they leave and a large number of people arriving in the country who want to buy second hand items to cut their relocation costs. Moving can be a stressful business so knowing where to sell and buy second hand items can be really useful, so here are some ideas.
Garage sale / apartment sale
Advertise your garage or apartment sale well in advance making good use of your personal social media. Putting up posters at work or posting leaflets on your compound or in your apartment building will also generate interest. If there are a few people moving house or apartment perhaps get together and arrange a mutually convenient date in which to hold a sale together. People are more likely to visit many garages / apartments once rather than over multiple days. On the day of the sale make sure that everything is clean, clearly priced and displayed attractively. Also, be prepared to negotiate and haggle!
Social media
If you have Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or other social media accounts use these sites to advertise what you are selling. Make sure you add as much detail about the product and take some good quality photographs. Ask your friends to share your posts. Specify how you would like potential buyers to contact you, for your own personal safety you may not wish to publicize your phone number or address, communicating through Facebook messenger is a good way.
Websites
There are also several website in Qatar that can be used. You could join one of the ‘buy it, sell it, swap it’ sites on Facebook which are free to join and don’t charge commission. You can also look into putting a classified advert on IloveQatar or Qatar Sale which deals specifically with cars.
Leaflets and posters
Designing good quality flyers, leaflets and posters to put up at your workplace or to email to colleagues is also a way to advertise. Maybe your child’s school has a notice board too or a parents group that you can use.
Charity banks
So, you’ve tried all of the methods above and you still have items left that haven’t sold. Instead of throwing them away into the trash why not donate them to charity? There are charity bins located in many petrol forecourts and malls. Unwanted clothes and items will then be distributed amongst the needy by ‘Qatar Charity’ amongst other. Maybe construction workers, security staff or cleaners who work in or near your building or compound would appreciate them too?
Relocation is a huge task and we hope that these few simple tips from us would help you in the process. If you can think of any other way of selling or giving away your old items, please drop us a note and we will add it to our list.
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