How to Sell Furniture on Kleinanzeigen Without Wasting Time (Berlin Guide)

Why I'm writing this guide

I've moved 3 times in Berlin in the past 2 years. Each time I sold tons of furniture - and learned A LOT. Mostly the hard way.

My first sale? 5 people messaged, 3 made an appointment, nobody showed up. The sofa sat in my hallway for 3 weeks.

Now I have a system. Sales rate: 95%. Here's everything I learned.

The listing: Photos are EVERYTHING

Rule 1: At least 5 photos

• Front view (the "hero shot")
• Detail shot (fabric/wood grain)
• Measurements with measuring tape in photo
• Any defects (YES, show them!)
• In the room so people can gauge size

Pro tip: Take photos in daylight, not in the evening with yellow lamp light. The difference is huge.

Rule 2: Photograph defects

Sounds counterintuitive, but:

• Buyers trust you more
• Fewer "surprises" at pickup = fewer cancellations
• People who still come know exactly what they're getting

A scratch on the tabletop? Photo of it. Stain on the sofa? Photo of it. Transparency saves you time.

The price: The 70% rule

Research original price, then:

• Very good condition: 40-50% of original price
• Good condition (normal wear): 25-35%
• Visible defects: 15-25%
• Standard IKEA furniture (BILLY, KALLAX, etc.): Max 30%, because everyone has them

My early mistake: I listed a MALM dresser for 80€ (original 100€). Nobody bought it. Then for 45€ - gone in 2 days.

The truth: Used furniture is only interesting to buyers when it's SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than new. Otherwise they just go to IKEA.

The description: Short and important

What buyers want to know:

Dimensions: 140x80x75cm (LxWxH)
Condition: Good, small scratches on legs (see photo 4)
Age: About 3 years
Original price: 200€
Pickup: Charlottenburg, ground floor (no carrying needed)

What you DON'T need to write:

• Why you're selling it (nobody cares)
• Emotional story ("This was my first piece of furniture in Berlin...")
• "Self-pickup only" (that's standard for furniture)

Avoiding no-shows: The golden rules

This is the most important part. Here's how I reduced my no-show rate from 60% to under 5%:

Rule 1: Money commitment

When people inquire, I respond:

"Happy to! I'll reserve it for you until [date/time]. If you can't make it, just let me know so I can consider other interested buyers."

This creates commitment. Anyone who doesn't cancel is a jerk - and you don't want those people anyway.

Rule 2: Confirmation the day before

The day before pickup, I write:

"Hi! Quick reminder: Tomorrow 3 PM, [address]. Still works?"

Anyone who doesn't respond = won't come. Then you can contact the next interested person.

Rule 3: No vague appointments

Bad: "Yeah, Saturday works" Good: "Saturday 2:00 PM, I'll send you the address Friday evening"

The more specific, the more binding.

Rule 4: Address only shortly before

I only give out the address on the day of pickup, with a short message:

"Here's the address: [street]. I'll be there from 2 PM. Ring at [name]."

Why? Anyone who has the address and doesn't show up is really rude. Most people avoid that.

Offering transport: The game-changer

Many buyers don't have cars. If you write in your listing:

"Delivery within Berlin possible for extra fee (or via BringEasy)"

...you reach 50% more potential buyers.

My experience:

• Without delivery: 5 inquiries in a week
• With delivery: 12 inquiries in a week

It's no effort for you - the buyer organizes it. But you enable it.

Selling fast: The price hack

You want to get rid of it NOW? Here's the trick:

1. List it for fair price (not overpriced)
2. Wait 3 days
3. No good inquiries? Lower by 20%
4. Still nothing? "Free to good home" with condition "Self-pickup tonight"

Seriously: Sometimes "getting rid of it for free" is better than 3 weeks of answering messages.

What I'd never do again

• ❌ Reserving without time limit: "I'll hold it until Saturday" - then nobody came and 5 other interested people were gone
• ❌ Price negotiation via chat: Endless "Would you also take 30€?" - My answer now: "Price is in the listing, we can talk at pickup"
• ❌ Multiple appointments at once: Leads to chaos and annoyed people

TL;DR - Your checklist

Listing:

• 5+ photos in daylight
• Include dimensions
• Show defects
• Realistic price (50% of original max)
• Mention "delivery possible"

Communication:

• Agree on specific time
• Get confirmation day before
• Only give address on pickup day

Mindset:

• Don't get emotionally attached to price
• Factor in no-shows
• Lower price after 1 week

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Written by someone who spent too much time on Kleinanzeigen messages and now has a system.