Turn your junk into a slam dunk: Five ‘hot-selling’ Facebook Marketplace items that can earn you extra cash

There’s a lot of weird stuff for sale on Facebook Marketplace — and it’s not just old strollers, an elliptical that’s been collecting dust for three years, and a large sofa.

But if you can sift through the weird listings, low offers, and people who never respond, there are plenty of deals to be made — and money to be made if you’re the one selling.

Insider Monkey has compiled the five best-selling categories on Facebook Marketplace based on keyword search interest.

Let’s go through the list, see how much you can make, and review pro tips to help you get a good deal or make the most money.

Fitness equipment: 11.13 million searches

Affordable fitness equipment may not be too good to be true.

Many people don’t know the actual value of what they have — or need to get rid of it quickly because they’re moving. These things are a pain to mess around with.

Either way, you win.

● Buy? Search for specific product names to narrow your search. Look for listings that say a treadmill, bike, or anything else must pass a specific date.

These sellers will likely cut you a good deal.

● Selling? Give your equipment a once-over so you know what you’re selling.

For larger equipment, include the manufacturer’s name and model number if possible.

For weights and all the rest, take enough pictures to show the condition.

Carpets: 11.32 million searches

With new carpet prices so high, it’s no surprise that used options are selling out.

If you have a beautiful rug you want to vacuum and it’s found some love (read: dirt), consider having it professionally cleaned or steam cleaned.

No one wants to buy a carpet that is stained with dirt.

Vintage, hand-woven rugs are also bestsellers – and these are the types that can fetch big money.

● Buy? Look for rugs made from natural fibers such as wool, silk, or cotton.

They will last longer. If the listing does not include this information, ask the seller.

● Selling? List the dimensions so you don’t have to keep asking this question. Include high-resolution images from different angles; It will help you sell it faster.

List defects, such as wear and stains, and determine if the rug comes from a smoke-free or pet-free home.

These are the basic terms for anything fabric.

Shoes: 12.01 million searches

You will be surprised how quickly shoes sell out. Hard-to-find pairs will of course be faster.

● Buy? Renew used shoes before wearing them.

Replace insoles if they are worn or dirty.

Disinfect the inside of the shoe using spray or wet wipes.

Baking soda and vinegar kill fungi on sneakers, and rubbing alcohol disinfects suede and leather.

● Selling? Think of worn-out shoes like used cars; Their value decreases when they are evicted from the place. If you wear the shoes once, list them for 50 percent of what you paid. Anything worn five or more times should be listed at 30 to 40 percent of retail value.

Phone accessories: 13.14 million searches

We’re willing to bet you have some of these, especially if you upgrade your phone often.

● Buy? Look for sellers that bundle phone accessories, like some phone cases and chargers, to get the biggest savings.

Oh, and stay away from used earbuds. Even if you find a great deal, remember that it was in someone else’s ears.

● Selling? Make sure the accessories you list are for the phones currently in use. Sorry, but you can ditch the charger for your hot pink mid-2000s RAZR.

Games and games: 69.6 million searches

These searches intensify around the holidays when everyone is looking for a deal — or the best toys.

● Buy? Do not buy used stuffed animals from Facebook Marketplace.

You have no idea where they are or what kind of bacteria or insects they carry.

Legos are also tempting, but remember that they are the hardest to clean and disinfect.

● Selling? Check out our list of popular games released around the holidays.

Think Cabbage Patch Kids or Furbies back in the day. If you’re selling a hot item or something similar, you’ll get rid of it quickly and make top dollar.