Credit Unions Creating Marketplaces for Communities Online

Credit Unions now have the ability to support their communities in the buying and selling of items online. With the increase of "online yard sales" across the country, Credit Unions can now participate with communities in these transactions. Sharetown, offers a way for Credit Unions to create their own marketplace for it's members.

Members are looking for a safe and efficient way to buy and sell new and used items within their community. This is a natural fit for Credit Unions to offer:

- Craigslist no longer feels safe. People want to deal with members in their community that they have a common connection with. The Sharetown platform offers a social media aspect so members can see what friends they have in common and who they're dealing with before they meet up.

- A Credit Union adds an additional layer of trust for the members of the online buy and sell group because they are dealing with members of the same Credit Union.

- Credit Unions offer a physical, neutral, safe place, for people to meet up to do a transaction.

- Credit Unions have the ability to offer members loans to purchase boats, cars, motorhomes, motorbikes, houses, etc. right at the point of transaction. These transactions are happening between two members of the credit union, and are beneficial to all parties involved.

To take a tour of an online marketplace for a credit uion, click the link: https://democu.sharetown.com/start

For further information regarding marketplaces for credit unions, please send an email to Jorja Leavitt at jorja@sharetown.com.

New Sharetown App for your iPhone

Sharetown is happy to announce the release of it's new App for iPhones. 

To access the app, please go here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id922640275

Want to Make Extra Money? How about Renting Out Your Stuff?

Have you been looking for new ways to earns some extra cash? Think about renting out something that is just collecting dust when you're not using.

Here are a few ideas of things that can be rented out:

1. Tools. Everybody needs a tool at sometime, but not everyone is ready to make that kind of investment. Why not rent out your 10 foot ladder to your neighbor so they can clean out their rain gutters? Some popular tools that people are willing to rent are: Ladders, Drills, Wheelbarrow, Leaf Blower, Snow Blower, Hedge Trimmer, Rototiller, and Powerwasher.

2. Camping Gear. Not everyone is an outdoor enthusiast, but most people like to go on a little weekend getaway to enjoy nature. Camping gear can be a huge investment, so renting it instead of buying it makes sense for someone who only wants to go once a year.

3. Sports Equipment. Buying kids new sports equipment each season can be very costly, many parents are looking for used equipment to save some money, so why not rent it out to help someone out, and make money on your equipment every season? Also, winter equipment such as Snowboard or Ski's is a hot item to rent for someone who only goes once per year. You could easily supplement your own habit by letting someone rent your gear for a weekend.

4. Party Supplies. Do you own extra chairs, tables, or even an event tent? These are a hot item when someone is planning a get together. Put them up for rent when they're not in use.

5. Bikes. People who aren't avid bikers but who would enjoy a weekend ride around town are ideal to rent your bike to. Also, people on vacation are often looking for an easy way to get around for a few days.

6. Handbags. Designer purses are something that can be rented out for a season. Instead of selling off that handbag that you no longer use, why not rent it out for a couple of months. You could make more money over a period of time then just a one time sale of the purse. This is a great way to supplement your current shopping habit.

Use Sharetown to Rent out Your Stuff!

Make Extra Money Using Social Media

Making extra money using your social media might not be what you think. This isn't advertising for other companies, or posting links. The easiest, fastest, and most lucrative way to make money using your own social media account is selling items you no longer use, and even renting out things that people want.

If you're not one for spending a whole Saturday hosting a garage sale outside, especially during the winter months, how about hosting one on your social media. You might be surprised to find out there are several online groups in your area called "Online Yard Sales", that you can post unwanted items or items you're willing to rent out to make extra money.

Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:

1. Take good pictures. Make sure you clean up the item. Put it in natural light when possible, and clear out any clutter in the background. The picture you take of the item makes all the difference between you selling it for top dollar or not selling it all.

2. Give a good description. If you want to sell it fast make sure you give all the specs on the item. You don't want to go back and forth with a potential buyer only to find out it's the wrong size, or it's not what they want when they get to your house to pick it up.

3. Price it right. You can usually get almost 30% of the new value when selling through social media, as opposed to a yard sale where the rate is closer to 10%. If your item is in good condition and is a highly desirable item don't be afraid to ask what you think it's worth. Look up your item on ebay and amazon to get an idea of what new and used are going for. You might not be able to ask top dollar, but you'll at least know where to start. You can alway post that you're taking offers on the item as well, which sometimes results in a bidding war.

4. Know what sells. Know who your buyers are and what they want. Currently top selling items on social media are furniture, motorized vehicles, named brand clothing, and baby supplies.

5. People post what they are looking for, or "In Search Of" posts. Go through these posts and see if you have any of the items, this is a great way to make some quick money.

6. Rent it out. Do you have a 10 ft ladder? A drill? Or outside flood lights? Many people want to "borrow" this type of stuff and are willing to pay you for it. Rent something you have to a friend or neighbor to make some extra money. Let people know what you have that you're willing to rent, give them a good deal for a daily cost, and make sure you're dealing with someone you trust.

The best thing with selling and renting things on social media is that you're dealing with friends and neighbors, people you already know and trust. Why not give a friend a great deal on something they need, and you're willing to give up? Good luck, and happy shopping.

To find a group that you'd like to buy and sell on, visit www.Sharetown.com