What Decluttr Does

Decluttr is an online marketplace where you mail in used items — books, CDs, DVDs, video games, and electronics — and receive payment by check or direct deposit. You don't set the price yourself. Instead, you tell Decluttr what you own, the site quotes you a price for each item, and if you accept the offer, you pack everything up, print a prepaid shipping label, and mail it in. Decluttr inspects what arrives, confirms the condition matches what you described, and sends you the money.

The main difference between Decluttr and a pawn shop is timing and effort. A pawn shop gives you cash on the spot for items you walk in with. Decluttr requires you to list items online, wait for quotes, pack and ship everything, and then wait for inspection and payment — usually one to two weeks total. But you don't have to negotiate, and you can sell items from home without leaving.

Key Takeaways

  • Decluttr quotes prices based on what you own and its condition, not on what you ask — you see the offer before you commit to shipping.
  • You print a free shipping label and mail items at no cost to you; Decluttr pays for return shipping if you reject the offer.
  • Payment arrives by check or direct deposit after Decluttr receives and inspects your items, typically within one to two weeks of mailing.
  • Decluttr accepts books, music CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, and some electronics, but not clothing, furniture, or items in poor condition.
  • The prices Decluttr offers are usually lower than what you might get selling privately, because the site buys in bulk and resells items itself.

How to Get a Quote and Ship Items

Start by going to Decluttr's website and using their search tool. Type in the title, ISBN, or barcode of an item you want to sell. Decluttr will show you the price it will pay for that specific edition in good condition. You can add items to a list as you go through your collection.

Once you've listed everything, Decluttr shows you the total offer. If you accept, the site generates a prepaid shipping label with your name and address. You pack your items, attach the label, and drop the box at any UPS location or UPS drop box. Decluttr covers the shipping cost — you pay nothing to send items in.

After Decluttr receives your box, staff inspect each item to confirm it matches the condition you reported. If everything checks out, you get paid. If some items don't match your description — for example, a book is water-damaged when you said it was fine — Decluttr will either lower the price for those items or reject them. You can ask for the rejected items back, and Decluttr will ship them to you at no charge.

What Decluttr Pays For

Decluttr buys physical media and some electronics: books (hardcover and paperback), music CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games for consoles, and items like graphing calculators and some older phones. The site does not buy clothing, furniture, vinyl records, magazines, textbooks, or items that are stained, heavily worn, or missing pieces.

Prices vary widely depending on what you're selling. A popular recent hardcover might fetch a few dollars. An out-of-print book or a rare CD can be worth more. Video games and DVDs typically sell for less than books because there's more supply. Electronics prices depend on the model and age — older phones and calculators may have little value, while newer items might be worth more.

You can check Decluttr's current prices anytime by searching for an item on their site. Prices change as demand shifts, so the same book might be worth more or less depending on when you check.

Payment Methods and Timing

Decluttr pays by check or direct deposit to a bank account. If you choose direct deposit, payment usually arrives within one to two weeks of the site receiving your box. Check payments take longer because they have to be printed and mailed to you. You can choose your payment method when you accept the initial offer.

Decluttr does not hold your money or charge fees for payment. What you see in the quote is what you get, minus any items that fail inspection. There are no hidden deductions for shipping, handling, or processing.

How Decluttr Compares to Other Options

If you're deciding between Decluttr and a pawn shop, consider what matters most to you. A pawn shop pays cash when ready and lets you negotiate the price, but you have to go in person and the shop may offer less money because it takes on the risk of reselling items. Decluttr pays less than you might get selling items yourself on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but you don't have to photograph items, write descriptions, answer buyer questions, or handle shipping.

Decluttr is fastest if you have a large collection and want to clear it out without the work of individual listings. It's slower and pays less than private sales, but faster and more convenient than a pawn shop if you don't want to leave home or negotiate.

What Happens If You Reject the Offer

You don't have to accept Decluttr's quote. If the total offer is too low, you can decline without any penalty. Decluttr will ship your items back to you at no cost — you just need to request a return. The prepaid return label works the same way as the original shipping label: print it, pack your items, and drop them off at UPS.

This means you can use Decluttr to get a sense of what your items are worth before deciding whether to sell elsewhere. Some people check Decluttr's prices, reject the offer, and then try selling on eBay or a local marketplace if they think they can do better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell items that are not in perfect condition?

Yes, but Decluttr has condition standards. Items should be readable, playable, or functional with no major damage. A book with bent pages or a small stain may still be accepted at a lower price. Items that are water-damaged, heavily marked up, missing pages, or won't play are usually rejected. Decluttr's website shows condition guidelines for each category.

How long does it take to get paid after I mail my items?

Decluttr typically processes boxes within one to two weeks of receiving them. If you choose direct deposit, payment arrives during that window. Check payments take longer because they're mailed separately. You can track your shipment and see when Decluttr receives it on your account page.

What if Decluttr says an item is damaged when I thought it was fine?

Decluttr will contact you and either offer a lower price for that item or reject it. You can accept the lower price, reject just that item and keep the rest of the payment, or reject the entire shipment and have everything sent back. You have a few days to decide before Decluttr processes your payment.

Do I need to include original cases or packaging?

For most items like CDs, DVDs, and games, the original case or packaging is not required, but items should be clean and the disc or cartridge must be in working condition. Books don't need packaging. Check the condition guidelines on Decluttr's site for the specific category you're selling.

Can I sell textbooks to Decluttr?

No, Decluttr does not buy textbooks. The site focuses on trade paperbacks, hardcovers, and other consumer books. If you have textbooks to sell, you may have better luck with a textbook reseller or your school's bookstore.