Frequently Asked Questions

While the platform is primarily in German, the interface has been partially adapted for international users. Your listings can be written in German (using a translation tool) or in English. Many buyers in major German cities speak English. However, writing in German — even imperfect German — typically results in more inquiries.

For private sellers, basic listings on Kleinanzeigen are free. You can post up to a set number of ads per month at no cost. The platform offers optional paid boosts (Highlight, Top Ad) to increase visibility, but these are never required. Private sellers also pay no final-value fee — unlike eBay.de.

For cash-on-pickup transactions, no bank account is needed at all. For shipped items, Kleinanzeigen supports PayPal Goods & Services as a payment method. A German bank account is helpful but not strictly required for private selling. For eBay.de, PayPal or a linked bank account are typically required.

For a private seller account on Kleinanzeigen or eBay.de, you only need a valid email address. Phone number verification may be required for certain features. No business documents, tax IDs, or German address are required for occasional private selling.

A strong title includes: the brand name, model or item type, key specification (size, colour, capacity), and condition. Example: "IKEA KALLAX Shelf Unit 4x4 — White — Used Good Condition". Avoid vague titles like "shelf for sale" — buyers search with specific terms and your title must match.

Search Kleinanzeigen for your item and sort by "most recent". Look at the last 5–10 sold or active listings for comparable condition. Aim for the middle of the range — not the highest (won't sell) or lowest (leaves value behind). For electronics, check eBay.de's "completed listings" filter to see actual sale prices, not just asking prices.

On Kleinanzeigen, listing as "VB" (Verhandlungsbasis — negotiable) attracts more inquiries but also more lowball offers. If you set a firm price (Festpreis), fewer people message but those who do tend to be serious. A popular strategy: list 10–15% above your actual target to leave room for negotiation.

For small parcels under 2 kg, Hermes (Packstation pickup) and DHL Päckchen are typically the most affordable options starting around €4–5. For items under 500 g that fit in an envelope, DHL Warensendung (media mail rate) can be even cheaper. Always compare rates on the carrier websites before committing, as prices change seasonally.

Yes. Kleinanzeigen Versand (built-in shipping) allows you to generate DHL or Hermes labels directly in the app when you mark an item as "send with shipping". The buyer pays the shipping cost. The label is printable from home or available as a QR code for staffed drop-off points. It also provides basic buyer/seller transaction protection.

Cash pickup is the default for large items like furniture. To stay safe: meet in a public or semi-public place (parking lot, ground-floor hallway), bring a friend if you can, check banknotes carefully, do not allow partial payments with "I'll transfer the rest", and never share your home address in the listing — share it only once you've confirmed the buyer is genuine.

Common red flags: the buyer wants to pay significantly more than the asking price ("I'll send extra for shipping"), they insist on bank transfer only, they don't want to meet in person for local items, their messages are copy-pasted and impersonal, or they ask you to use an obscure payment service. If anything feels off, decline politely and re-list.

This is a legal/tax question and this site provides only general informational context. Generally, occasional private sales of personal used items in Germany are not subject to income tax. However, regular or commercial selling may have tax implications. For any specific tax situation, consult a Steuerberater (German tax advisor) or the official Bundeszentralamt für Steuern documentation.

Private sellers in Germany can typically exclude Gewährleistung (statutory warranty) by writing "Privatverkauf — keine Gewährleistung, Rückgabe, oder Garantie" in their listing description. This disclaimer is commonly accepted and legally standard for private sales. However, you may still be liable for intentionally concealed defects. This is general information — consult a legal professional for your specific situation.

No. MarketCours.com is an independent educational website. We have no affiliation with Kleinanzeigen, eBay, Vinted, Amazon, or any other marketplace or company mentioned in our guides. All content is informational only, created independently for educational purposes. We receive no commission from any platform.