Newfoundland resale questions, answered
What people here ask about buying used, selling, thrifting and shipping to and from the island. Short answers, then the detail if you want it.
Buying used in Newfoundland
How much should I pay for used furniture on Facebook Marketplace in St. John's?
Solid wood and good upholstered pieces in clean condition: 30 to 50 percent of what a new one costs delivered to St. John's. Flat-pack and particleboard: 10 to 20 percent, and only if it has never been taken apart.
How do I spot a Marketplace or Kijiji scam in Newfoundland?
Anyone who won't meet in person, wants a deposit or a verification code before you have seen the item, or is "away in Alberta and will ship it" is a scam. Real NL sellers meet you in a parking lot.
What's a fair price for a used snowblower in Newfoundland?
A two-stage machine under ten years old from Ariens, Toro, Honda or Cub Cadet that starts on the first pull: 40 to 60 percent of its current new price. Big-box house brands: 25 to 40 percent. Buy in April, not November.
Is it worth buying used appliances in Newfoundland?
Often, yes. A fridge, washer or dryer under about seven years old from a known brand is worth 30 to 50 percent of new, and you skip the freight and delivery a new one carries here. Skip anything you cannot run before paying.
Selling and flipping
Do I have to pay tax on things I sell on Marketplace or Kijiji in Canada?
Selling your own used things for less than you paid is not taxable. Buying things to resell for profit is business income, taxable from the first dollar, and the CRA does look at online marketplaces.
What sells fastest on Facebook Marketplace in Newfoundland?
Anything seasonal and heavy: snowblowers in November, chest freezers and vacuum sealers when moose season opens in September, BBQs, mowers, kayaks and boats in May. Cordless tools and kids gear move all year.
Should I sell it locally or ship it off the island?
Sell locally if it is heavy or bulky; the island premium works for you. Ship it if it is small, light and collectible: the mainland or eBay pays more, and a parcel under 2 kg from St. John's to Ontario is roughly $18 to $35.
How do I price a whole lot, like a shelf of books or a box of records?
Find the two or three pieces that carry the value, price those on their own, and sell the rest as a bulk lot at a dollar or two each. Most lots are 80 percent filler.
Shipping and the island premium
Why is used stuff more expensive in Newfoundland than on the mainland?
Because bringing a new one here is slow and expensive, and there are fewer sellers. That island premium is why a used snowblower in Paradise sells for more than the same machine in Mississauga.
How long does Amazon take to deliver to Newfoundland, and why does it matter for used prices?
Usually a week or more to St. John's, longer for bulky items, and some sellers will not ship here at all. That wait is why a used one you can pick up tonight is worth more here than on the mainland.
What does it cost to ship a parcel from St. John's to Ontario with Canada Post?
Roughly $18 to $35 for a small parcel under 2 kg by expedited parcel, $40 to $80 for a medium box, $80 to $150 and up for large, taking five to nine business days. The exact rate depends on weight and box size.
Thrift stores, yard sales and flea markets
Where are the best thrift stores in St. John's?
Value Village and the Salvation Army thrift store for volume, Cost U Less for furniture and household, and the consignment and vintage shops (A-Vintage Shop, Found Consignment Boutique) when you want it curated. Go weekday mornings after a restock.
When is yard sale season in Newfoundland, and how do I haggle?
Late May to September, Saturday mornings, weather permitting. Offer 25 to 50 percent under the sticker with cash in hand, bundle items, and come back after noon when sellers want it gone.
Using Newfound Value
How does Newfound Value come up with a price?
It identifies the item from your photo, applies Newfoundland rules (freight, the island premium, seasonal demand), pulls today's online prices from Google Shopping, and gives one number to pay with a confidence score.
Can I use Newfound Value at an auction?
Yes. Set the context to Auction and enter the current bid; you get a max smart bid that still leaves a margin for resale or a real saving over buying new. Add the buyer's premium and tax on top before you bid.
Got the thing in front of you?
Check its price with Newfound Value