Mike's NBC-TV stories

Classified ad apps for buying and selling

Lots of people love to shop garage sales this time of year, but sometimes it’s simply easier and more convenient to bring the garage sale to you.

I have three apps for you to try… and then get ready to find treasures.

Wallapop is great for buying and selling. Take a picture, write a short description, set a price and wait for buyers to get in touch. The app uses your location to find what’s close to you so you won’t have to travel great distances, either. And you can instantly chat with sellers should buyers want more details about items for sale. The app is free for iOS and Android.

The makers of the Letgo app say you can list items in 30 seconds or less. Take a picture, write a short description and it’s posted. Buyers and sellers can connect and negotiate via chat. Buyers can browse items listed for sale nearby. And Letgo has a cool feature to let sellers create mini-commercials for items. The app is free for iOS and Android.

Developers of the OfferUp app say it’s the biggest mobile marketplace for local buyers and sellers. Like Wallapop and Letgo, simply take a pic, name a price, and off you go. Buyers can message sellers directly and it uses a rating system similar to eBay that allows sellers to build up their reputations. For Android and iOS.

Mike is a veteran journalist whose video "PC Mike" reports have been distributed weekly to all 215 NBC-TV stations since 1994, making him one of the most experienced tech reporters in the country. His tech stories and videos have appeared on MSNBC, CNBC, the Today Show, The New York Times, USA Today and in numerous national newspapers and magazines. In addition to the PC Mike tech blog, he also publishes the Roadtreking.com RV Travel Blog in which he travels North America in an RV reporting about interesting people and places.