5 Fat Llama Hacks to Turn Your Unused Items Into Cash

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. List The Things You Can Rent

You probably have hundreds of dollars lying around in your closet right now. You just don’t realize it yet.

That old camera, extra speaker, or power tool? Yep, all money-makers on Fat Llama.

Here’s what to focus on first:

• Start small: Rent popular stuff like cameras, projectors, or tools.
  
• Think local: List items that people might need for events or projects.
  
• Be clear: Add short, simple titles like “Sony A7 Camera – Ready to Rent.”
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Make a quick list of every item you own that’s valuable and sitting unused, then upload them one by one to Fat Llama tonight.

Make It Easy: Grab a foldable lightbox to take clean, professional photos of your items at home.

2. Take Attention-Grabbing Photos That Sell

Good lighting and clear angles can make your stuff look 10x more valuable.

People rent with their eyes, so your photos are everything.

Use these tricks to make your listings stand out:

• Shoot in natural light: Daytime lighting shows true colors and details.
  
• Use neutral backgrounds: Keep the focus on your item, not your messy table.
  
• Add multiple angles: Include close-ups and full shots for trust-building.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Take five photos per item. one front, one back, and a few close-ups. before uploading them to your listing.

Make It Easy: Pick up a tripod with a ring light for perfect, bright photos without shadows.

3. Set Prices That Attract Renters

If your prices are too high, people scroll past.

Too low, and you’ll regret it when someone rents your $300 camera for the cost of a coffee.

Here’s how to find the sweet spot:

• Check similar listings: Match or slightly undercut your local competition.
  
• Offer discounts for long rentals: People love saving a few bucks.
  
• Adjust as you go: If something’s not renting, tweak the price until it does.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Search your area on Fat Llama for similar items and match your daily price within $5–10 of the average.

Make It Easy: Use a label maker to tag your items with serial numbers so you can track rentals easily.

4. Keep Everything Clean And Ready

Nobody wants to rent something dusty or half-broken.

Your stuff should feel fresh and reliable. like it’s ready to go right now.

Do this before every rental:

• Clean everything: Wipe surfaces and check batteries or cables.
  
• Test it first: Make sure it actually works before pickup.
  
• Package neatly: Use a tote or box so renters see you’re organized.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: After every return, clean your item, re-pack it neatly, and set it aside for the next rental.

Make It Easy: Get a portable cleaning kit for quick dusting and maintenance between rentals.

5. Turn One-Time Renters Into Regulars

Your best renters are the ones who come back again and again.

So make their experience so smooth that they never think of renting from anyone else.

Try these small moves to win them over:

• Be friendly: Greet them warmly and thank them after their return.
  
• Offer perks: Give discounts for repeat rentals.
  
• Follow up: Message them after each rental to stay top of mind.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Send a quick “Thanks for renting. Let me know when you need it again!” message after every return.

Make It Easy: Keep a mini storage case with spare cables or accessories to lend out as a free extra.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌