What Sells: Software
Software
The term “software” refers to the programs or instructions that tell a computer
what to do. Consumer and business software titles range from word processing programs
like Microsoft Word to very specialized tools such as Photoshop. Some software is
installed on a computer prior to its sale to a user. Other titles are optional — available
for purchase with a new computer or separately through a software retailer.
What Sells
Top-selling programs include:
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, GoLive)
- Macromedia Studio (Flash, FreeHand, etc.)
- Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Microsoft Windows and server software
- Other operating systems like Linux and Mac OSX
Online Marketplace Restrictions
Online marketplaces allow for the sale of most software that is still in its original,
factory-sealed package. There are a few exceptions:
- Academic or educational software (at least one of these words will appear on the
box, or be printed on the CD-ROM or manuals)
- Beta, test or evaluation software (at least one of these words will appear on the
box, or be printed on the CD-ROM or manuals)
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) software, which is bundled with computer hardware
(it can only be sold if you are also selling the hardware it came with)
- Copied software (e.g., a CD-ROM that the owner made for themselves)
- Any software package that has been opened and installed, unless you are also selling
the computer it was installed on
- Freeware or shareware
Research Resources
If you don’t know all of the item’s details, check the manufacturer’s website; they
often have product catalogs online that list detailed specifications.
Visit the website at http://reviews.cnet.com/
for product reviews for software titles that are not more than one to three years
old.
Condition
Make sure the software is still in the factory-sealed box. If the seal is broken,
you are not allowed to sell it on most online marketplaces unless it came with a
piece of hardware that you are also selling.
Some sellers add the phrase “full retail version” to their title to show compliance
with marketplace rules.
Key Details
Include these details in your listing:
- Title of the program
- Version number
- Platform (PC, Mac, Linux — this will be self-explanatory for software like Microsoft
Exchange Server that only runs on one platform)
- Packaging (e.g., New in Box)
Storage and Shipment
Software titles should be stored in their original box in a well-ventilated room,
away from children, pets, smoke and cooking odors. Never place an item in direct
sunlight or next to heating vents or air conditioners either, since temperature/humidity
changes can cause damage.
Bubble wrap the shrink-wrapped box containing the software and place it into a light
bed of packing peanuts for shipment. It is recommended that you ship software via
USPS MediaMail.
