Over 70% of South Africans may be selling their unwanted Christmas gifts online for a quick buck in January, according to a poll by online classified Gumtree South Africa.
"It would appear that most South Africans feel that it's best to let an item go rather than gathering dust," says Claire Cobbledick, head of Gumtree marketing.
But Cobbledick confirms an unwanted gift is not necessarily an undesirable item. A quick search on Gumtree reveals more than 900 items listed as unwanted gifts include an unopened bottle of Dior perfume, a brand new 50-inch plasma TV still in its box, an Xbox and a mountain bike.
"We have tons of these items for sale that are going brand new off the retail shelves and onto the site at a significantly reduced price. Mostly because the receiver does not want to ask the giver for the receipt and return details," she adds.
Cobbledick says the most common unwanted gifts are electronics and personal items, such as clothing, watches and perfume.
"In a sense, electronics have also become as personal as perfume, and not everyone's tastes match, which is why a lot of these items make their way onto Gumtree without ever being opened."
As to whether or not it's impolite to sell a gift received depends your personal view, says Cobbledick.
"A gift gathering dust in a cupboard or garage can't be used or enjoyed and will probably be thrown away eventually," she says.
"Appreciate the gift in all sincerity, thank the giver and quietly list it online to recoup some cash that you can put towards something you can use."
If you aren't sure what your unwanted cellphone, surfboard or laptop should be sold for, she says it's worth using an online price checker. This calculates the value of a second-hand item on the average asking price and how quickly it sells for at the set price.
There is also good news for cash-strapped shoppers: 51% of the participants surveyed said they didn't mind receiving an item purchased second-hand under their Christmas tree, while 32% said it depended on what the gift was - with cellphones and laptops being highly desirable items, even if not brand new.
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