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Did you know you can get paid to pick up and flip returned mattresses? If you’ve ever wondered what happens when someone returns a big item like a mattress or couch that they bought online, you’re not alone. Shipping those items back to the store or manufacturer can be expensive and wasteful. That’s where Sharetown…
Did you know you can get paid to pick up and flip returned mattresses?
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when someone returns a big item like a mattress or couch that they bought online, you’re not alone. Shipping those items back to the store or manufacturer can be expensive and wasteful.
That’s where Sharetown comes in – and it also creates a side hustle for people who want to make extra money.
According to Sharetown, the average monthly income for Sharetown reps is around $2,000, with an average of nine sales. Some of the highest reps make up to $8,000 flipping mattresses and furniture each month.
I’ve done many different side hustles over the years. I’ve flipped items, taken surveys, worked freelance jobs, and tested dozens of gig apps. So when I first heard about Sharetown, I was interested. Could this really be a good way to make money on your own schedule, with no upfront costs?
In today’s Sharetown review, I’ll share how it works, who it’s best for, how much you can expect to make, and whether or not I think this side hustle is worth trying.
Click here to apply to become a Sharetown rep and get started.
Sharetown Review
Below is my Sharetown Review.
What is Sharetown?
More and more online stores sell their products with no-questions-asked refund policies. For example, there are many mattress and furniture companies where you can test out the product for one month, and if you don’t like the product, then you can return it absolutely free and get all of your money back. They do this because it increases the chance that someone will buy their product (after all, customers can’t test them out beforehand since everything is online!).
And, this is where Sharetown comes in.
Sharetown is a return logistics company that partners with retailers to handle their oversized product returns – such as mattresses, furniture, and fitness equipment (like treadmills).
Instead of sending returned items all the way back to a warehouse (which can be expensive and bad for the environment), Sharetown uses local “reps” to pick up those items, store them, and resell them locally.
This helps the company recover value from returned items, keeps big items out of landfills, and gives people like you and me a chance to make extra money from home.
How does Sharetown work?
If you sign up to become a Sharetown rep, here’s what the process looks like:
- Receive a pickup request – You’ll be notified through the Sharetown app when there’s an oversized item to pick up in your area.
- Pick up the item – You go to the customer’s home, pick up the item (usually a mattress or similar), and bring it back to your own storage space. You do not pay anything for the mattress when you pick it up (it’s like free inventory for you to sell!).
- Clean and sanitize – Before you can sell it, you will need to clean and sanitize it, as this is required by Sharetown.
- List it for sale – You take photos and list the item on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, etc. You do the selling yourself.
- Sell the item – Once the item sells, you deliver it to the buyer or arrange for them to pick it up.
- Get paid – The Sharetown app makes it easy for the buyer to choose whatever payment option works best for them, like debit/credit card, Venmo, cash, and more. You keep your portion immediately, and Sharetown is sent its cut after the item sells.
This is what makes it different from traditional flipping – you don’t have to pay upfront for inventory. You only owe Sharetown their share once the item sells.
Here’s a video I found on how Sharetown works and the entire process:
What do you need to be a Sharetown rep?
You’ll need a few things to make this side hustle work:
- A large vehicle – These are large items that you will be picking up, so you will need a large vehicle like a pickup truck, cargo van, or SUV with a trailer. Sharetown doesn’t give you a way to transport items – you have to have this yourself.
- Storage space – A garage, shed, or spare room to keep the items in good condition until they sell.
- A smartphone – To use the Sharetown app and talk with potential buyers.
- A positive attitude – Reps are expected to be friendly and professional because you will be dealing with people in their homes and online.
- Time – To handle pickups, list items, respond to buyers, and manage deliveries. This is not a passive income idea – it is very active!
- A helper – Since items are large and heavy, you will need someone to help you. Some people are able to ask their spouse, and others will ask someone to help them and pay them (such as $10 to $20 to move an item).
- Supplies – Mattress bags, tape, tie-downs, plastic sheeting, etc.
You’ll also need to be willing to drive up to 50 miles for pickups, be physically able to lift and move large items, be at least 18 years old, and you have to pass a background check (no DUIs, among other things they look for).
Here’s one quick Sharetown testimonial:
How much money can you make with Sharetown?
The amount of money you can make varies, but some reps say they make anywhere from a few hundred dollars a month to several thousand, depending on how many pickups and sales they make.
Some examples from real Sharetown reps:
- One rep said they paid off $16,000 in debt with this side hustle.
- Another said they matched their full-time salary as a nurse after just three months.
- Several reps said they’ve made over $1,000 in profit each month.
But, it’s important to remember that this is still a business. You’re reselling physical items, and that comes with some uncertainty.
You will need to:
- Clean and inspect items
- Wait for the right buyer
- Handle messages and meetups
- Cover gas and maintenance costs on your vehicle
- Pay for expenses like moving supplies
- Remember to save for taxes, as you are an independent contractor for Sharetown
Like most side hustles, the more effort and consistency you put in, the more you can earn.
Pros of being a Sharetown rep
Here’s what I think are the biggest pros:
- No upfront inventory cost – This is a huge plus. You’re not stuck buying a bunch of items and hoping they sell. You only pay Sharetown once the item is sold.
- Flexible schedule – You work when you want and fit it around your life.
- Real earnings potential – People are making real money.
- Eco-friendly – You’re helping reduce waste by giving these items a second life.
- Simple model – No website, no brand-building, no course needed to start. Just pick up and resell.
Cons of being a Sharetown rep
Of course, it’s not all perfect. Here are a few things to think about:
- You need a truck and space – If you don’t already have these, this side hustle will be hard and expensive to start.
- It’s physical work – You’ll be lifting mattresses and furniture. It’s not a sit-on-the-couch kind of gig.
- Time commitment – You’ll be messaging buyers, scheduling pickups, and doing local deliveries.
- No guaranteed sales – If something doesn’t sell, you’ll be stuck storing it until it does. But, you will also have a dedicated sales manager who will assist you in keeping items moving (like giving discounts or tips on how to get more visibility, etc.)
- You have to split your sales with Sharetown – While you’re doing a lot of work, so is Sharetown, so you have to split your sales with them.
It’s important to go in with realistic expectations. This isn’t a passive income stream – it’s a real side hustle that requires your time.
Who is Sharetown best for?
Based on everything I’ve seen, Sharetown is a good fit for people who:
- Already own a truck, SUV, or van
- Have extra space to store large items
- Are comfortable using Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist
- Don’t mind doing physical work
- Want a flexible, local side hustle
This could be a great side hustle for stay-at-home parents, couples who want to work together, or anyone who likes reselling and wants to earn on their own schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about making extra money with Sharetown.
What does a Sharetown rep do?
They pick up returned items (usually mattresses or furniture), store them, list them for sale locally, and earn money once the item sells.
How much can you make with Sharetown?
It varies. Some make a few hundred per month, while others earn thousands and turn it into a full-time business. Your location, effort, and resale skills will all impact your results and your profit margin.
Is Sharetown in my area?
You’ll have to check the Sharetown app to see if it’s in your area. They are in many towns and cities in the United States. I did read that they may be starting in Canada soon as well.
Do you need a truck to be a Sharetown rep?
Yes, or at least a large SUV or a van. You’ll be hauling bulky items.
Where do you store mattresses and furniture that you’re going to flip for resale through Sharetown?
Mattresses, couches, and fitness equipment are big! So, this is a great question to ask. When many new reps start out on Sharetown, they typically keep the items in their garage or a spare room. If you run a large Sharetown side hustle, though, some people may rent a storage unit (or even multiple storage units – one couple I recently read about has built this into such a large side hustle that they rent 4 storage units!) so they can flip a lot of items at once. So, the answer depends on how many items you plan to flip each month, as well as how fast you are going to sell an item.
Is Sharetown legit or a scam?
It’s legit. They’ve partnered with major retailers and have reps all over the U.S. I’ve found no red flags during my research.
How do you get started with Sharetown?
You can apply directly on their website. If approved, you’ll get access to their app and training materials. It’s very easy to get started!
Is it legal to sell used mattresses?
Yes, it’s legal in most states, but there are rules you have to follow. All of the reps are required to sanitize before reselling, but some states require certain certifications/tags, and reps are sent the appropriate labels from Sharetown to make sure they are complying with state laws everywhere. And, Sharetown has training materials that cover all of the above.
How long does it take to sell an item?
This really depends on your location and the demand in your area. Some reps are able to sell their mattresses or couches within just a few days, while others may take a few weeks to find the right buyer. High-quality, name-brand mattresses usually sell faster, especially if they’re priced well.
Do people actually buy used mattresses?
Yes. Many buyers are happy to purchase lightly used mattresses at a large discount – especially local buyers looking for deals. So, people may be able to buy a $2,000 retail price mattress for just around $500 – which is a great discount! Also, remember that most of these mattresses are barely used! People typically realize fairly quickly that a mattress is not comfortable and will not work for them, and they will start the resale process quickly. From the research I’ve done, most Sharetown reps say that the items they’ve accepted as a return were in nearly perfect condition.
How much does a used mattress sell for?
It depends on the brand and condition, but some can sell for $300 to $600 or more. Sharetown gives you a minimum sale price. You can sell it for more, but you cannot sell it for less than this amount.
Who do you sell a used Sharetown mattress to?
Local buyers can be found through Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp. You handle the listing and communication.
What happens if no one buys the Sharetown mattress?
You keep the item in storage and try to continue to sell it. You only owe Sharetown once it’s sold, so you’re not stuck with upfront costs. If you are storing the item for a while, you can talk to Sharetown (and your sales manager) about lowering the price below the minimum price that was set by them.
Does Sharetown have customer support?
Yes, Sharetown does give you support to help you with this side hustle. You will have a manager who helps you book pickups and determines pricing. You will also get training, access to a Facebook group with other reps (so that you can ask questions), and a support page.
How much does it cost to be a Sharetown rep?
There are no upfront costs to use Sharetown as a rep. But, you do need to have a large vehicle (a truck or a similar vehicle), a phone, and packing supplies (to protect the items while you are transporting and storing them). You do have to split the sales amount with Sharetown, and the split is different depending on the product and supplier.
Sharetown Review – Is Sharetown worth it?
I hope you enjoyed my Sharetown Review.
For the right person, I think becoming a Sharetown rep can be worth it.
You won’t get rich overnight, and you’ll need to put in some work. But the no-inventory cost model makes this less risky than some other resale-based side hustles.
It’s one of the few opportunities I’ve seen where you can:
- Start with no money upfront
- Work completely on your own schedule and set your own hours
- Potentially scale it into something bigger
If you have the space, the vehicle, and the time, Sharetown is a side hustle that you may be able to make money with.
If you’ve been looking for a real way to make extra money locally, without a lot of upfront investment, becoming a Sharetown rep could be a great fit for you.
Click here to apply to become a Sharetown rep and get started.
What do you think of this side hustle idea? What other questions would you like me to answer in my Sharetown Review?
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