Beginner's Guide to Reselling

Reselling is the practice of buying items at a lower price and selling them for a profit. It's a legitimate business model that has exploded in popularity thanks to online marketplaces like eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace.

The beauty of reselling is its accessibility—you can start with items you already own, scale at your own pace, and work from anywhere. Whether you're looking for a side hustle or a full-time income, reselling offers flexibility that traditional jobs can't match.

1. Start with what you have. Look around your home for items you no longer need. Clothes, electronics, books, and collectibles are great starting points.

2. Research your items. Before listing, check what similar items have sold for on your chosen platform. Look at "sold" listings, not just active ones.

3. Take quality photos. Good lighting and multiple angles make a huge difference. Use natural light when possible and show any flaws honestly.

4. Write detailed descriptions. Include brand, size, condition, measurements, and any defects. The more information, the fewer questions and returns.

5. Price competitively. As a new seller, you may need to price slightly lower to build reputation and reviews.

Smartphone - Your most important tool for photos, research, and managing listings.

Kitchen or Postal Scale - Accurate shipping weights save money and prevent losses.

Measuring Tape - Essential for clothing measurements and box dimensions.

Shipping Supplies - Poly mailers, boxes, tape, and tissue paper. Buy in bulk to save.

Label Printer - Optional but saves time and money vs. printing at home or the post office.

Steamer - For clothing resellers, a steamer removes wrinkles and odors quickly.

DealFlipAI - AI-powered deal finding to discover underpriced items before the competition.

eBay - Best for electronics, collectibles, and unique items. Largest audience but higher fees (13.25%).

Mercari - Great for beginners with simple listing process. 10% selling fee plus payment processing.

Poshmark - Ideal for clothing and accessories. Flat 20% fee but includes shipping label.

Facebook Marketplace - Best for local sales with no fees. Great for furniture and large items.

Depop - Popular with Gen Z for vintage and trendy fashion. 10% fee structure.

Pro Tip: Start with one platform, master it, then expand. Cross-listing too early leads to inventory management headaches.

Buying too much inventory too fast. Start small, learn what sells, then scale.

Ignoring shipping costs. Factor shipping into your pricing or you'll eat into profits.

Poor photos. Blurry, dark, or cluttered photos kill sales. Invest time in good photography.

Not researching before buying. Always check sold prices before sourcing inventory.

Underpricing for quick sales. Patience often pays off. Don't race to the bottom.

Neglecting customer service. Fast responses and professional communication build reputation.