Pricing Strategies Guide

Never guess at pricing. Always research what similar items have actually sold for—not what they're listed at.

How to research sold prices: - eBay: Filter by "Sold Items" to see actual sale prices - Mercari: Check the "Sold" tab on similar listings - Poshmark: Look at "Sold Listings" in search results - Google: Search "[item name] sold price" for cross-platform data

What to look for: - Average selling price across multiple sales - Price range (high and low) - How long items typically take to sell - Condition impact on price - Seasonal pricing variations

The 3x Rule (Minimum): Your selling price should be at least 3x your cost to account for fees, shipping, and profit. Example: $10 cost → $30 minimum selling price.

ROI-Based Pricing: Calculate your desired Return on Investment. Most resellers aim for 50-100% ROI minimum. Formula: Selling Price = Cost × (1 + Desired ROI%) + Fees + Shipping

Market-Based Pricing: Price based on current market conditions: - Below average: Fast sale, lower profit - At average: Normal sale speed, normal profit - Above average: Slower sale, higher profit (works for rare items)

Time Value Pricing: Factor in how long you're willing to hold inventory. Quick-flip items can have lower margins; long-term holds should have higher margins.

Price Anchoring: List slightly higher than your target price, then offer "reduced" pricing through offers or sales.

Odd Pricing: $47 feels significantly cheaper than $50 psychologically. Use .99 or .97 endings.

Bundle Pricing: Combine slow-moving items with popular ones. Buyers love perceived value.

Seasonal Awareness: - Winter coats sell best Sept-Dec - Fitness items peak in January - School supplies in August - Holiday items 1-2 months before the holiday

When to Lower Prices: - After 30 days with no interest - When market prices drop - To free up capital for better inventory - Seasonal items approaching off-season

Every platform takes a cut. Here's what you're actually keeping:

| Platform | Fee | You Keep | |----------|-----|----------| | eBay | 13.25% + $0.30 | ~86% | | Mercari | 10% + 2.9% + $0.50 | ~87% | | Poshmark | 20% flat | 80% | | FB Marketplace | 0% (local) / 5% (shipped) | 95-100% | | Depop | 10% + payment fees | ~87% |

Always calculate your net profit: Net Profit = Sale Price - Platform Fees - Shipping Cost - Item Cost - Supplies

Use our free [Platform Comparison Calculator](/tools/platform-comparison-calculator) to find the best platform for each item.

Hold for higher prices when: - Item is rare or hard to find - Seasonal peak is approaching - Market prices are trending up - You have storage space and low carrying costs - Item appreciates over time (collectibles)

Sell fast when: - Item is common and easily replaced - Market is saturated with similar listings - Seasonal window is closing - You need capital for better inventory - Item depreciates (electronics, fashion trends)

The 80/20 Rule: 80% of your profit often comes from 20% of your items. Identify your winners and source more of those.