If you’ve ever found something at a thrift store and thought, “I could totally flip this,” you’re already thinking like a reseller. Reselling is one of the easiest and most flexible side hustle ideas out there—and you don’t need a lot of money (or experience) to start. Whether you’re trying to make a little extra cash or build a full-on business, reselling can be a fun and profitable way to make money online.
I have taken the time to write a beginner-friendly guide that breaks down how to start reselling—from finding items to shipping your first sale.
1. What Is Reselling?
Reselling is basically the art of buying low and selling high. You find things—whether it’s at thrift stores, garage sales, retail clearance sections, or even in your own home—and list them for sale online at a higher price. The difference between what you paid and what you sell it for? That’s your profit.
There’s a huge market for secondhand goods and discounted finds, especially as more people are shopping online. If you’re looking for a side hustle that doesn’t require a huge upfront investment, reselling is a great way to start making money online.
2. Pick a Niche (or Don’t—Totally Up to You)
One of the best beginner reselling tips is to start with what you know or love. Picking a niche makes sourcing easier and helps you build expertise fast. Some popular reselling niches include:
- Clothing & Fashion (think name-brand or vintage finds)
- Electronics (like gaming consoles, phones, or accessories)
- Home Decor & Kitchen Items
- Books, DVDs, Vinyl Records
- Toys & Collectibles
You don’t have to stick to one niche, especially when you’re just getting your feet wet. But having a focus helps you get better at spotting valuable items and understanding what sells.
3. Where to Find Items to Resell
Sourcing inventory is half the fun of reselling. Here are a few of the best places to find items to flip:
- Thrift Stores – Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any local secondhand shop.
- Garage Sales & Estate Sales – You’d be surprised how many gems you can grab for a couple bucks.
- Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist – Great for finding bulk deals or even free stuff.
- Retail Clearance – Snag discounted items from Target, Walmart, or TJ Maxx and flip them (aka retail arbitrage).
- Your Own Closet – Don’t underestimate the stuff you already own!
Tip: Always check comps (comparable listings) on sites like eBay or Poshmark to see how much similar items are actually selling for.
4. Where to Sell: Best Reselling Platforms for Beginners
There are tons of reselling apps and platforms out there, but here are a few that are beginner-friendly:
- eBay – Great for selling just about anything. Perfect for electronics, collectibles, and random one-off finds.
- Poshmark – Best for clothing, shoes, and accessories. Super easy to use.
- Mercari – A mix of everything. Lower fees and easy shipping.
- Etsy – Ideal for vintage (20+ years old) or handmade items.
- Depop – Fashion-forward, especially for Gen Z shoppers.
Start with one or two platforms, and once you’re comfortable, you can always branch out or cross-list.
5. Beginner Reselling Tip: Price Smart
Pricing can make or break a sale. Here’s how to figure out what to charge:
- Search Sold Listings – Check what similar items have actually sold for, not just what people are asking.
- Recent Solds – The market changes constantly, so make sure you’re looking at recent solds!
- Factor in Fees + Shipping – Every platform takes a cut, and if you offer free shipping, you’ll need to build that into your price.
- Think About Your Time – Make sure it’s worth the effort! A 30–50% profit margin is a good starting goal.
6. Photos & Descriptions: The Key to Making Sales
Your listing is your sales pitch. Good photos and clear descriptions help build trust—and help your item sell faster.
Photo Tips:
- Use natural lighting
- Take pics from multiple angles
- Highlight any flaws or wear
- Include tags/labels for clothing
Description Tips:
- Be honest and detailed
- Add measurements (especially for clothes)
- Use keywords like brand names, colors, sizes, and item type (great for SEO!)
7. Shipping Tips for New Resellers
Shipping doesn’t have to be stressful. Most platforms offer discounted shipping labels and walk you through the process.
Here’s what helps:
- Keep basic supplies on hand (bubble mailers, boxes, tape)
- Reuse clean packaging materials when you can
- Pack items securely to avoid damage
- Ship fast (same or next day if possible)
You can charge buyers for shipping or offer it free and adjust your price. Test what works best for your audience.
8. Good Customer Service = Repeat Buyers
People remember great service. Even if you’re a one-person show, you can build a good reputation by:
- Answering questions quickly
- Shipping on time
- Being honest about item condition
- Handling issues politely if they come up
Positive feedback leads to more trust and more sales, especially on platforms like eBay and Poshmark.
9. Want to Scale? Here’s How to Grow Your Reselling Business
Once you get the hang of it, you can absolutely scale your side hustle into a serious money-maker.
- Source regularly
- Track profits and expenses (Google Sheets is great for beginners, it’s free)
- Use cross-listing tools like Vendoo or List Perfectly
- Batch your listings to save time
- Promote your items on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok to drive traffic
The more consistent you are, the more momentum you build.
Final Thoughts: Why Reselling Is the Perfect Side Hustle
If you’re looking for a flexible, low-cost way to make money online, reselling is a great option. You can do it on your own schedule, start with stuff you already own, and build something real over time.
It’s not just about flipping stuff—it’s about learning what sells, building a little business, and making money in a way that fits your life.
So if you’ve been thinking about it… consider this your sign. Go thrifting, list a few things, and see what happens. You might just surprise yourself.
Ready to start your reselling journey?
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