(a.k.a. Things I Had to Learn the Hard (and Sometimes Embarrassing) Way)
Okay, so here’s the deal: when I first started reselling, I had no clue what I was doing. None. I thought I was about to be rich by flipping an old pair of Converse and a dusty handbag I found at Goodwill. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. 😅
But now that I’ve figured out what works (and what really doesn’t), I’m here to save you from the same chaos. If you’re just starting your reselling side hustle—or even just thinking about it—read this first.
Trust me, your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.
1. You Do Not Need to Hoard 500 Items to Get Started
I really thought I needed a massive inventory before I could call myself a “real reseller.” Sis, no. You can start with five things from your closet, a roll of tape, and a dream. Don’t let TikTok hauls fool you—start small and work your way up. Your floor space (and your sanity) will appreciate it.
2. If You’re Not Checking Comps, You’re Just Guessing (and Probably Guessing Wrong)
“Comps” = comparable sold listings. AKA: what the item has actually sold for—not what Becky is asking for it in her overpriced eBay listing. I once bought a Juicy Couture hoodie thinking I struck gold. Turns out, everyone else did too. And now I own a sad, unsold hoodie and a little bit of shame.
3. Not Everything You List Will Sell—and That’s Just Life
Sometimes, you’ll find an item, clean it, photograph it, write the cutest description ever—and it still sits for six months like it’s waiting for a bus that never comes. That doesn’t mean you suck. It means buyers are weird and the algorithm is rude. Relist it, move on, drink water.
4. Photos Sell the Product—Not Your Vibe
Listen. I used to take listing pics in dim lighting with a wrinkled sheet as the background. The vibe? Haunted thrift store. 😬 You don’t need a fancy setup, but clean lighting and a tidy backdrop go a long way. Bonus points if your pics don’t look like they were taken in a crypt.
5. Write Like You’re Explaining It to a Goldfish (But a Cute One)
People don’t read. Shocking, I know. Your descriptions should be clear, simple, and honest. Brand, size, condition, color, flaws. Boom. Use keywords buyers might search for, but don’t get weird. No one’s looking for a “feminine, flirty lilac blouse that sparkles with whimsy.” It’s a shirt. Chill.
6. Fees Will Sneak Up On You Like a Ghost in a Horror Movie
Just when you think you made a solid $30 sale—bam! The platform takes a chunk, shipping takes another bite, and suddenly you’re left with $12 and a tiny bit of rage. Before pricing anything, know the platform’s fees, add in shipping, and then figure out your profit. Math sucks, but broke sucks more.
7. Shipping Isn’t Scary—Unless You Make It Scary
I used to panic every time I made a sale, like I was launching a rocket to space instead of mailing a shirt. It’s not that deep. Grab some polymailers, tape, and a shipping scale. Most platforms hand you a label and say, “Here you go, champ.” Stick it on, drop it off, done.
8. Not Every Fancy Brand is Worth Flipping (Looking at You, Abercrombie Circa 2007)
I once bought a “name brand” top that looked fancy but had the resale value of a potato. Just because it’s branded doesn’t mean it’s in demand. Use your phone. Google. Check comps. Don’t buy junk in a label’s clothing.
9. Stop Wasting Time on Items That Only Make You $2
At first, I listed every single thing—even if it made me like $1.74 after fees. Babes, your time is worth more than that. Listing, photographing, and shipping takes effort. Save that energy for higher-profit flips that don’t make you question your life choices.
10. You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—You Just Need to Keep Going
You will mess up. You’ll price something wrong. You’ll accidentally ship a shirt in a box meant for boots. It’s fine. Keep showing up, keep listing, and don’t let overthinking slow you down. This is a marathon, not a TikTok trend.
Final Thoughts
Reselling is honestly one of the easiest ways to start making money online. You don’t need a business degree or fancy tools—you just need Wi-Fi, a few items, and some hustle. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t forget to laugh at yourself along the way.
Because if you can’t laugh when your “rare collectible mug” ends up being worth $0.99… what even is the point?
