How to Make Money As A Reseller

The resale market is on the rise. AKA – now’s the time to learn how to make money as a reseller!

With thrifty spenders and new generations preferring pre-loved gems, vintage is the new premium. This increased interest has opened up new business opportunities for resellers, both in-store and online.

With a niche for each seller and a steadily growing demand, entrepreneurs are creating secondhand empires in the retail space.

Today, let’s explore the nitty-gritty of this rising market and how to get started in resale.

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Related:

What is Reselling?

Reselling simply means you’re selling previously owned goods. You can sell just about anything, with top categories including:

Clothing
Purses
Furniture
Electronics
Collectibles

Shopping secondhand is a great way to get a deal, protect the environment, and find one-of-a-kind items you can’t find anywhere else; the same goes for selling second-hand!

And while thrifting isn’t a new concept, younger generations have done something we never thought possible – they made it cool!

It’s the perfect way to build your personal style while being environmentally friendly.

Coupled with the rise of e-commerce and the ultra-convenience of resale apps like Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp, everyone’s getting involved in the resale scene.

Why Reselling is a Great Way to Make Money Online

Reselling is an accessible way to make money online.

Start-up costs are low, with free platforms like Facebook Marketplace making it fairly risk-free.

You can start small by selling unwanted personal items or thrift finds, work on your own schedule, and explore industry trends until you find your niche.

It’s also a great opportunity for an eco-friendly business practice. Reselling or upcycling can effectively save unwanted goods from landfills and give them a second life.

Make Money as a Reseller: Getting Started

Let’s take the first steps in learning how to make money as a reseller!

Research and Education

For your crash course in resale, start browsing popular resale platforms.

This will give you a good idea about what’s currently on-trend, what’s selling, and what is in high demand. You can also take an online course from Skillshare for more expertise.

From there, start to carve out your niche in the industry. Whether it be vintage clothing, mid-century furniture, or rare collectibles, you’ll want to become an expert in your field.

Finally, follow successful resellers on their social media accounts for more tips and inspiration.

Finding Inventory

Find inventory at thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets, online auctions, or even your own garage. Over time, you can build relationships with thrift store staff or private sellers for early access.

To identify high-value items, do your niche research. For example, clothing resellers need to identify popular brands and quality materials like silk.

Budgeting and Initial Investment

Set a firm budget for your starting inventory. Buy what you know you can sell for a profit.

To track your investment, expenses, and potential profits, use a simple spreadsheet or app like QuickBooks.

Make Money as a Reseller: Listing Your Items Online

With the groundwork done, it’s time to start listing and selling.

Choosing the Right Platform

While cross-listing is a good tool for maximizing exposure, your efforts are better spent choosing the right platform (or two) for your listing.

Mercari

Audience – Wide demographic, Japanese app with millions of active users in America
Fees – Selling fees are 10% of the sale plus a small processing fee
Niche – Electronics, clothing, collectibles

Shopify

Audience – Self-generated
Fees – Plans start at $39 a month (plus a small transaction fee)
Niche – Ideal for those looking to expand their business and sell mystery boxes, subscriptions, or branded items

Squarespace

Audience – Self-generated
Fees – Plans start at $33 per month plus a small transaction fee
Niche – A good choice for creatives and thrift flippers

eBay

Audience – Global + primarily middle-aged
Fees – 250 free listings a month with an average fee of 12% on each sale
Niche – Auctions + collectibles

Poshmark

Audience – Primarily young to middle-aged women
Fees – The platform takes a 20% commission, and the buyer pays for shipping
Niche – Clothing and designer accessories

Depop

Audience – Young, primarily Gen Z demographic
Fees – Free listings with the platform taking a 10% commission plus a processing fee
Niche – Streetwear, alternative, and Y2K styles

Facebook Marketplace

Audience – Local and varied, buyers want deals and will often low-ball
Fees – No service fees
Niche – Great for quick, local sales

Etsy

Audience – Mostly female, young, and middle-aged audience
Fees – Fees are high at 0.20 per listing, 6.5% per sale, and a varying processing fee
Niche – Great for upcycled and handmade goods

Creating High-Quality Listings

For best results, include clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles for all listings.

Listings also need detailed, accurate descriptions, including measurements, material composition, and all flaws.

Remember to research your competition before pricing any item, calculating fair yet profitable prices.

Make Money as a Reseller: Management + Growth

Here are a few tips to continue your growth and maximize your ability to make money as a reseller:

Shipping and Logistics

I recommend partnering with an e-commerce shipping platform like Shippo or uShip to handle all of your shipping needs. These platforms will also show you the most affordable shipping options so that you don’t need to waste time shopping around.

When shipping, remember to provide extra packaging for fragile items and conceal expensive products.

Finally, set clear shipping policies with your buyers, including cost and time estimates for shipping.

Marketing and Branding

To make money as a reseller, you need to stand out from the competition. This includes consistent branding across all platforms, following a cohesive color palette, and developing a recognizable name and logo.

You can also leverage your social media accounts through Instagram or TikTok Shop to showcase your listings and connect with buyers.

If you’re interested in email marketing, Flodesk makes it easy to create branded marketing materials that fit your aesthetic.

Scaling Up

There are no limits in the resale space. Once you’re comfortable with the basics of how to make money as a reseller, consider scaling up by:

Reinvesting your profits into better inventory
Automating or even outsourcing tasks like shipping, copywriting, or photography
Exploring new markets and diversifying your inventory to reach new audiences

So, what do you think? Are you ready to join the thriving resale community? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

How to Make Money As A Reseller

What is Reselling?

Why Reselling is a Great Way to Make Money Online