❓ FAQ

You can start with as little as $20-50. Begin at thrift stores where items cost $1-10 each. Reinvest your profits to grow. Many successful resellers started with under $100.

eBay is great for beginners with a huge audience that buys almost anything. Poshmark is ideal for clothing. Facebook Marketplace works well for local and large items. Start with one platform, master it, then expand.

For casual selling, usually no. Once you're making consistent income, consider forming an LLC for liability protection and potential tax benefits. Requirements vary by state.

Part-time resellers often make $500-2000 per month. Full-time resellers can earn $3000-10000+ monthly. Your income depends on time invested, sourcing skills, and niche expertise.

Start with clothing brands you recognize, books, video games, and small electronics. These have consistent demand, are easy to ship, and help you learn without major risk.

Thrift stores offer the best margins for beginners. Garage sales have hidden gems at low prices. Estate sales are great for vintage. Liquidation works for bulk buying.

Check sold listings on eBay for the exact item. Look at completed sales on Poshmark. If you can't find comparable sales, the item might be too niche or have little demand.

Aim for at least 50% profit margin after all costs. Many resellers target 2-3x their purchase price. Higher margins are possible with rare or in-demand items.

Check sold comparables and price at or slightly below average for faster sales. Factor in your cost, platform fees, and shipping. Leave room for offers on higher-priced items.

Free shipping increases sales on most platforms. Build shipping cost into your price. On eBay, free shipping can improve search ranking. Calculate carefully so you still profit.

Counter with your lowest acceptable price or decline politely. Some lowballers become buyers with negotiation. Don't take it personally—it's part of the business.

Common strategy is to hold firm for 30 days, then reduce 10-15% monthly. Seasonal items may need faster price drops. Some items are worth holding for the right buyer.

Low-priced items can work if they're quick to list and ship. Bundle similar items together. Your time has value—focus on items with good profit per hour spent.

USPS is usually cheapest for items under 1 pound. UPS and FedEx work better for heavier packages. Use Pirate Ship or platform labels for discounted rates.

Weigh your item with packaging. Measure the box dimensions. Use carrier websites or shipping calculators to compare rates. Don't forget to factor in packaging materials.

DIM weight charges based on package size, not just actual weight. Large, light packages cost more than their weight suggests. Keep boxes as small as possible to save money.

Use bubble wrap, packing paper, and sturdy boxes. The item shouldn't move when you shake the package. Add fragile stickers and consider insurance for valuable items.

eBay sells everything with auction and fixed-price options, taking about 13% in fees. Poshmark focuses on fashion with flat 20% fees and simplified shipping. Choose based on what you sell.

Use all available keywords in titles. Take clear, well-lit photos. Price competitively. On Poshmark, share your closet daily. On eBay, use promoted listings strategically.

Yes, cross-listing increases exposure and speeds up sales. Just track inventory carefully and delist quickly when items sell to avoid overselling.

Use natural light or a light box. Photograph on a clean, neutral background. Show all angles and any flaws. Ensure images are in focus and well-exposed.

Include brand, size, measurements, condition details, materials, and any flaws. Be honest and thorough. Answer questions buyers might have before they ask.

Very important. Buyers search using keywords. Include brand, style, size, color, and descriptive terms. Use all available characters. Avoid keyword stuffing with irrelevant terms.

Yes, reselling income is taxable. Track all expenses including inventory, shipping, supplies, and mileage. You'll receive a 1099-K if you exceed platform thresholds.

Deductible expenses include inventory cost, shipping supplies, platform fees, mileage for sourcing, home office space, equipment, and software subscriptions.

An LLC provides liability protection and can offer tax benefits. Consider forming one once you're consistently profitable. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Use spreadsheets or inventory apps to track purchases, costs, and sales. Take photos of receipts. Record everything for taxes. Simple systems work best when starting out.

Accept returns gracefully—they happen to everyone. On eBay, offering returns improves search ranking. For damaged items, partial refunds often satisfy both parties.

Always use tracking and upload it to the platform. If tracking shows delivered, you're usually protected. For valuable items, require signature confirmation.

Respond professionally and try to resolve the issue. Contact the buyer to make it right. Some platforms allow feedback revision after resolution. Learn from mistakes.

The death pile is unlisted inventory that accumulates. Avoid it by listing items within 48 hours of purchase. Set daily listing goals. Don't buy more until current items are listed.

Learn brand-specific authentication markers. Use authentication services for high-value items. When in doubt, don't buy. Selling fakes damages your reputation and is illegal.

Don't resell it. Try to return it to the seller. If you can't return it, dispose of it. Selling counterfeits is illegal and can get your accounts banned.

Systemize your processes. Batch similar tasks together. Consider outsourcing photography or shipping. Reinvest profits into more inventory. Focus on higher-margin items as you grow.

Have 6 months of expenses saved. Consistently earn your target income for at least 6 months. Have health insurance figured out. Start part-time and transition gradually.

Remember that reselling has seasonal fluctuations. Use slow periods to improve listings and source inventory. Connect with other resellers for support. Track your progress over time.