Ania's Finds

Reselling has become a popular way to earn extra income or even build a full-time business. With platforms like Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, and Depop, anyone can turn their closet clutter or thrifted finds into cash. But if you’re new to reselling, the process can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you stand out in a crowded marketplace? 

This beginner’s guide will walk you through the basics of reselling on these four platforms, from setting up your account to shipping your first sale. Let’s dive in! 

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## Step 1: Choose Your Platform 

Each reselling platform has its own unique audience, fees, and selling style. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide where to start: 

– **Poshmark**: Best for clothing, shoes, and accessories. It’s social media-like, with a strong focus on sharing listings and engaging with the community. 
– **eBay**: A massive marketplace for almost anything, from clothing to electronics. Auctions and fixed-price listings are available. 
– **Mercari**: A user-friendly app for selling clothing, home goods, and electronics. Known for its simplicity and low fees. 
– **Depop**: Popular with Gen Z and millennials, Depop focuses on trendy, vintage, and unique fashion items. 

You don’t have to choose just one—many resellers cross-list items on multiple platforms to maximize exposure. 

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## Step 2: Set Up Your Account 

Once you’ve chosen your platform(s), it’s time to create your seller profile. Here’s how to make a great first impression: 

1. **Username**: Pick a memorable and professional name. Avoid random numbers or symbols. 
2. **Profile Photo**: Use a clear, friendly photo of yourself or a logo if you’re building a brand. 
3. **Bio**: Write a short, engaging bio that highlights what you sell and your selling style (e.g., “Vintage lover specializing in 90s streetwear”). 
4. **Payment Info**: Link your bank account or PayPal to receive payments. 
5. **Settings**: Enable notifications so you don’t miss offers or messages from buyers. 

Pro Tip: On Poshmark and Depop, follow other users and engage with their listings to grow your network. 

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## Step 3: Source Your Inventory 

The key to successful reselling is finding items that sell. Here are some popular sourcing methods: 

1. **Your Closet**: Start by selling items you no longer wear. It’s free inventory and a great way to practice listing items. 
2. **Thrift Stores**: Look for high-quality, brand-name items at affordable prices. Focus on trends and timeless pieces. 
3. **Estate Sales and Garage Sales**: These can be goldmines for unique and vintage items. 
4. **Wholesale Suppliers**: If you’re ready to scale, consider buying in bulk from wholesalers or liquidation companies. 
5. **Clearance Sales**: Check out retail stores for heavily discounted items you can resell. 

Pro Tip: Research sold listings on your chosen platform to see what’s trending and what prices items are selling for. 

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## Step 4: List Your Items 

Creating compelling listings is crucial for attracting buyers. Here’s how to do it right: 

1. **Take High-Quality Photos**: Use natural light and a clean background. Show every angle, including close-ups of details and any flaws.  When a flaw is found make sure to take a photo of it. What I do is use a measuring tape and place it next to the flaw for the potential buyer to see the size of it and make a better decision.
2. **Write Detailed Descriptions**: Include the brand, size, condition, material, and any unique features. Be honest about flaws to avoid returns. 
3. **Price Strategically**: Research similar listings to price competitively. Consider starting slightly higher to leave room for negotiations. 
4. **Use Keywords**: Add relevant keywords (e.g., “Y2K denim jacket”) to help buyers find your items in search results. 
5. **Categorize Correctly**: Choose the right category and subcategory for your item. 

Pro Tip: On Poshmark, share your listings frequently to keep them visible in search results. On eBay, consider using promoted listings for extra exposure. 

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## Step 5: Master Shipping 

Shipping can make or break your reselling business. Here’s what you need to know for each platform: 

– **Poshmark**: Provides a prepaid shipping label for all sales. You just need to pack the item and drop it off at the post office. 
– **eBay**: You can choose to offer free shipping or charge the buyer. Use eBay’s shipping tools to print labels and track packages. 
– **Mercari**: Offers prepaid shipping labels, but you can also choose to ship on your own. Compare rates to find the best option. 
– **Depop**: Sellers handle shipping themselves. Use Depop’s recommended carriers or choose your own. 

Pro Tip: Invest in shipping supplies like poly mailers, tape, and a scale to make the process smoother. Create an account with the USPS and order free shipping supplies.

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## Step 6: Provide Excellent Customer Service 

Happy buyers lead to positive reviews and repeat customers. Here’s how to keep them satisfied: 

1. **Respond Quickly**: Answer buyer questions and messages promptly. 
2. **Ship Fast**: Aim to ship items within 1-2 business days.  I recommend next business day.
3. **Package Carefully**: Use sturdy packaging to prevent damage during transit. 
4. **Include a Thank-You Note**: A small gesture like a thank-you note can leave a lasting impression. 
5. **Handle Issues Gracefully**: If a problem arises, communicate openly and offer solutions like returns or discounts. 

Pro Tip: On all platforms, positive reviews can boost your seller rating and attract more buyers. 

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## Step 7: Scale Your Business 

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to grow your reselling business. Here are some tips: 

1. **Invest in Tools**: Use apps like Vendoo, Flyp Reseller Tool, or List Perfectly to cross-list items and manage inventory. 
2. **Track Your Profits**: Keep a spreadsheet of your expenses and earnings to understand your profit margins. 
3. **Stay on Top of Trends**: Follow fashion blogs, social media, and reselling communities to spot trending items. 
4. **Build a Brand**: Create a cohesive aesthetic for your shop and consider offering bundles or discounts. 
5. **Network with Other Resellers**: Join social media groups or communities to share tips and learn from others. 

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Reselling on Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, and Depop can be a rewarding way to declutter your space, express your creativity, and earn money. While it takes time and effort to build a successful reselling business, the steps above will set you on the right path. 

Remember, every reseller started as a beginner. Be patient, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies. Follow my blog for more tips and inspiration: http://www.aniasfinds.com Happy reselling! 

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Do you have any reselling tips or questions? Share them in the comments below!