Getting Started

Create accounts on 2-3 major reselling platforms to diversify your reach:

• Poshmark - Great for contemporary brands and social selling
• eBay - Excellent for vintage and unique items
• Mercari - User-friendly with lower fees, good for beginners

Complete all verification steps including linking your bank account, setting up your profile with a clear photo, and writing a brief bio that builds buyer trust.

Essential starter equipment includes:

• Smartphone with good camera
• Measuring tape (soft, flexible type for garments)
• Postal scale ($20-30 on Amazon)
• Plain background (white sheet or foam board)
• Basic packaging supplies (polymailers, tissue paper, thank you cards)
• Storage bins or rack for inventory

Pro tip: Visit USPS.com to order free Priority Mail packaging supplies if you plan to use their services.

Before investing in new inventory, start with 10-15 items from your own wardrobe that:

• Are in excellent condition (no stains, tears, or excessive wear)
• Still have life and style relevance
• Are from recognizable brands or have unique appeal
• No longer fit or serve your personal style

This zero-investment approach lets you learn the process with minimal risk.

Before listing, check what similar items actually sold for:

• On eBay: Search your item, then filter by "Sold Items" to see completed sales
• On Poshmark: Search your item + "sold" to view recent sales
• On Mercari: Search your item and filter by "Sold/Completed"

Record the average selling prices to guide your pricing strategy. Aim to price 10-20% higher than your target to allow room for offers.

Quality photos dramatically increase sales potential:

• Find a spot with good natural light (near a window)
• Hang a plain sheet or use a white/neutral wall as background
• If possible, use a dress form, mannequin, or hanger for garments
• Clear the area of distractions and clutter

Pro tip: The PhotoRoom app (iOS/Android) can automatically remove backgrounds for a cleaner look.

For each item, take 5-8 photos including:

• Front and back of the garment
• Close-ups of special details, patterns, and fabric texture
• Brand/size tags and care labels
• Any flaws or wear (being transparent builds trust)
• Styling suggestion (if appropriate)

Ensure photos are well-lit, in focus, and accurately represent the color.

Craft listings that convert browsers to buyers:

• Title: Include brand, size, style, color, and key features (max keywords)
• Description: Fabric content, measurements, condition, fit notes, styling suggestions
• Measurements: Bust/waist/hip for women's clothing; chest/shoulder/inseam for men's
• Condition: Be honest about any flaws or signs of wear
• Price: Set 10-20% higher than your target to allow for offers

Pro tip: Create a listing template to save time and ensure consistency.

Even with a small inventory, organization is crucial:

• Create a simple spreadsheet with: item description, purchase cost, date listed, platform, asking price
• Add columns for: date sold, selling price, fees, shipping cost, and net profit
• Store items in a dedicated space, organized by type or platform

Free inventory tracking templates are available on ResellerCommunity.com.

Each platform requires different promotion strategies:

• Poshmark: Share your listings 2-3 times daily, participate in "Poshmark Parties"
• eBay: Consider Promoted Listings (costs 1-10% extra if item sells)
• Mercari: Use the "Promote" button to drop price by 5% and notify watchers
• All platforms: Refresh listings by editing/relisting every 2-3 weeks

Consistent promotion significantly increases visibility and sales velocity.

Set up an efficient shipping station:

• Stock various size polymailers, boxes, and padded envelopes
• Purchase a roll of packing tape and scissors
• Print shipping labels at home or use library/office store services
• Consider a thermal label printer like Rollo ($180) if scaling up

Most platforms provide discounted shipping labels you can print at home.

When you receive your first order:

• Verify payment has been received/cleared
• Package item neatly with tissue paper and a thank you note
• Print shipping label through the platform
• Ship within 1-2 business days
• Update your inventory spreadsheet
• Message the buyer thanking them and providing tracking information

Quick shipping and professional packaging lead to positive reviews, which are crucial for building your reputation.

Once you've sold a few items from your closet, reinvest profits into new inventory:

• Thrift stores: Goodwill, Salvation Army, local thrift shops ($3-15 per item)
• Clearance racks: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack ($10-30 per item)
• Estate/garage sales: Often best for vintage items ($1-10 per item)
• Church/community rummage sales: Low prices but inconsistent selection

Start with a small budget ($50-100) and focus on brands and styles you're familiar with.