How to Become a Successful Reseller

Collect some new cash for your old goods.

You've just cleaned out your garage, closet or attic and found some stuff that you no longer need but that someone else might treasure. Reselling is a way to cash in on the value of these old items, although it might take some time, work and research to get top dollar. In the end, however, you will have more space in your home and more cash in your wallet, and your old items will be put to good use once again. If you enjoy the project, you might want to make a profitable hobby of buying and reselling.

Instructions

1. Find resellable items. Go through your house to find items that are in good condition and still hold value but that you no longer use. Visit garage sales, yard sales and flea markets to browse for items that seem underpriced.

2. Determine where you will resell the product. Consider local consignment shops, websites, flea market booths and yard sales.

3. Research your product. Whether you are selling books, clothing or antiques, find out what the item is worth so you can have an idea about the resale value. It also helps to provide some informative and interesting history about an item to potential buyers.

4. Get your product in top resale condition. Clothing should be freshly laundered and free of any holes, stains or other blemishes. Book covers and pages should be clean and intact. Because some antiques require special handling, consult with an expert before trying to clean or repair the item for resale.

5. Look for resale or consignment shops with good reputations that will display your items in an attractive way. These retailers will keep a percentage of the selling price but may be able to get you good offers.

6. Display your items in an organized and attractive way at garage sales, yard sales and flea markets. Be courteous to potential buyers. Let go of any emotional attachment you have to your items and be prepared to negotiate on the price.

7. Become familiar with the process for reselling online. Read the website's rules and procedures, and follow the steps carefully. Include attractive photographs and thorough, accurate descriptions of your items.

Tips & Warnings

• Values of items vary from region to region.

• Don't be discouraged if a consignment shop rejects an item. Instead, ask why and learn from these retailers, who are experienced in making profits from used goods.

• Many consignment shops will offer little cash profit but will give you store credit.

References

• Resale: Resale Networking