Free Resources
Selling online offers incredible flexibility and financial opportunities. This comprehensive resource guide is designed to help you build a successful online selling business with the best tools and strategies available.
How to Keep Your Inventory Organized
Keeping your inventory organized is essential for running a smooth and efficient online selling business. A well-structured system helps prevent lost items, speeds up order fulfillment, and makes it easier to track what’s in stock.
Use non-clear storage bins, label everything properly, and create a simple inventory tracking system to stay on top of your listings. No matter what platform you sell on, organized inventory ensures faster shipping and a better experience for both sellers and buyers.
Rubbermaid Bins | While any bins will work, we recommend using colored bins rather than clear ones for a cleaner and more organized look. We store all eBay inventory in labeled bins like these to keep everything easily accessible and neatly organized.
Label Maker | A label maker is essential for staying organized. We recommend using it to label bins, shelves, and storage areas to keep your inventory organized and easy to find. It helps maintain a professional and efficient system for your eBay business. We recommend this one because it is ink free and easily connects to your phone.
How to Organize eBay Inventory
• Why you need to keep track of every item in your store
• How to keep track and store your items
• How to make a system that works
• Use an Excel app to organize your inventory
• How to stay organized as you list
Streamlining Your Shipping Process
Efficient shipping is key to running a successful online business. A streamlined shipping process not only saves time but also ensures orders reach customers quickly and accurately. Invest in reliable shipping materials, such as sturdy boxes and padded envelopes, and use a label maker to print clear, professional shipping labels.
By staying on top of shipping logistics and offering multiple shipping options, you can provide a smooth and reliable experience for your customers, leading to faster sales and positive reviews.
Accuteck Postal Scale | This scale is a must-have for any online seller. It’s versatile, with both battery-powered and plug-in options, and comes in several colors—though the rose gold version is a favorite! This scale ensures accurate weight measurements, making it easy to calculate shipping costs and avoid overpaying.
Polymailers | Polymailers are essential for shipping your online orders. You can find a variety of stylish options on Amazon, or you can order eBay-branded polymailers through eBay. If you have an eBay store, you’ll receive a credit for eBay-branded shipping supplies every quarter. To find your discounts, simply go to My eBay > Manage My Store > Subscriber Discounts > eBay Shipping Supplies.
Febreze Fabric Spray | After trying several air fresheners for clothing before shipping, the new Febreze Fabric Spray stands out as the best. The fabric softener scent is a favorite, but there are other fragrance options available. It leaves clothes smelling fresh and clean, adding a polished, professional touch to your packaging.
eBay Branded Tape | Adding eBay branded tape to your shipments is a great way to elevate your packaging. You can get it through your store shipping coupon or purchase it directly on Amazon. It’s a simple yet professional touch that enhances your brand image.
Clear Shipping Tape | Both clear tape and eBay branded tape are used on every shipment to ensure secure packaging and a professional appearance.
Tissue Paper | Wrapping every item in tissue paper before shipping adds an extra layer of care and professionalism to your packaging. We recommend sealing the tissue with a “Thank You” sticker.
Bubble Wrap | Air pockets are essential for protecting most items in a box. We save all bubble wrap and air pockets from incoming packages, but if you’re starting fresh, Amazon offers affordable options to stock up. It ensures your products are secure during shipping and arrive in perfect condition.
Thank You Stickers | These stickers are a perfect way to show appreciation to your customers. Adding a “Thank You for Supporting My Small Business” sticker to your packages adds a personal touch that makes a big impact. They’re budget-friendly, making it easy to elevate your packaging without breaking the bank. Amazon offers hundreds of fun, stylish design options.
Label Printer | A label printer is a must-have for streamlining your shipping process. It allows you to print professional, easy-to-read shipping labels quickly and accurately, saving you time and ensuring your packages are labeled correctly. Label printers are very expensive, but this one offers quality printing at an amazing price, plus it is available in pink.
FREE Shipping Supplies from USPS.com | While you can start by picking up a few boxes from your local post office, it’s worth checking out the free shipping supplies on USPS.com once you’ve made a few sales. Our must-have items include the padded flat rate envelope, shoebox, and the 12x12x8 box. These are great for a variety of shipments and can save you money on packaging.
8 Shipping Supplies Every Online Seller Should Have
• Why having the right shipping supplies saves time and money
• Essential packaging materials every seller needs
• How to choose the best tape, labels, and packaging for your products
• The benefits of using free shipping supplies from USPS
• How to stay efficient and organized while shipping orders
Cross-list for More Sales
Want to make more sales with less effort? We always recommend Vendoo. Cross-list your items to multiple marketplaces in minutes, manage inventory with ease, and track your profits—all from one simple dashboard. Stop wasting time listing manually and start selling smarter.
Business Cards & Thank You Notes
If you’re turning your online selling hobby into a business, adding business cards to your packages is a great touch.
You can find affordable options on Vistaprint. As your business grows, you’ll go through cards quickly, so don’t stress too much over the initial design. We recommend including your eBay store name, link, and a simple “Thank you for your business!” You can also leave the back blank to add a personal handwritten “Thank You!” for an extra touch.
Including some form of gratitude in every package is essential. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a printed cardstock note. This small gesture makes buyers feel appreciated, boosts the likelihood of positive feedback, and encourages repeat customers.
Mastering Photography for Increased Sales
High-quality photography is crucial for standing out in the online marketplace. Clear, well-lit images help buyers get a true sense of the item, leading to increased trust and higher sales. Invest in a good camera or smartphone with a high-resolution camera, and use a clean background to make your products pop. Natural lighting or a simple lightbox setup can enhance the look of your photos, ensuring that they are sharp and professional. Great photos can make all the difference in driving sales and attracting buyers.
Neewer Backdrop | There are plenty of backdrops available on Amazon, but this is the one we recommend. When selecting a backdrop, make sure to choose one that’s at least 6×9 feet and made of fabric material for the best results. Keep in mind, no matter which one you choose, it’ll likely need some ironing or steaming when it arrives to get rid of any wrinkles.
iPad Pro | The iPad Pro is a great tool for capturing high-quality images and listing items all from the same device. If you don’t have a tablet, your smartphone can do the job as well. Make sure you buy the Pro to have a flash option.
Steamer | A steamer is a must-have for removing wrinkles from clothes before listing them. It’s quick, efficient, and much easier than ironing, making it perfect for getting your items ready to sell. A steamer ensures your clothes look fresh and presentable in photos, which can lead to better sales. Plus, it’s gentle on fabrics, helping to maintain the quality of your items while getting them wrinkle-free and ready for the next buyer.
Lint Roller | A lint roller is an essential tool for ensuring your products look clean and presentable in photos. Whether you’re photographing clothing, shoes, or other items, a lint roller quickly removes dust, lint, and pet hair, giving your products a polished, professional appearance. It’s a simple, affordable way to ensure your listings look their best and help attract more buyers.
Dress Form | A dress form helps display items in a way that shows how they fit and look when worn. Using a dress form not only makes photos more professional but also gives potential buyers a better understanding of how the items will look in real life.
Light Ring | The perfect tool to take your product photos to the next level. With its even, adjustable lighting, a light ring eliminates harsh shadows and enhances the details of your items, making them look polished and professional. It’s an affordable, easy-to-use solution for anyone looking to improve their store’s visual appeal and increase sales.
Where to Find Resellable Items
Starting or growing your online reselling business requires sourcing quality products at a low cost. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, there are numerous places to find valuable items to resell online. From local garage sales to online platforms like eBay and Craigslist, there are endless opportunities to find great deals.
Garage Sales | Garage sales are one of the best places to find resellable items at a low cost. With just a $1 investment, you can often turn a profit. When heading to garage sales, be sure to carry plenty of cash—$1s and $5s are ideal for negotiating. You never know what treasures you’ll find, and being prepared with the right bills can make the bargaining process smoother.
Thrift Stores | Thrift stores are another great source for reselling opportunities. Many new resellers fall into the trap of buying expensive brands at places like Goodwill, only to find out they aren’t selling for much more. To avoid this, either 1) have experience with the types of items you’re buying so you know their resale value or 2) quickly research items using the eBay app while you’re at the store. Keep in mind that prices at thrift stores are typically fixed, though you might score a deal during a half-off sale.
eBay | Surprisingly, you can find high-margin items to resell on eBay itself. Many sellers unknowingly list valuable items for too little, giving you the opportunity to snag a great deal. You can also search for bulk items by entering terms like “lot,” “bulk,” or “wholesale” to find bulk purchases at a discount. Just be sure you understand what you’re buying and know the expected resale price before making a purchase.
Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace| These are fee-free online marketplaces where you meet buyers directly instead of shipping items. It’s an excellent place to find free items to resell on eBay—just check out the “free” section to see what might be worth picking up. You never know when you might come across something like a Michael Kors purse for $25 and flip it on eBay for $80.
Estate Sales | Estate sales are similar to garage sales but typically involve a family selling off the belongings of a loved one who has passed away. Some families hire an estate sale company to handle the sale of everything. We recently attended an estate sale that turned out to be a gold mine, we spent hundreds but easily tripled our investment. There were name-brand vintage and non-vintage items, including a Ralph Lauren umbrella we bought for $1 and sold for $90. Estate sales can be a great source for valuable and unique items.
Should You Buy an eBay Store?
Maintaining an active eBay Store subscription can significantly enhance your selling experience by offering benefits like increased free listings and discounted fees. eBay provides several store subscription levels to cater to different selling needs:
- Starter Store: $7.95 per month with an annual subscription or $9.95 per month with a monthly subscription.
- Free Listings: 250 free listings per month (combination of fixed-price and auction-style).
- Additional listings incur a $0.30 insertion fee.
- Basic Store: $27.95 per month with an annual subscription or $34.95 per month with a monthly subscription.
- Free Listings: 1,000 free fixed-price listings per month. 250 free auction-style listings per month in select categories.
- Additional listings are subject to standard insertion fees.
- Premium Store: $74.95 per month with an annual subscription or $89.95 per month with a monthly subscription.
- Free Listings: 10,000 free fixed-price listings per month. 500 free auction-style listings per month in select categories.
- Additional listings incur a $0.10 insertion fee.
- Anchor Store: $349.95 per month with an annual subscription or $399.95 per month with a monthly subscription.
- Free Listings: 25,000 free fixed-price listings per month. 1,000 free auction-style listings per month in select categories.
- Additional listings are subject to a $0.05 insertion fee.
- Enterprise Store: Custom pricing based on business needs.
- Free Listings:
- 100,000 free fixed-price listings per month. 2,500 free auction-style listings per month in select categories.
- Additional listings incur a $0.05 insertion fee.
It’s essential to monitor your monthly listing activity to ensure your store subscription aligns with your selling volume. If your insertion fees consistently exceed the benefits of your current subscription, consider upgrading to a higher-tier store to optimize cost-efficiency. Conversely, if your usage falls below the allocated free listings, downgrading may be more economical.
To track your monthly fees and listings, navigate to eBay.com > My eBay > Account > Invoices. Regularly reviewing this information helps in making informed decisions about your store subscription, ensuring it aligns with your business needs.
Get Excited About Listing
Listing your products is an essential part of running a successful online business, and it can be a lot of fun once you get into the rhythm! Each listing is an opportunity to connect with potential buyers and showcase your products in the best light. The more excited you get about each listing, the more motivated you’ll be to keep your inventory fresh and your sales rolling in. Whether you’re perfecting your descriptions, snapping great photos, or optimizing your titles, every detail counts toward making that sale. Let’s turn every listing into a chance to grow your business and celebrate your progress!
1. Decorate & Organize Your Workspace
Need some motivation to dive into your listing tasks? Sometimes, a fresh, updated workspace can be the perfect solution!
Redecorating is a great way to reignite energy and get excited about spending time in the office. When new decor is added, it naturally makes you want to use it. A refreshed workspace provides the perfect environment to stay motivated and productive. Whether it’s adding a new desk, upgrading a chair, or incorporating vibrant colors and plants, make sure the workspace reflects personal style.
As resellers, we know that the office space often ends up cluttered with inventory, shipping boxes, and supplies. But to truly thrive while working from home, it’s important to enjoy the space where time is spent. A reselling room can be decorated to match your style—perhaps a boho vibe with lots of plants, pops of color, and a cozy spot to relax. Keep the workspace fun, comfortable, and inspiring. If the desk or chair isn’t doing it for you, sell it and invest in something new. A small change can make a big difference in how you feel about the workday!
Read more… Office Must-Haves for Working at Home
2. Set Work Days and Hours
Having a set schedule is key to thriving as a reseller. When you plan out your workdays and hours, it becomes easier to stay on track and accomplish your goals.
Start by buying a planner and using it regularly to stay organized. On your weekly schedule, write down exactly how many items you want to source, photograph, or list. Stick to your plan as much as possible to keep the momentum going.
Try to start listing early in the morning, even if you only have 30 minutes before heading out. That time can be put to good use. Set specific mornings or nights for taking pictures, and once the photos are done, you can list the items whenever works best for you.
Aim to list when you have the least distractions. And if something comes up while you’re in the middle of listing, don’t get frustrated. Remember, this is the beauty of reselling—you have the flexibility to create your own schedule and be available when needed.
3. Get Organized
Spreadsheets | Every time an item is bought for reselling, it’s immediately recorded in a spreadsheet. Details such as the item description and purchase price are noted, and once the item is listed, the listing price is added. When it sells, the sale price, fees, and total profit are logged. Google Sheets is used for this process because it’s accessible from anywhere, and the app makes it easy to update while listing items, even on the go.
Bins | Over time, many different inventory organization methods have been tried. What works best is organizing by brand name in alphabetical order. Each bin is labeled with a small sticker, such as “A-B,” “C,” and so on, making it incredibly easy to locate an item when it sells. Every reseller organizes inventory differently, so experimenting with different methods is key to finding what works best for your business.
4. Buy a Planner
Planners are a game-changer for staying organized and on track. When feeling overwhelmed with tasks or busy schedules, simply opening a planner and writing everything down brings clarity. Seeing the week laid out on paper makes it easier to focus and manage time effectively.
After searching for the perfect planner to assist with running a reselling business and finding none that fully met the needs, a solution was created. The Ultimate eBay Selling Planner and Poshmark Pro Planner are designed specifically for resellers. Each planner includes a comprehensive workbook to help grow and manage a reselling business with ease.
