What should I sell as a beginner reseller?
Good starter categories
Books are easy to source and ship, and have a dedicated market on Amazon and eBay. Clothing and shoes sell well on Poshmark and Mercari, but sizing and condition matter. Toys and games, especially vintage or complete sets, can be profitable.
Electronics can be lucrative but require testing and have higher return rates. Home goods like kitchen gadgets and decor are also popular.
- Books (ISBN scanning)
- Clothing and accessories
- Toys and games
- Electronics (tested)
- Home and kitchen items
- Collectibles (if knowledgeable)
How to choose
Look for items with a good sales rank on Amazon (under 100,000 in a category) and a price that allows for at least a 30% profit margin after fees. Use the Amazon Seller app or eBay sold listings to check demand.
Avoid fads and highly seasonal items unless you can time the market. Also avoid categories with lots of variations (like phone cases) as a beginner.
Where to source
Start with local thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance aisles. Online arbitrage from retailers like Walmart and Target can work, but shipping costs add up. Always calculate potential profit before buying.
Common mistakes
- Selling items you're not interested in or knowledgeable about.
- Ignoring fees and shipping when calculating profit.
- Buying too much inventory before testing what sells.