Reselling 101: How to Make Money from Your Thrift Finds
When I first started reselling, I was a young newlywed with a baby, and money was tight. I wanted to dress my little one (and myself) in beautiful clothes without breaking the bank, so I turned to thrifting. What started as a way to save money quickly became a full-time business. Now, I help other women learn how to resell their thrift finds for profit. If you've ever wanted to make extra money from secondhand treasures, this guide is for you!
Why eBay?
I've tried multiple reselling platforms—Poshmark, Mercari, Depop—but eBay is the best for getting actual sales. It might seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s the most reliable platform for moving inventory and making a profit. The audience is broader, and buyers are actively searching for items. Plus, there’s more flexibility with pricing and shipping.
First Rule: Never Ship Until You’ve Been Paid
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many new sellers make this mistake! eBay will show you when a buyer has completed their payment, and only then should you ship the item. If someone messages you asking you to ship before payment, that’s a red flag.
Second Rule: No Personal Information Over Messages
Buyers may reach out via eBay messages, and most of the time, it's innocent. But if someone asks for your phone number or email, do not give it out. eBay has secure messaging to protect both buyers and sellers. Keeping communication on the platform ensures you’re covered in case of disputes.
No Returns Policy
I don’t allow returns—it's just my policy. It might deter some buyers, but I’m okay with that. If you set your listings as 'no returns' and provide a detailed description with all flaws disclosed, eBay will back you up. I’ve only had one return out of a few thousand sales, and that was because I didn’t state a flaw. Accuracy in descriptions is key!
Use eBay’s Resources
This is a “Research” Loveshackfancy search for dresses. It shows that average sale price for all Loveshackfancy dresses are $88.35. Keep this in mind when you are an average Loveshackfancy dress you want to sell or when you are souring so you don’t over pay for something you can make a profit on.
eBay provides tools to help you determine what’s trending and worth sourcing. You can also create a store with a theme—whether it’s cottagecore, vintage, mall brands, or anything you love. A well-themed store builds customer loyalty, encouraging repeat buyers who appreciate your curated selection.
Get Reviews & Automate Feedback
Everyone including Ebay looks at reviews. Ebay posts good and bad, while Poshmark only posts good reviews.
Customer reviews are crucial for growing your store. Set your feedback to automatic so buyers leave reviews in return. Positive feedback builds trust and boosts sales. In the beginning, eBay limits your selling activity to establish authenticity, so focus on building a strong rapport with buyers.
How to Find the Best Items to Resell
Thrift Stores – My favorite places to source inventory are Goodwill, small-town thrift shops, and estate sales. If you can find a local thrift store that doesn’t check online prices, you can score some incredible deals.
Garage Sales & Estate Sales – People often sell valuable items at a fraction of their worth simply to clear space.
Facebook Marketplace – Sometimes, people just want things gone. I’ve found designer dresses for $5 this way!
Important Tips When Filling Out Your Post
Write a simple title that includes:
Brand
Size
Product name (if you know it)
Small Details (Color, Material,)
Make sure you fill out all infomation for item specifics circle to light up blue (see picture)
Each item that you fill out will help people search for your product to popo up. Don’t over click and make sure it relevant!
How To Write A Description
When writing product descriptions, it's best to avoid using AI-generated text that turns into long, drawn-out paragraphs. People don't have time to read a wall of text—keep your descriptions short, sweet, and to the point. A small, quick description works wonders, giving your readers just enough information without overwhelming them. By being concise, you not only make it easier for your audience to digest the information, but you also keep their attention focused on what matters most—your find!
Brand
Product name (if you know it)
Color
Size
Details
Measurements pit to pit
Measurements Shoulder to hem
Condition
How to Price Your Items
After you click on “ see how others are pricing it” it will give you a break down on items that have sold recently and the date! These can have a big difference in price if one was an auction and the other a New With Tag item. Keep that in mind when looking at eBay data.
Before listing, research similar sold items on eBay. You can do this by searching for your item and filtering results by 'Sold' listings. Pricing competitively will help your item sell faster. eBay also sets a " recommended amount" from past solds. This is not always accurate. Some might include autions for broken/torn items. Make sure you research and see what you certain intem is going for a price competitively!
Using Google Lens while shopping is a fantastic way to get an idea of what others are pricing their items at. Simply take a picture of the item you're considering, and Google Lens will help you find similar listings online. This way, you can compare prices and make sure you're getting the best deal or pricing your own items fairly when reselling. It's a quick and easy way to gather valuable information on the spot. you can also click on the listing and see all details. It a great quick and easy tool to use. I use it all the time while shopping online and local.
Photography Matters!
Good photos can make or break a sale. Here’s what I do for every listing:
Use natural light whenever possible.
Take photos from multiple angles.
Show any flaws clearly so buyers know what they’re getting.
Style clothing items on a mannequin or hanger to make them more appealing.
Use a solid, neutral-colored wall as a backdrop. I use my office’s grey wall with natural light from the east in the morning, which ensures all lighting is natural. Avoid yellow ceiling lights as they distort colors.
Just use your phone—no need for an expensive camera. If your phone is relatively new, it should be more than sufficient.
Take photos using your phone’s camera instead of the app’s built-in camera. Then, upload them to the app for better control over quality and editing.
Storing Your Finds
Storing your finds doesn’t have to mean taking up a huge amount of space. For me, it's all about getting creative with the storage options available. I store my items in small, labeled totes in my office, and for the more delicate or nicer pieces, I hang them in my office closet. Even if space is limited, there are still ways to keep things organized and accessible. For instance, consider using under-bed storage bins, stackable baskets, or vintage trunks that double as décor. You could also hang lightweight items in places like the backs of doors or on pegboards. With a little imagination, even the smallest spaces can hold your treasured finds!
Shipping: Make It Simple
Use eBay’s shipping labels – It’s cheaper and easier than buying postage separately.
Weigh your items – In the beginning, you will have to weigh each item, but over time, you’ll get better at estimating. I know most sweaters weigh around 1 lb, jeans are 2 lbs, and tops are usually 8 oz.
Packaging matters – I use amazing polymailers—cheap and sometimes eco-friendly! I prefer bigger polymailers so I can fit larger dresses and small jackets.
Don’t overstuff your packages – Avoid unnecessary extras like coupons or free lotion samples. Most buyers just want the item. However, I sometimes use tissue paper, and if it’s an expensive item, I add a Blow Pop sucker as a small extra touch.
My Personal Reselling Win
One of my best thrift flips was 3 pairs of Tiffany & Co. sunnines! They were only $30 each so I grabbed all three pairs and kept one for myself. I cleaned them up, took good photos, and listed on them eBay. Both pair sold within three days, over $200 each! This is why I love reselling—turning small investments into big profits.
eBay Selling Fees
eBay selling fees can be difficult to understand. They don’t break it down clearly in the payments section or order details after you sell something. Here’s some beginner advice: make sure your profit or offer is at least three times what you paid for an item. Selling fees can go up to 20%, especially if you’re promoting a listing, so always assume around 20% will be deducted from your earnings (though it’s usually lower).
Here are two examples of fees:
With a General Ad Fee (Promoted Listing)
Without Promoted Listing
Understanding these fees ensures you price your items correctly and maintain profitability.
Final Thoughts
Reselling is a skill that takes time to master, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a fantastic way to earn extra income. Whether you’re looking to make a little side money or want to turn it into a full-fledged business, eBay is the best place to start. Happy thrifting and selling!
Brooke
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I’m Brooke, a homeschool mom with a deep love for French Country elegance and a growing passion for Cottagecore. My journey began with a fascination for the timeless charm of French Country style, and as I embraced the beauty of simplicity, I naturally gravitated towards Cottagecore. Over time, I’ve woven these two aesthetics together, creating a cozy, sustainable home that reflects the best of both worlds. Thank you for joining me on this journey—I can’t wait to share more about the enchanting blend of French Country and Cottagecore living with you!
Ready to make money from your thrift finds? Learn how to maximize your profits with eBay reselling tips, including how to take great photos and write compelling listings that attract buyers.