Reselling is a great way to make extra money or even start a full-time business.
These are the best tools to get started right now, without spending a lot of money.
You can upgrade your equipment if you want later, but this stuff can be used for full-time reselling.
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Websites to Sell On
The biggest platform to resell on is eBay. If you're just getting started, you should start there.
They have the biggest audience, so you have a greater chance of getting a good price for your items.
But once you get your eBay account set up, consider using at least one or two other platforms also. Each one has benefits that may not have.
Here are a few platforms that you should consider selling on:
Accutek Shipping Scale
You're going to need a shipping scale to properly calculate how much it will cost to ship an item. Miscalculating the shipping is the biggest mistake new resellers make.
If you miscalculate the shipping, you could actually lose money on a sale.
This is a great scale at a low price. I've used it for years and it works well.
It measures up to 110 pounds (49.9 kg), but can also be used to weigh letters.
Another good use of this scale is to measure the weight of your check-in luggage before you go to the airport.
Ruler
Any ruler will do, it doesn't have to be fancy.
I like using a tape measure because I can also use it for construction projects.
This is the one I use.
Label Printers
The next thing you'll need is a label printer. Luckily these are relatively affordable and are a requirement even if you'll only be shipping a few items a month.
There are 2 options here, you can go with a dedicated label printer, or you can go with a regular laser printer.
Do not use an inkjet printer. The ink is way too expensive and will eat a big hole in your reselling profits.
I use a simple Brother laser printer.
It's relatively cheap and super reliable.
Another option is a thermal printer. Since it uses heat to print the labels, you never have to buy toner.
Rollo printers are a good way to go.
Shipping Labels
Once you buy a printer, you'll have to buy labels for your printer.
For a standard printer, it's best to buy the 2 part labels, then cut them in half.
If you buy a thermal printer, get the labels that are made for your printer.
Barcode Scanners
A barcode scanner can be useful if you'll be buying and selling a lot of books or items with barcodes.
You can connect it to your phone via bluetooth to quickly look up prices on your favorite pricing app.
Pricing Apps
There are apps that will help you figure out how much an item is worth.
- Amazon (Android / iOS)
- eBay (Android / iOS)
- Scoutify (Android / iOS)
- Keepa (web)
- ProfitBandit (Android / iOS)
- Scoutly (Android / iOS)
- NeatOPricer (Android / iOS)
- ScoutIQ (books) (Android / iOS)
- CamelCamelCamel (web)