Thinking about starting a reselling business on eBay and Amazon? Good call—this bizop (business opportunity) can be a great way to earn extra income or even build a full-time hustle. It doesn’t take a fancy degree or tons of money to get going, just a little time, research, and patience.
First things first, pick what you want to resell. Many people start with things they already have around the house—books, clothes, tech gadgets—or stuff they find at garage sales or thrift stores. As you learn what sells and what doesn’t, you can hunt for items that offer better profit.
Next, create your seller accounts. eBay is pretty beginner-friendly, and you can start selling almost right away. Amazon has two account types: Individual (no monthly fee, pay when you sell) and Professional (monthly fee, better for higher sales volume). Start with the one that fits your budget.
Think about how much to charge. Check what similar items have sold for—on both platforms. Price your goods reasonably and factor in shipping, fees, and what you paid for the item. It’s easy to get excited about high asking prices, but what people are actually paying tells the real story.
Photos and descriptions matter more than most people think. Use clear, well-lit pictures. Write simple, honest descriptions. People want to know exactly what they’re buying. If something has a scratch or a missing part, say so. It builds trust—and saves you from bad reviews.
Shipping doesn’t have to be a headache, either. Start small and learn how different carriers work. Free shipping can help sales, but make sure to include that cost in your price. Reuse boxes when possible to save money, and invest in a small scale to avoid surprise postage costs.
Last but not least, be ready to learn. Some items will sell great, some won’t. That’s normal. Each sale teaches you something new. Look for patterns—what time of year are people buying certain things? What listings get more attention?
Reselling on eBay and Amazon isn’t instant magic, but it’s something many people start on the side and grow over time. Go at your own pace, don’t be afraid to make small mistakes, and enjoy the process.