Numbers and Why They Add Up to Becoming a Reseller

By now, you may have read a few of my reseller-related posts. If you are a thrifter, or if you want to reduce the number of collectibles you've gathered over the years [I fell into both of those categories], then you should consider listing those items on eBay. 

I still shop for myself when I thrift. Since I began reselling, more and more of the items that I buy secondhand are for listing. The numbers just can't be ignored. I buy items ranging in price from 49 cents to $2 on average. I list the items ranging from $5 to whatever the market will bear. I have made $5,000 in the past 12 months. Another way to represent it - my net sales average $300 a month. That is money on the ground $300 a month. Granted, there is work involved and I hope I have conveyed that concept. 

There is also the fun side of having the eBay app on your phone. Every time you make a sale, if you have notifications turned on, you will hear "Cha-Ching!" I also like to see what trends in sales. Vintage cookbooks are selling like hot cakes. Sewing patterns are slow and steady. CD sales surprise me too. It all boils down to having something for sale that is either rare, trending, or in short supply.

My goal is net $500 a month. I want to build that Big Red Barn and/or buy that property by the ocean. 

Nesselrode Pudding

To an English custard, add eight oz. of a smooth, chestnut puree, and four oz. of currants and sultana raisins plumped in tepid water, and candied orange peel and cherries, cut into dice; these four products should be in almost equal quantities, and should have been previously steeped in sweetened Madeira. 

The Escoffier Cook Book

Reseller's Numbers Game

Going through my things for sale, I have discovered three things: (1) I have hidden my thrift shop purchases in the oddest places AND from the Mr.; (2) I forgot I had even purchased certain items; and, (3) there are things I just don't want to part with (see Jurassic Park dinosaur figurine above). I have a small backpack full of dinosaurs that are keepers. 

My audience will have to bear with me while I experience the thrill of reselling. This is not a sponsored post for EBay, I am taking advantage of that site's offer of 50 free listings. As an aside, I have EBay slotted as my next stock purchase. Buy what you know, buy what companies that you use - example, I use EBay and have for years. unsolicited stock advice

So proud of myself, as of this post I have 38 listings, mainly populated by books (such as this 1980 publication below). I may list others but I have been at it pretty much all day, and it is tiring. 

I am pleased to report that fabric and quilts blocks have taken the lead in views and sales. I try to keep the fabric priced reasonably since I have certainly spent very little in comparison. 

In explanation of my post title, in an effort to make money, you should have as many listings as possible. A number's game of sorts. Because I am new at this, I am unsure what will sell quickly. I have read resell blogs but their posts are hit and miss (mainly miss) about their successes. 

My short-term goal is to amass $500 so I can pay off my Baby Lock sewing machine. My ultimate goal is to pair down my possessions. Should I suddenly leave this realm, my children will have neither the drive nor the desire to resell my collectibles. 

Other items I won't part with are my Madame Alexanders and vintage dolls, ceramic smalls, artwork, certain vintage hats and clothing, books on art, sewing, cooking and floral arrangement, to name a few. 

On Saturday, the donation bay at my fav thrift shop was overflowing nearly into the parking lot. There isn't a whole lot to do when you have to hunker down for these summer hot streaks. We look to be in for 100 degree weather for quite a few days. That said, it is perfect time for this reselling activity. 

9:00pm update to post - I made it to 50! Phew, what a marathon. My last listing of the day was this batik lighthouse block quilt kit. I have used so many pieces out of it, time to rehome the rest!

My first fabric sell is being sent out tomorrow.