Starting a reselling business can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re trying to figure out sourcing, organization, shipping, and live selling all at once. Whether you’re brand new or looking to scale, having the right systems in place from day one makes all the difference.
This ultimate reselling business starter checklist walks you through everything you need to launch, organize, and grow a profitable resale business, with a special focus on live selling platforms like Whatnot.
Foundation – Mindset & Strategic Planning
Before sourcing inventory or going live, your foundation matters.
Define Your Purpose
Clarify why you’re starting your reselling business. Is it a side hustle, a full-time income goal, or long-term financial freedom? This clarity helps guide every decision you make.
Set clear goals such as:
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Monthly income targets
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Follower growth milestones
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Weekly show schedules
Create a simple business plan outlining:
- What you’ll sell
- Where you’ll source inventory
- Your budget
- Your selling schedule
Choose Your Niche
Start broad if needed, but focus quickly on categories that are:
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Profitable
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In demand
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Easy for you to source consistently
Popular niches include beauty, fashion, collectibles, and toys. Research demand before over-investing.
Business Structure & Legal Foundation
Setting up your business correctly protects you long-term.
Business Identity
Choose a business name and secure matching social media handles. Check domain availability early so you can scale later.
Legal Registration
Register your business as:
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An LLC
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Sole proprietorship
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DBA
Your choice depends on location and goals, but having proper registration builds credibility.
Tax Setup
Apply for an EIN through the IRS (it’s free).
Get a reseller certificate so you can purchase inventory tax-free from wholesalers.
Financial Systems
Open a separate business bank account and set up basic bookkeeping using tools like:
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QuickBooks
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Wave
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Google Sheets
Clean financial tracking makes scaling easier.
Smart Sourcing Strategies
Your profit starts with how you source inventory.
Retail Arbitrage
Shop clearance sections at stores like:
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TJ Maxx
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Marshalls
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Ross
These stores often carry brand-name items at deep discounts perfect for resale.
Thrift & Estate Sales
Local thrift stores and estate sales offer:
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Unique inventory
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Higher profit margins
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Less competition
Learning what to look for is key.
Online Liquidation
Platforms like BULQ, B-Stock, and 888Lots offer wholesale lots and returned inventory from major retailers at a fraction of retail cost.
Inventory Organization System
Disorganization costs money.
Storage Solutions
Create a labeled system using bins or shelves organized by:
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Category
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SKU
Track inventory using spreadsheets or tools like Airtable.
Inventory Maintenance
Keep items clean and photo-ready using:
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Lint rollers
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Steamers
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Disinfectant wipes
Professional presentation leads to higher trust and better sales.
Shipping & Packaging Essentials
Shipping efficiency impacts your profit and reputation.
Essential Supplies
Stock:
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Bubble mailers
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Poly mailers
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USPS Priority boxes
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Packing tape
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Shipping labels
Professional Tools
Invest in:
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Thermal printer (Rollo or Zebra)
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Digital postal scale
These save time and reduce errors.
Customer Experience
Include:
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Tissue paper
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Thank-you notes
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Small freebies
A great unboxing experience drives repeat buyers.
Whatnot Seller Success Setup
If you’re selling on Whatnot, setup matters.
Application Process
Highlight your reselling background or social following for faster approval. Professional presentation matters from day one.
Profile Optimization
Create:
A clear username
Professional profile photo
Banner image
Bio explaining what you sell and when you go live
Technical Setup
Connect:
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Bank account
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Tax information
Learn the seller dashboard so you can manage listings and auctions efficiently.
Live Show Equipment Mastery
Your setup affects viewer trust and engagement.
Essential Equipment
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Phone with quality camera or webcam
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Ring light or softbox
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Tripod or phone stand
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Organized backdrop or display area
Create a pre-show checklist:
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Auction order ready
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BIN items loaded
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Giveaways prepared
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Retail prices noted
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Water nearby
Marketing & Growth Strategies
Growth happens off-platform too.
Social Media Presence
Create business accounts on:
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Instagram
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TikTok
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Facebook
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Pinterest
Post countdown graphics, product teasers, and behind-the-scenes content.
Email Marketing
Build an email list using platforms like:
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Mailchimp
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Klaviyo
Send:
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Show announcements
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Exclusive previews
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Special offers
Branded Content
Use Canva to create:
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Show flyers
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BIN announcements
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Giveaway graphics
Promote your Whatnot store consistently.
Scale Your Success
Once systems are in place, scaling becomes easier.
Track Profit Growth
Monitor margins and reorder bestsellers. Reinvest profits into higher-quality inventory.
Platform Expansion
Cross-list using tools like:
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Vendoo
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List Perfectly
Collaborate with other sellers to grow faster.
Loyalty & Retention
Offer repeat buyer incentives such as:
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Mystery gifts
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VIP access
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Referral rewards
Always share MSRP during auctions, engage viewers by name, and run giveaways every 5–10 items to keep energy high.
H2: Want the Printable Checklist?
This guide is even easier when you have it in checklist form.
👉 Download the Ultimate Reselling Business Starter Checklist
(Link this to your free download or email opt-in)