Starting a reselling business can feel overwhelming.
Sourcing inventory.
Shipping.
Live selling.
Taxes.
Social media.
It’s a lot.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need everything figured out to start. You just need structure.
I started small, shopping clearance racks, stacking coupons, finding the best deals I could. Over time, I built supplier relationships, developed systems, and scaled my business into a multi-six-figure operation generating $50K–$60K per week in live sales.
If I could start over today, here’s exactly what I would focus on.
Step 1: Define Your Why
Before inventory, before platforms, clarity.
Are you starting:
• As a side hustle?
• To replace a 9–5?
• For financial freedom?
• To build generational wealth?
Your goal determines your strategy.
Set:
• Monthly income target
• Weekly selling schedule
• Category focus
Reselling is flexible, but only if you treat it intentionally.
Step 2: Choose a Profitable Niche
You don’t need to sell everything.
Start with categories that are:
• In demand
• Easy to source consistently
• Easy to ship
• Profitable
Popular niches include:
• Beauty & skincare
• Designer fashion
• Collectibles
• Toys
• Sneakers
When I scaled, I focused heavily on luxury beauty and fragrance, and that focus changed everything.
Step 3: Set Up Your Business Properly
This is where most beginners skip steps.
Register your business (LLC or sole proprietorship).
Apply for an EIN (free through IRS).
Open a separate business bank account.
Track inventory and cost of goods from day one.
Clean bookkeeping makes scaling easier later.
Step 4: Start Smart With Inventory
If you have no capital, start with your own closet.
If you have a small budget, begin with:
Retail arbitrage:
- TJ Maxx
- Marshalls
- Ross
- Saks Off Fifth
- Nordstrom Rack
- Clearance racks everywhere
- Outlet malls
Thrift stores & estate sales
Online liquidation platforms
Your profit is made when you buy, not when you sell.
Step 5: Build Systems Early
This is what separates hobby sellers from real businesses.
Create:
• Labeled storage bins
• SKU tracking system
• Shipping station
• Inventory spreadsheet
Organization saves hours and prevents losses.
Step 6: Choose Your Selling Platform
You can start with:
• eBay- most versatile
• Mercari - quick flips
• Poshmark - fashion focused
• Amazon - advanced sellers
• Whatnot - live selling & fast inventory movement
Live selling is growing rapidly because it combines entertainment with commerce.
In my experience, consistency + community building is what drives real scale.
(We’ll go deeper into Whatnot in the next article.)
Step 7: Focus on Retention, Not Just Sales
Anyone can make one sale.
Building repeat buyers is where growth happens.
Ship fast.
Package cleanly.
Communicate clearly.
Be consistent.
Your reputation becomes your greatest asset.
My Story
Reselling gave me flexibility, financial independence, and the ability to travel while still running my business. It allowed me to continue my family’s legacy of entrepreneurship and build something of my own.
My dad has been in the perfume industry for 30+ years. My mom runs her own financial company. Entrepreneurship has always been part of my world, but I carved my own path in live selling and digital commerce.
If I can build this from clearance racks and coupon stacking, you can too.
Final Advice
Don’t wait for perfect.
Start small.
Track your numbers.
Reinvest profits.
Stay consistent.
The sellers who win aren’t the lucky ones, they’re the consistent ones.
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