Reselling is such a popular side hustle and business idea for many reasons. It has low start up costs (you can even get started for free!) as well as being flexible to fit around other commitments such as family life, a job or health conditions. In this post we are going to look at reseller business ideas for you to explore and start your own reselling journey.
What is reselling?
Reselling is where you purchase products from one place, such as a supplier or charity shop, and then sell it on to other customers – either through an online marketplace, at flea markets, on your own store, for a higher price.
There are so many examples of this including:
- Buying clothes from charity shops/thrift stores and selling them on Vinted.
- Buying items from wholesalers to sell on Amazon.
- Buying electronics from car boot sales to sell on eBay
And so many more!
Reselling is different to a homegrown brand where someone makes their own products to sell.
There are a few types of reselling that you may have heard of.
Online flipping is where a reseller buys items, usually second hand, from charity shops, car boot sales, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales and more and then resells them online for a profit.
Retail Arbitrage is where a reseller buys discounted items from retail stores and then sells them for a higher price. This is great when supermarkets have their toy sales!
Wholesale reselling is where a reseller will make bulk purchases of products and then sell them individually for a profit.
Why Is Reselling So Popular?
Reselling is such a popular side hustle and business idea for a variety of reasons.
Unlike other business ideas where you need to come up with a business plan including your target audience, predict profit margins and have a high start up cost, getting started can be as easy as raiding your own wardrobe for unwanted items, or taking a tenner to your local charity shop.
It is a flexible type of business that works well for parents – mothers on maternity leave often dip their toes into reselling and find that as their children get older and start attending nursery or school, they can fit reselling around those commitments.
It is also flexible for those managing health conditions – the flexibility to source items when they are well, and work when their health allows it.
There is also always a market demand for second hand products, especially with this upward trend for sustainability.
Reselling also offers a lot of opportunities for business growth. Whether that's sourcing more stock or hiring employees, there are so many chances to grow your successful business.
How To Get Started Reselling
There are lots of different ways to get started with reselling.
If you want to start reselling completely free then the first step is to start is within your own home. Declutter items you no longer use and sell them on places like eBay, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace. You can then use the money you make from this to start buying your first reselling stock.
For most resellers they usually start with a trip to their local charity shops, or in the warmer months, a trip to their local car boot sale.
This is one of the most effective ways to start a reselling business as it is low cost and doesn't require much research to get started.
You can, of course, explore other reselling business ideas such as selling on Amazon with Fulfilled By Amazon as well as exploring selling items from wholesalers.
Reseller Business Ideas
Let's take a look at some of the reseller business ideas you could explore for your reselling business.
1 – Second Hand Clothing
With interest in sustainable fashion at its peak, there is a huge market for second hand clothing, making it one of the best reseller business ideas.
Clothes are easy to store and easy to mail out – you will just need some simple mailing bags to send out your clothing parcels.
Buying second hand clothes from charity shops and car boot sales can be really profitable, with profit margins typically 50%+.
If you wanted to, you could specialise in specific areas, such as women's clothing, children's clothes, vintage clothes, wedding attire and more.
You can level it up by purchasing second hand clothing reselling bundles from other resellers or wholesalers.
More reading:
2 – Electronics
Selling electronics is extremely popular and it can be very profitable!
You can generally charge a high price for popular electronics, and even sell broken ones for spare and repairs.
When reselling electronics there are so many options open to you.
If you are technically minded then you could buy broken electronic products, refurbish them and sell them on for a big profit.
Alternatively you could look for electronics at car boot sales and sell them on.
Popular electronics for reselling include VHS players, cameras (digital and film), phones and tablets.
3 – Toys
When it comes to reseller business ideas, another popular area to explore is reselling toys.
Toys are very easy to source – parents are always decluttering as their children move on to new trends, so they are always easy to find for sale, and you can often bag a great bargain.
I've lost count of the number of times parents at a car boot sale have thrown in freebies just to get rid of stuff!
There is also a high demand for trendy toys, or toys that someone's child might be obsessed with. This could include branded toys such as Hot Wheels, Monster Jam, Barbie, Sylvanian Families and more.
Some toys also hold their value well, even if they are second hand.
Another reason reselling toys is so popular is that many of us millennials want to relive our childhood days, and remember our toys fondly. I am guilty of spending £15 on Vinted on some toys I had as a child, just to see them again.
4 – Reseller Business Ideas – Antiques
Gone are the days where you need to be an expert to resell antiques, and you can make money from selling collectibles like antique furniture, artwork, decor, magazines, books, jewellery and more.
You can source antiques from car boot sales, auctions, estate sales and charity shops, and use a tool such as Google Lens to help you to learn more about it and decide whether you can make a profit or not.
5 – Books
When it comes to reselling books, there can be a huge profit to be made if you go about reselling books in the right way.
There is a high demand for second hand books – especially for textbooks as well as rare or out of print editions. For example, students may opt for second hand textbooks to save money.
Typically, reselling books has a low start up cost because you can always find books at car boot sales and in charity shops – plus some people give books away for free.
Another great reason to resell books is that you can sell them on a variety of platforms. Amazon is really popular, especially fulfilled by Amazon, because you don't need to store the inventory at home and you don't have to deal with posting them out yourself.
Other platforms for selling books include eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Vinted.
There are some downsides to consider – there is a lower resale value for common books, and the condition of the books does matter. If you focus on valuable, niche markets then you can make a decent profit reselling books.
6 – Home Decor
If you have a good eye for home decor trends then reselling home decor could be one of the best reselling business ideas for you!
There is a high remand for both unique and affordable home decor, which as a reseller, you can provide. People are always looking to refresh their living spaces whilst looking for unique items within their home.
Home decor is influenced by trends and seasons – for example, cosy cushions and throws will be sought after in the colder autumn and winter months, and outdoor decor in the summer months. That's before you even think about big events like Christmas, Halloween and Easter.
Home decor is always easy to find to buy at bargain prices from charity shops and car boot sales.
There is also a rise in environmentally conscious consumers who actively seek out second hand bargains to reduce their waste and their environmental footprint.
Reselling home decor also gives you the chance to get creative – it might be that you spray paint a vase or add other creative finishes to increase the value.
There are some challenges to consider. With bigger items you will need more storage space and if the item is difficult to post then you limit yourself to local customers only. You also need to think about how you will market your home decor items to stand out against others.
Challenges to Consider
- Storage Space: Some home decor items, especially larger pieces like furniture, require significant storage space. You’ll need to manage your inventory carefully.
- Shipping Costs: Depending on the size and weight of the items, shipping can be expensive and complicated. Many resellers focus on local markets to avoid these costs.
- Market Saturation: Popular home decor styles can quickly become saturated, so it’s essential to identify niche markets or high-demand items to stand out.
7 – Furniture
Reselling furniture can be a highly profitable business!
Furniture can command a high price with significant profit margains, especially for rare vintage pieces, well-made pieces or items you have finished off to a high standard.
With a growing trend for sustainability, second hand furniture is really popular right now.
If you are creative then it also gives you the chance to refurbish or upcycle pieces to get more money.
There are also furniture niches that can be particularly profitable. These are:
- Antique and vintage furniture: These pieces can sell for high prices, especially if they are rare or come from well-known designers or brands.
- Mid-century modern: This style remains popular and often commands high prices.
- Designer furniture: High-end brands and designer pieces hold their value and are often sought after by collectors or luxury buyers.
- Handcrafted or artisanal furniture: With growing demand for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, handcrafted furniture is a lucrative niche market.
The challenges to consider include storage space, transport and the cost of repairs/upcycling as well as accounting for your time.
8 – Designer Handbags
Reselling designer handbags can be an extremely profitable business, especially if you understand the market and can source authentic items. However, it isn't without its challenges.
There is a high demand for luxury goods. Designer handbags from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Hermès have a strong and consistent demand, especially in the resale market. Luxury goods buyers often look for secondhand designer bags to save money while still enjoying the status and style associated with these brands.
Many designer handbags hold their value well and can even appreciate over time, particularly limited-edition or rare models. For example, classic designs like the Hermès Birkin or Chanel's 2.55 tend to increase in value due to their scarcity and high demand. This makes designer handbags a good investment for resellers looking for high-value items.
Compared to furniture or other large items, designer handbags are relatively easy to store and ship. This reduces overhead costs and logistical challenges, making it easier to manage an inventory of high-value items in a small space.
Challenges to consider when reselling designer handbags include:
- Authenticity and Counterfeits: The luxury resale market is flooded with counterfeit goods, so it’s crucial to ensure that every handbag you resell is authentic. This may involve working with professional authentication services or building your own expertise in identifying genuine products.
- High Initial Investment: Designer handbags can be expensive to acquire, even secondhand. It may require significant capital upfront to buy a small inventory of luxury goods.
- Fluctuating Trends: While some designer handbags retain value over time, others may be tied to short-term fashion trends and depreciate quickly. It's important to stay informed about which bags are likely to hold or increase their value.
9 – Reseller Business Ideas – Used Cars
Reselling used cars can be a highly lucrative business if approached strategically. There is always a demand for used cars from buyers needing affordable alternatives to new cars, which depreciate quickly.
Reselling cars can offer high profit margins, particularly if you know how to source quality vehicles at lower prices. Some cars, especially those that are well-maintained, in good condition, or popular models, can be bought at a discount from auctions, private sellers, or trade-ins, and resold at a much higher price. Flipping cars after minor repairs or cleaning can significantly increase their value.
One of the biggest advantages for secondhand car buyers is that vehicles lose much of their value in the first few years. Resellers can capitalize on this by acquiring gently used cars that have already experienced the steepest depreciation. A well-maintained used car can be resold for a price close to what was paid for it, minimizing the loss in value.
Cars are constantly being traded in, sold privately, or listed in auctions, which means there’s a steady supply of secondhand vehicles for resellers to choose from. Estate sales, dealership trade-ins, and online auctions are common sources for resellers to find cars at discounted prices.
Challenges to consider when selling used cars include:
- Initial Investment: Acquiring cars, even secondhand, requires a significant initial investment. If you're buying higher-end or newer models, this can require substantial capital upfront.
- Depreciation: While used cars depreciate more slowly than new cars, they still lose value over time. It's important to sell vehicles quickly enough to avoid further depreciation.
- Repairs and Maintenance: Some secondhand cars may require repairs or reconditioning, which adds to your costs. You’ll need to assess the car’s condition accurately to determine whether you can make a profit after repairs.
- Buyer Trust and Negotiations: Used car buyers can be wary of the condition and history of a vehicle, so you'll need to be transparent about the car's history, mileage, and any previous repairs. Negotiations can also be tough, as buyers often try to get the lowest possible price.
10 – Sell Anything & Everything
When it comes to reselling business ideas, this one is probably one of the best – sell anything and everything that you can make a profit from!
You don't have to choose a specialist area when it comes to reselling, and you can just pick up items to resell that interest you and that you know you can sell for a profit, whether that's clothes, books, electronics, home decor or something else entirely.
More reading:
- Is it okay to buy from charity shops to sell on eBay?
- 10 things you need to know before you start your reselling business
- Boost your reselling income
Top Tips For Reselling
Reselling can be a profitable venture and a great way to start your own business, especially in recent years when the rise of online platforms and tools has made it easier than ever. Whether you’re selling vintage clothing, designer shoes, or even event tickets, reselling allows you to tap into existing demand while working toward building a sustainable ecommerce store. Here are some top tips for running a successful online resale business:
Identify Your Niche
One of the first steps in building your reselling business model is choosing the right niche. Specializing in a category such as vintage apparel, beauty products, action figures, or antique dealer items gives you an edge by offering unique product offerings. Having niche expertise will also make it easier to target specific potential buyers.
Leverage Online Platforms and Marketplaces
The best ways to reach a broader audience and grow your customer base is by listing your products on popular online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and Vinted. These platforms give you access to millions of potential customers worldwide. Additionally, having your own website or online store provides more control over your customer experience and allows you to build your brand.
Create a Strong Marketing Plan
To attract potential buyers and increase sales, develop a solid marketing plan. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your resale items, run ads, and engage with own customers. You can also write blog posts related to your products to improve visibility in search engines. Incorporating online courses or guides can also help educate customers and build trust, especially if you’re selling niche items like designer shoes or electronic devices.
Focus on Profit Margins
To make your reselling business model sustainable, always consider your cost of purchase and set competitive prices that still allow for healthy profit margins. Whether sourcing items from garage sales, thrift shops, or purchasing wholesale clothing, your ability to flip items at a higher retail price is key to profitability. If you’re using a dropshipping business, you’ll need to factor in shipping and handling costs while ensuring your prices remain competitive.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
The best part of running a successful online business is happy customers. Focus on offering great customer support, from responding to queries quickly to ensuring prompt and safe delivery of products. Encourage positive reviews and always aim to improve the customer experience to turn one-time buyers into loyal, repeat customers.
Explore Multiple Revenue Streams
In addition to reselling physical items, you can expand your online shop by exploring other business opportunities. For instance, selling subscription boxes or offering drop shipping services are ways to generate recurring income. You can also sell domain names, raw materials, or even book yourself as a booking agent for events to diversify your income.
Optimize Your Online Presence
Invest in quality graphic design for your website and product listings. Your own ecommerce business will benefit from a professional look, which helps attract a broader audience. This investment will not only improve credibility but also differentiate you from competitors.
