Hello, friends!
Today, I wanted to share what I’ve been up to since deciding to leave the brokerage I planned to work for after getting my real estate license. In May of this year, I embarked on a completely unexpected journey—I became a reseller. It’s nothing I ever imagined I’d be doing, but surprisingly, it has become something I enjoy immensely and plan to continue as long as I remain profitable.
This topic might be polarizing, and I know some of you may have strong opinions on either side. I welcome your thoughts, as long as they are shared respectfully. My goal with this post is simply to share my journey, in case any of you are considering reselling for yourselves.
Earlier this year, I shared how 2023 felt like a year of transition for me. While my initial path toward working as a real estate agent ended almost as abruptly as it began, I still felt ready to embark on a new journey that involved less focus on my stationery business.
After I made the decision to leave the real estate office, I felt really lost and overwhelmed with emotions. For the first week, I threw myself back into my stationery business but quickly lost steam because my heart simply wasn’t in it like it used to be. I’m not ready to close that chapter entirely, but I am definitely ready to explore new ventures.
In my quest for inspiration, I looked everywhere—from conversations with friends to extensive online research and endless scrolling through social media. One opportunity that kept popping up was reselling. Initially, I was skeptical, remembering my annoyance at encountering resellers in thrift stores. However, recognizing that I could start small by selling items from my own closet, I decided to give it a go in early May. It seemed like a low-risk, low-effort option that didn’t require a huge commitment.
Besides, I already loved thrifting—turning a hobby into a potential income stream seemed like a perfect way to supplement my earnings.
Now, nearly four months into this new venture, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Reselling is fairly easy if you’re willing to learn as you go. While I had watched countless videos and followed many resellers online, nothing beats personal experience. There are general tips that work universally, but much of the learning comes from making your own mistakes and finding more efficient ways to operate.
- Reselling is not passive income. Unlike my previous work, which involved a lot of desk time, reselling requires active involvement—sourcing, photographing, listing, packing, and shipping. It’s constant work, every day, to keep the business moving.
- Popularity doesn’t guarantee a sale. Every experienced reseller emphasizes, “check comps.” It’s crucial to research whether items are likely to sell at a profit before investing in them. You want to run a business, not an expensive hobby.
- Lowball offers are part of the game. Learning to handle these without taking them personally is crucial. Whether you choose to decline, counter, or ignore offers, remember never to compromise your profits just to make a sale.
- Invest in your business. Many new business owners hesitate to spend money, but strategic investments can significantly enhance your operations. Tools for inventory management, cross-listing, and automating tasks can save time and increase profitability.
Looking Ahead
As I continue on this reselling journey, my aim is to share both the victories and challenges with you all. Whether you’re a seasoned reseller or just thinking about starting, I hope my experiences can provide valuable insights and encourage you to explore new possibilities.
Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and stay tuned for more updates!
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