How I Made Money Online Reselling Items: My Honest Experience

When I first started looking for ways to make money online, reselling seemed like one of the most straightforward and low-risk methods. I didn’t need to build a website, learn any complicated tech skills, or invest in expensive equipment. All I needed was a bit of time, some patience, and things I already had lying around the house.

Getting Started with Reselling

Like many beginners, I started by selling unused items from around my home — clothes I no longer wore, electronics I didn’t use, and even old books and DVDs. I listed them on platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace to test the waters. The first few sales were small, but they gave me the confidence I needed to dive deeper.

I quickly learned that there’s a huge demand for second-hand goods, especially if you know what categories perform well. Clothes, trainers, vintage items, and electronics sold quickly and often with a decent profit margin — especially if I took time to clean them up, write detailed descriptions, and take good photos.

I started to watch other resellers on YouTube for inspiration and learnt that there was a whole community out there who were doing this thing as their full-time job! This gave me a real sense of what was possible with this kind of business and I had people who I could go to for advice and support. The reselling community on YouTube really is one of the best and most supportive groups I have come across online and I couldn't wait to join in the conversation and start my own channel... but more on this later.

Sourcing Products to Resell

Once I ran out of things at home, I started sourcing items from charity shops, car boot sales, clearance racks, and online auctions. I set a simple rule for myself: only buy items I could confidently sell for at least double what I paid. At first, it was a bit of a gamble, but over time I developed an eye for profitable items.

One surprising win? A designer handbag I found in a local charity shop for £10 — I resold it for over £80. That was the moment I realised the real potential of reselling.

After a while I branched out into buying large bundles of clothing items from places like Bulk and Every Top Brand - (which I have reviewed over on my YouTube Channel if you're interested). However I would not recommend this for anyone who is just starting out. A large bundle of 300 dresses can be very overwhelming and if you don't have your inventory systems and storage set up it could be a disaster! More about this below.

What I Learned Along the Way

Reselling isn’t just about flipping items — it’s about research, timing, and customer service. Here are a few key lessons I picked up:

• Research is everything: Use eBay's "sold listings" feature to check if an item is worth reselling. Don’t guess!

• Presentation matters: Clean your items, take bright, clear photos, and write honest, detailed descriptions.

• Pricing smartly: Undercut slightly to sell faster, but don’t undervalue your items.

• Shipping counts: Offer quick shipping and package items properly. Positive feedback boosts your credibility.

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Income and Sustainability

Reselling became a solid side hustle for me. On average, I was making anywhere from £300 to £600 a month with just a few hours of work each week. As I scaled up and got more strategic, I created systems — tracking inventory, using templates for listings, and even batching my trips to the post office.

It’s not 100% passive, but it’s flexible and rewarding — especially when you realise you’re giving pre-loved items a new life and helping reduce waste.

Is Reselling Right for You?

If you enjoy bargain hunting, have an eye for value, and want a low-barrier entry into online income, reselling is worth a try. It’s also a great option if you need fast cash — you can often turn a profit within days.

To help others get started, I’ve created a step-by-step reselling guide and checklist, which you can find here [insert link to your course or guide]. It covers everything from where to find stock to how to price items, and how to manage shipping efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Reselling was one of the first online income streams I tested — and it’s still one I recommend for beginners. It taught me so much about online marketplaces, customer service, and what it means to run a small business from home. If you’re on the fence about starting, my advice is: start with what you have, learn as you go, and grow at your own pace.

Got questions about reselling or want to share your own story? Drop a comment below or reach out — I love connecting with others on the same journey.