If you’re a mom looking for a way to bring in some extra income, reselling might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re trying to build an emergency fund, pay off debt, or just get a little breathing room between paychecks, this kind of side hustle fits into real-life schedules without needing a big upfront investment.
I started reselling back when I was a single nurse just trying to make a little extra. After a few too many moves, I realized I had collected more stuff than I needed. So I began by clearing out my own things—clothes, books, random household items—and listing them online.
It felt good to declutter. And even better to see money coming in from things I wasn’t using anyway.
These days, I know moms start reselling for all kinds of reasons. Some want to add to the family income without piling more onto the daily routine. Others, especially stay-at-home moms just trying to stay sane, are looking for something that feels like their own.
Whatever your reason, reselling is flexible, affordable, and easy to do in pockets of time throughout the week.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to get started, step by step. We’ll cover what to sell, where to find it, how to ship it, and how to keep everything organized.
If you’re ready to make a little extra cash without flipping your life upside down, this guide is for you.
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Table of Contents
The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Reselling Business
What is Reselling?
Reselling is the process of taking items you own (or things you find at a low price) and selling them for a profit. That could mean clearing out your own closet, browsing thrift stores, or spotting a great deal on clearance.
You don’t need a storefront or business degree to get started. Just a phone, internet access, and a little time. Most people start by listing a few items online and build from there.
It’s a simple, flexible way to turn extra stuff into extra income.
Who Can Become a Reseller?
One of the best things about reselling is that almost anyone can do it. You don’t need a business background or a big investment to get started. You just need a phone, internet access, and a little time.
Reselling is a good fit for:
Stay-at-home moms looking to earn extra income without leaving the house
Working moms who want a flexible way to make money on the side
College students needing a side hustle that fits their class schedule
Retirees who enjoy thrifting or want a low-pressure income stream
Anyone decluttering and hoping to turn unused items into cash
People who love the thrill of a good deal and want to make money doing something they enjoy
No matter your background, schedule, or experience level, reselling is something you can start small and grow at your own pace. Whether you want to sell five items a month or fifty, you can shape this business to fit your life.
Why Reselling Is a Great Side Hustle for Moms
Let’s be real. Mom life doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for extra. Extra time. Extra energy. Extra anything. That’s why so many traditional side hustles just don’t work for us. Reselling, on the other hand, actually fits.
It’s flexible, low-pressure, and easy to do in the margins of your day. You don’t need childcare or a big financial investment to get started. You can list items while your toddler naps or pack up a sale after bedtime.
Here’s why it works so well for moms:
You set your own hours. Work during nap time, school hours, or whenever you find a quiet moment.
You start with what you already have. That box of outgrown baby clothes? It’s inventory now.
You’re in control. No shifts to request off, no boss to check in with.
It scratches that productive itch. Reselling gives you something to build that isn’t laundry or lunch prep.
It adds breathing room. Even a few sales a week can help with groceries, gifts, or savings.
If you’ve been craving something that’s just yours or just a way to bring in extra income without flipping your whole routine upside down, reselling is worth a try.
What Can You Resell?
The beauty of reselling is that almost anything can be turned into profit. You don’t have to hunt down rare collectibles or spend hours sourcing high-end inventory. Start with what you already have and build from there.
When I first got started, I looked around my home and realized I had more than enough to work with. I had clothes I hadn’t worn in years, duplicate kitchen gadgets, and later on kids’ items we no longer used. I listed a few things just to see what would happen. And when those first sales came through, I was hooked.
Here are some of the easiest and most common things to resell:
Clothing – especially name brands, kids’ clothes, or seasonal items
Shoes – sneakers, boots, and quality kids’ shoes do well
Books – think children’s books, homeschool materials, or niche nonfiction
Toys – especially popular brands like LEGO, Melissa & Doug, or Fisher-Price
Home goods – storage bins, small appliances, or home décor
Baby gear – baby carriers, monitors, diaper bags, etc.
If you have a specific interest (like vintage items, crafting supplies, or baby clothes) start there. Selling what you know makes it easier to spot value and talk about what you’re offering with confidence.
And don’t underestimate what you already own. Your closet, garage, and toy bins might be hiding a few hidden gems just waiting to become your first sales.
Where to Find Inventory
After you’ve gone through your own closet and sold a few things around the house, you might be ready to start finding more items to list. That’s when sourcing comes into play, and it can actually be a lot of fun.
You don’t need a big budget or fancy setup. When I first started reselling, I would fit it into the small windows of time I had as a snurse with a busy schedule. I’d stop by a thrift store after work or check local listings in the evening to see what people were giving away or selling for cheap.
What surprised me most was how many great finds were even in my own neighborhood. Whether it was a friend getting rid of furniture or a clearance section that had things deeply marked down, inventory started showing up in everyday places. The more you do it, the more you train your eye to spot what’s worth reselling.
Finding inventory doesn’t have to feel like another job. Just always keep a look out and you will be surprise what you come across. And you’ll get better at it with time and practice.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Reselling Business?
One of the biggest reasons reselling makes such a great side hustle is that you can start it with almost no upfront cost. You really don’t need a business loan or a cart full of inventory to begin. I started by selling things I already owned, like clothes from old jobs, books I wasn’t reading anymore, and household items from previous moves.
Once I made a few sales, I used that profit to slowly buy more items to resell. There was no need to dip into savings or make a big financial commitment. You can grow at your own pace.
You’ll eventually want some basic supplies such as shipping materials, packaging tape, and a way to print labels. But even those things can be added over time as your business begins bringing in money. Many shipping platforms also offer free materials, which can be a big help when you’re just starting out.
The point is, you don’t have to go all in from the beginning. Start small, reinvest your earnings, and keep it simple. That’s exactly how I did it, and it worked.
What Platforms Should You Resell On?
Once you’ve got a few items ready to go, the next step is figuring out where to sell them. The good news is, there are plenty of online platforms that make reselling easy even if you’ve never done it before.
I personally started with Poshmark because it was super beginner friendly and easy to get started. But depending on what you’re selling, some platforms might be a better fit than others.
For clothing and accessories, Poshmark, Mercari, and Depop are great places to start. They’re app-based, easy to navigate, and don’t require a ton of setup. eBay is a classic option that works well for everything from collectibles to electronics. And if you want to stay local, Facebook Marketplace is ideal for larger items or anything you’d rather not ship.
You don’t have to use all of them at once. Start with one, get comfortable, then branch out if you want to grow. Each platform has its own style, audience, and fee structure, so take your time figuring out what feels right for you.
If you’re looking for more help choosing the right platform, I’ve got a post all about Poshmark and how to get started selling there.
What Do You Need to Start Your Reselling Business?
You don’t need a fancy setup to get started with reselling, but having a few supplies on hand can make things smoother from the start. The good news is, most of what you need is affordable and easy to find.
At the very least, you’ll want a way to take clear photos of your items. Your phone camera is perfect for this. Try to shoot in natural light and use a clean background so your item stands out.
Next, you’ll need shipping supplies. If you’re selling on platforms like Poshmark, they’ll email you prepaid labels and you can use free Priority Mail supplies from USPS. For other sites like Mercari or eBay, you may want:
Poly mailers or padded envelopes for small items
Cardboard boxes for bulkier things
A basic printer or access to one for printing labels
Scissors and maybe a small scale if you’re estimating postage on your own
A few extras, like thank-you stickers or tissue paper, can be nice touches if you want to create a branded look, but they aren’t necessary. Keep it simple in the beginning. You can always upgrade your supplies as your sales grow.
Organizing and Storing Inventory
One of the things that surprised me most when I started reselling was how quickly things added up. At first I just had a few items stacked on a shelf. But once sales picked up, I realized I needed a better system.
Keeping your inventory organized helps you stay on top of what you have and makes shipping so much easier. You do not want to be digging through bins trying to find that one shirt that just sold.
Start with what you already have. Shelves, drawers, or under bed storage can work just fine in the beginning. Label your containers in a way that makes sense to you. Some people use numbers, colors, or simple descriptions like “shoes” or “winter tops.” I started with stickers from the dollar store and used a notebook to keep track of where things were. Nothing fancy, just functional.
As your inventory grows, clear storage bins, clothing racks, or closet space can help keep things visible and tidy. The key is to have a place for everything and to stick to your system. That way, when an order comes in, it is easy to grab, pack, and ship without stress.
Tracking Sales and Profits
If you want your reselling business to stay profitable, you have to know your numbers. It does not have to be complicated, but keeping track of what you are spending and what you are earning is a must.
Start with a simple spreadsheet. I use mine to log each item I buy, how much I paid for it, where I bought it, and how much it sold for. I also include the platform I sold it on and any fees that were taken out. At the end of each month, I total everything up so I can see exactly how much I made.
It is also helpful to track your business expenses. Things like shipping supplies, packaging, and any tools or resources you invest in should be recorded. This not only keeps you organized but also helps when it comes time to file taxes.
You do not need fancy accounting software to make this work. A basic spreadsheet or notebook is enough when you are getting started. The goal is to make sure you are actually making money and to help you make smart decisions as you grow.
Taxes and Legal Basics for a Reselling Business
Taxes might not be the most exciting part of reselling, but they are important to keep in mind once you start making consistent sales. The good news is that with a little preparation, it is totally manageable.
First, if you are selling on platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, or eBay, those sites will often handle state sales tax for you. They collect it from the buyer and submit it on your behalf. So in most cases, you will not need to worry about that part.
Where you do need to pay attention is your income. Any profit you make from reselling is considered taxable income, even if it is just a side hustle. That means you should keep track of your sales, your business expenses, and any fees the selling platforms take out. If you make over a certain amount in a year, the platform may send you a 1099 form for tax season.
It is always a smart idea to talk to a tax professional, especially if you plan to turn reselling into a long-term source of income. They can help you understand your specific situation and make sure you are setting aside enough for taxes each year.
Staying organized from the beginning will make tax time way less stressful. And having your records in order means you can take advantage of any deductions you qualify for, like supplies or home office expenses.
Final Thoughts on Starting a Reselling Business
Starting a reselling business might feel overwhelming at first, but it is one of the most flexible and beginner-friendly side hustles out there. You do not need a huge investment or a ton of time to get started. Just a little motivation, some items to sell, and the willingness to learn as you go.
Whether you are looking to make a bit of extra cash, build your emergency fund, or just have something that feels like your own, reselling is a great option. I started this journey with a handful of items from my closet and a few quiet evenings a week. Over time, it grew into a steady and reliable side hustle that fit perfectly into my life as a busy mom.
If this post got you thinking about starting your own reselling business, I hope it gave you the confidence and practical steps to make it happen. And if reselling isn’t quite the right fit for you, don’t forget to check out my list of side hustles you can start today!
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