Ever feel like you’re drowning in stuff? Overflowing closets, a garage filled with items you don’t use, and a niggling thought at the back of your mind that you’re sitting on a gold mine?
Let me introduce you to Leslie Tucker. She’s a reselling guru who turned her “hobby” into a full-time gig, teaching us all that we don’t need money to start making money. And listen, this isn’t just about earning extra cash; it’s about potentially changing your life and your family’s life.
Curious? Keep reading and listen to the episode below.
The Secret to a Clean Closet: Reselling!
A few years ago, Leslie worked as a professional baker and dabbled in eBay sales as a way to spend quality time with her husband Thomas, who’s an eBay aficionado himself. Within 48 hours of selling her first item—a pair of used Dansko clogs—she received her first online income payment. From that moment, her approach to a clean closet changed forever. What initially started as a playful experiment to bond with her husband and earn some coffee money, quickly evolved into a full-fledged business plan to replace her day job.
The Steps to Make Money by Selling Your Clothes Online
Don’t be overwhelmed by the prospect of selling online; you’ve got a wealth of resources right in your home! Look around you. That pile of unused clothes in your closet is your starting inventory, and guess what? You don’t need a single cent to launch this side hustle. Leslie suggests starting with women’s clothing since they usually have a good resale value.
So, how do you make money out of this pile? First things first, get organized. Pull everything out of your closet and categorize them into two separate piles: one for donations and one for sales. And be brutally honest with yourself—discard items with stains, holes, or pet hair.
The Ultimate Guide to Reselling Clothes: Pricing and Listing
Once you have your ‘sell’ pile, the next step is to set the right price for each item. Wondering how to go about it? Scour the internet to check “sold” listings for comparable items and then undercut those prices, especially if you’re a new seller. The key is to be competitive without compromising your potential earnings.
Writing descriptions for your items doesn’t have to be a creative burden. Simply search for the item name and details online, then adapt the product descriptions from retailer websites to suit your listing. It’s that easy!
Selling Platforms: Where Do You Fit In?
Now, let’s talk about platforms. Leslie recommends starting on eBay, an evergreen platform that has been around for over 25 years and offers a global reach. If you’re looking for something more straightforward, Mercari is your go-to. However, if you’re a social butterfly, Poshmark could be the platform for you. It offers a unique community aspect and allows for online “parties” to boost sales.
Shipping Hacks for Reselling Clothes Online
The idea of shipping might seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. If you’re selling on Poshmark, they offer a flat rate for items under 5 lbs. Alternatively, Mercari offers discounted USPS Commercial Plus Pricing. And the good news is, you can print these labels at home!
Turning Setbacks into Learning Opportunities
You can’t please everyone. Sometimes, you’ll encounter buyers who want to return items. It’s all part and parcel of doing business. Approve returns graciously, examine the items when they come back, and learn from the experience. Your business reputation is vital, and good customer service can convert a one-time buyer into a repeat customer.
Don’t Just Sell; Resell Smartly
Reselling doesn’t mean becoming a hoarder. Set limits on the items you keep for resale. Always remember that quality trumps quantity. Also, be mindful of the seasons when selling items. No one is looking for a fur coat in the middle of summer.
The Bottom Line: Your Trash Could Be Someone Else’s Treasure
Seriously, if you’ve ever doubted the potential to make money by selling your clothes online, it’s time to give it a shot. You can start small, right from the comfort of your home. So, let’s turn that clutter into cash, shall we?
Okay, now that you’ve got a treasure chest of knowledge, you’re probably asking yourself, “Where do I start selling?” That’s like the ultimate question, right? Here’s a handy list of reselling platforms to help you decide where to set up shop.
Reselling Platforms:
Luxury Reselling Platforms:
So go ahead, pick your platform, and start turning your closet into cash!
Get More Knowledge Nuggets and Show Some Love
If this blog post got you fired up, you should definitely listen to episode #590 of The Chalene Show. It’s where Leslie spills the tea on how she mastered the art of reselling.
Not subscribed yet? Click here to subscribe to The Chalene Show!
Or if you’re keen to dive even deeper into Leslie’s world, subscribe to Leslie’s Podcast at: A Reseller’s Passion. And show Leslie some love on Instagram, YouTube, and all her other links.
Lastly, for those of you who want to be a part of a community that’s as passionate about life as you are, join the PodSquad!
One More Thing Before You Go…
If this blog post struck a chord and you’re hungry for more, don’t forget to check out Episode #375 – Turn Your Knowledge Into Profit with Lisa Sasevich. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
Let’s not just dream about making money or decluttering. Let’s actually do it! Because let’s be real, the most effective way to learn is by doing. So go ahead, make your life a little more fabulous, one sold item at a time!
