Guide To Reselling On eBay - Making £1000+ A Month

Saturday, October 29, 2022

This is a collaborative post, but all opinions are my own

A few years ago, I started selling on eBay as a way to make some extra cash. I was sceptical at first, but I am currently making a tidy amount every month! With the likes of Depop and Shpock making it easier than ever to make money from home, why not give it a go? I will share some tips about Depop, eBay and Shpock, so you can figure out which platform you like the most. If you're looking to declutter your house or make some extra cash, here's how to make the most out of your eBay sales! 


I am by no means a professional, but I can easily £1000 in a month. I have even been asked by friends and family to sell their items as they know I can get a reasonable price for them. This guide is what I live by, and it works for me. It may not work for everyone, and it has taken a lot of trial and error to get this far. eBay is a great way to get a second life out of your old items. You'd be surprised to see what people are buying!  


How To List On eBay


Listing is one of the easiest things to do on eBay. You click a button, fill in the blanks and click post! Before you start listing your items, make sure you're aware of what you can and can't sell. On eBay, there are many prohibited items. Prohibited items include chance listings, firearms & weapons, offensive material and illegal services. You can check their prohibited list here. It's worth looking into the list, as you may want to sell some of the restricted items. You should also check with your courier. Some couriers won't allow perfumes, liquids and things with batteries.

Attracting buyers can be hard, but if you perfect your listing, you can have a higher chance of selling. I have a process when I list, so I have split this up into the following categories:

Sourcing/Research
Photographing
Listing

Researching To Resell


Sourcing is where you choose what to sell. This could be done either by selling your old things or reselling things you pick up cheaply from a charity shop, for example.

If you decide to sell your old things, you must make sure it works, and it is in good condition. When I sell, I use the rule of "If I haven't used it for a year, sell it" so that I don't keep clutter. It's helped me to clean out my wardrobe and keep things fresh. Remember, you get £1000 tax-free income for self-employment. You may not think what you're doing counts as self-employment. But, if you're selling regularly and making over £1000, you may need to register for tax purposes.

Sometimes, I will find a bargain in a charity shop or a toy massively on sale. I can profit from this as toys sell well around Christmas, and second-hand clothes always do well. It takes time to know what will sell. This is where research comes in. If you search an item on eBay, you can find currently listed items. On the left-hand side, you can see sold items, what they sold for and when. This is handy to determine if you'll get a good return or not! It also helps me to figure out a price to list my items for. I can also see what time of year it will do better.


Photographing


Your photo is something that people will see before they click on your listing. Whether you're using eBay or Depop, you need to get the photo right. People shop with their eyes, and when they're scrolling through listings, they want to see well-presented items.

If you're selling everyday items, make sure the picture is high quality. You want to show off the item as much as possible, so use natural lighting. I used to take my images by a big window, and they came out better than a ring light. If you don't have a window, a white ring light also can benefit your images. Make sure you highlight any defects and show the exact condition of what you're selling. It's better to be honest than misleading! I also use a neutral background. You don't want the image to be distracting. You also shouldn't use too many props as it can confuse the buyer to what they'll actually be receiving.

For clothing, model it or make sure it isn't creased. I usually use a coat hanger, but Depop sellers tend to prefer modelled items. It shows the buyer the fit of the item and how they can style it once purchased. Modelling clothing also makes it more Instagrammable, which is a selling point for younger people. You'll find that teenagers and young adults will be the ones making purchases from your shop. Make sure you take pictures from all angles and show any damages the item may have. It's also a good idea to include measurements in your listing.


Listing Your Item


The first thing you want to start with is a clear title. You should try to include brand, type of product/model and size. You should also mention the condition such as new or used. The title and image are the first things that potential buyers will see. You want to make sure you get as much information in the line as possible. On eBay, you get limited characters, so you may want to use abbreviations. You can use abbreviations like "BNIB" (Brand New In Box) or "BNWOT" (Brand New Without Tags). Here are some other ones you can use!


  • MIB - Mint in box
  • COE - Certificate of authenticity 
  • NR - No reserve
  • BNWT - Brand new, with tags
  • BIN - Buy it now
  • HTF - Hard to find

After you've written your title, you should fill in the blanks. If possible, fill in all of the item specifics as you can. It can help buyers find your things better and stop you from getting missing recommended specifics notifications! Make sure you've spelt everything correctly and that your descriptions are accurate. If there are spelling issues, people won't be able to find your listings as well. Make sure you clearly note any product issues, including minor defects. If your item has a box, it's worth mentioning if creased or dented too. When adding in images, make sure you rotate them the right way up. It can make a big difference to your listing!

I'd recommend setting the duration to 7 days and listing on a Sunday evening, if possible. Most people are active around 6-8pm, so you're more likely to get last-minute snipers if you list around this time. If you're busy, you can use the scheduling feature to list items exactly when you want them. I usually mix my listings between a Saturday and a Sunday. It gives me a chance to package the items before the week starts again.

When deciding a starting bid price, there are a few ways you could go. If it is an item that is valued at around £10-20, you may want to start the bid lower. I have seen keyboards listed at 99p that have sold for over £100. You can attract more bidders with a lower starting price, but you may not get the final sale value you're after. You could also start the bid at a price you're happy with, as it means you'll get the amount you want. I tend to do this as I will get last-minute bidders offering me the price I would like. On my auctions, I also allow private offers. This encourages people to buy an item. I always include a minimum offer amount per item to avoid getting people trying to pay a pound! Make sure you weigh your items and get an accurate postage price. You don't want to lose out because you forgot to weigh a parcel before putting in the shipping cost.


Packaging eBay Items


When you create your listing, you would have selected a courier. You can offer different postage rates for couriers. It means that one buyer can use Royal Mail while another uses Hermes. If you're willing to, you can even accept international orders. I have turned this setting off as I didn't want to deal with EU charges and possible returns. You can also remove some UK locations such as rural Scotland and the Isle of Mann. I did this because while they are in the UK, most couriers charge extra for shipping. It meant that I lost out on postage. You should also weigh your item. I have charged the wrong postage a few times and lost out. I typically use Hermes as tracking is included for free, and it is cheaper than Royal Mail. 

Packaging the item is my least favourite job. I will purchase and print all of my labels first. I put the labels with each item to ensure I don't send the parcel to the wrong place. I use recycled and eco-friendly packaging where possible. I keep all of the cardboard boxes that I receive, and my friends and family collect them for me. You can also ask your local supermarket or corner shop if they have any boxes. I have lots of chip boxes from Tesco, and they are a lifesaver! I use brown paper where possible, but I will reuse bubble wrap if I have any. Make sure you pack each item securely to avoid postal damage. Unfortunately, if the item is damaged in the post, you need to refund the buyer. You can take up the issue with the courier in your own time, but you have to sort the buyer out. I have also purchased mailing bags for clothing items and tissue paper to wrap clothing up in. 

What To Do After A Sale


Once the item has been sent, you can leave feedback for your buyer. I usually leave feedback once I have received feedback myself. If you want to leave feedback first, it may encourage the buyer to return the favour. Feedback can be beneficial to your shop and encourage future sales. You want to make sure you're only receiving good feedback. Make sure each sale is completed with a high standard and promptly. If you receive navigate feedback for no reason, you can contact eBay to get it removed. 

Sometimes, things happen, which aren't your fault. Deal with any issues the customer may have quickly and calmly. As a seller, you are liable for any issues that a buyer may have. It may not be your fault, but it can affect you later on. One of the main issues you may have is with shipping. I have had items arrive damaged before, and other sellers have reported missing items. I chose Hermes as they take pictures on delivery. I caught a woman claiming the package was all torn up, but the image showed it was in good condition. Taking images of your packaging can keep you covered if there are any issues. eBay sides with the buyer in most cases, so you want to have the proof ready for if you need to go to the courier. 

If a buyer hasn't paid within 48 hours, open a case. This will allow you to cancel the order later on and ensures that they can't complain if they don't receive the item. You will be given your listing fee back if a case is closed without payment. 


Storing Your eBay Items


You may get to the point in your reselling journey where your home isn't big enough to store your stock. I currently use the back corner of my living room, but it can become cluttered and overwhelming. It is always in sight. If you're looking to make reselling a big part of your income, you may want to consider external storage for your items. When moving your stock to a new place, you may need some help from professionals. Commercial moving experts are well-versed in what you need. They'll be able to pick up items and get them into your storage location safely. I'd recommend using heavy-duty shelves to stock items as they're sturdy and less likely to break or fall over. I'd love to get to the point where I have a whole shed full of items to sell! 

Things You MUST Remember


  • Is your item in good condition? People want items that will work. They won't buy a CD if it is scratched or a shirt with missing buttons. It is your job to check it functions before it is sent out. 
  • If not, state this in detail - If you want to still sell a faulty item, detail it. In the description, you must state any issues with the product. Some people actually buy faulty computers for parts or puzzles with missing pieces, so you can still list it, but make sure it is clear. 
  • eBay Fees - eBay and Paypal take a commission for listing the item and dealing with the payment. Don't forget this before taking money out of your Paypal account! eBay has recently started using bank transfers, which take the fee before giving it to you. I'd recommend offering bank payments as an option. 
  • Reply to messages/offers Isn't it annoying when customer services ignore your complaint? Well, now you're customer services, and it is your job to answer the questions. Don't ignore them as they could be buyers. The message could also be serious, like a complaint. Respond to offers as well, even if you decline them, as people like to know. Don't leave them waiting.
  • You're responsible for EVERYTHING - If you sell a damaged product without checking it over, it is your responsibility to sort it out with the buyer. It is misleading to sell a working item if it doesn't. You're also responsible for the product arriving and on time. 
  • People can be annoying - There will always be the person who offers you £1 when you list the item for £30. There will always be people who ask silly questions you've answered. You need to learn to deal with these customers kindly and in the right way.
  • Never send without payment - Don't send a product if you haven't received the payment for it. Even if the person "claims" to have sent it. They could be scamming you. 


I hope this simple guide to eBay has helped you. eBay is a great platform and gives me something to do. I also love giving my old things a second life. It can be difficult to get your head around at first, but it can be worth it when you're making a good income. I love selling my old clothes and I don't know how my finances would look without it. Do you sell on eBay or are you getting started? I'd love to know your top tips for selling on eBay!



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24 comments

  1. Wow this was so interesting to read - if I'm honest I've only ever sold a few things on eBay. The fact you make such a great profit is incredible. Thanks for sharing! Xx

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    1. Thank you! I never knew how much I could make. I sold a Christmas puzzle the other day and the bidding went up to £30!? It is wonderful for clearing out the house right now and making some money!

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  2. This is so useful and good to learn something new. I have not tried using eBay at all but will give it a try once the lockdown ends. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You're welcome! It is very useful plus I have found my sales are booming atm as everyone is home buying things!

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  3. Definitely been caught out on shipping fees before, but I wasn't aware Sunday evening is the best time to list!

    MB | http://www.megbeth.travel.blog

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    1. I try and list throughout the week but Sunday has by far been the best for me! Shipping fees suck :( x

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  4. This was SO helpful. I have tried so many times to sell things on Ebay and I'm never successful. I'll definitely be applying these techniques!

    https://www.insidethevoyage.org/

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  5. Thanks for the tips. I've been tempted to sell on ebay but haven't taken that first step...yet! Maybe I'll give it a go with some non-breakables.

    www.susanberkkoch.com/blog

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  6. wow! Its incredible how you have made this much money just from ebay! I use ebay occasionally it is a great make to make a little extra!

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  7. This was such a great post! I’ve been thinking of selling a few items of clothing and not really known where to start. Thanks to you I now know! Thank you for sharing x

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  8. Wow, this was so interesting! I've never sold anything on eBay and I knew there was money to be made but I've never thought of buying stuff to resell it there. Glad you're making regular income from it x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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    1. Thank you! It has been great. It is crazy that one week, an item gets no views and the next week it takes off and you've made £30! It has been very nice to have right now! x

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  9. Thanks for sharing your tips, I had no idea Ebay could be so profitable!

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  10. My hubby and I have been thinking of selling a few items on eBay. Thanks for the tips!

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  11. Wow girl! This is so awesome! I can't believe you make $1,000 a month on Ebay! Thats so great! Congratulations!

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    1. Aw thank you! It has been great to sell clothes and board games and get some decent money out of it. I'd didn't really take that long either!

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  12. I always thought eBay would be a pain in the butt... I use PoshMark religiously, but I am going to have to try eBay now! Thanks for sharing!!

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    1. Thank you! Is PoshMark good? I have heard of it before but thought it was only in the US?

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  13. I haven't actually sold anything on ebay before but I think I will definitely try to now! Its so impressive that you make so my profit! Thank you for sharing :)
    Em
    planningwithem.com

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  14. I am about to launch my Etsy and this is GOLD! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and for providing the opportunity for us new entrepreneurs. I hope your weekend is going great and business is growing.

    Natalia | Lindifique

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  15. I had always wondered how one would go about selling things on ebay.
    I have so many nice items taking up space that I never use or even look at,
    but the process of trying to sell any of it has always seemed overwhelming.
    If I ever get motivated enough this post is an excellent how-to guide!

    my blog
    my YouTube
    my Twitter

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  16. I’ve got a lot of stuff I want to sell on, I just need to get round to it. I do have an eBay account, but I’ve never actually sold anything.

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  17. This was such a great post and so detailed! I'd never really thought about selling my stuff on ebay before but this made me realise how much stuff I have that I don't actually need. Thank you! xx

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  18. This is such a great guide - I used to sell on eBay but I definitely got caught out with shipping charges a few times - it's an easy mistake to make if you're new to selling! I've just moved house and I'm looking at having another sort out so this has really come in useful. Thank you for sharing! :) x

    Amy | sassycatlady.com

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