How to Make Money by Buying Things at Goodwill and Selling Them on eBay: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Everyday Hustler

I’m no stranger to the grind. I’ve worked part-time jobs throughout college and after graduation to make ends meet. But I always wanted to do something more, something that would allow me to be my own boss and make my own money.

That’s when I discovered the world of eBay. I had bought and sold a few things on the platform in the past, but I never really took it seriously. But one day, I was browsing through Goodwill and I saw a vintage video game console that I knew was worth a lot of money on eBay. I bought it for $10 and sold it for $100 a few days later.

That was the lightbulb moment for me. I realized that I could make a good living by buying things at Goodwill and selling them on eBay. And so, I embarked on my journey as an eBay reseller.

Example #1:

One of the best things about being an eBay reseller is that you never know what you’re going to find. I once found a brand new pair of Nike Air Jordans at Goodwill for $20. I sold them on eBay for $200. That was a good day. Probably once in a lifetime. I also found a very nice pair of Men’s Cole Haan Dress Shoes for $10, that retailed for $185ish. Flipped them for $120.

Example #2:

Of course, not every item I sell on eBay is a goldmine. But even when I don’t make a huge profit, I’m still making money. For example, I recently bought a box of old books at Goodwill for $5. I sold the books individually on eBay for a total of $20.

If you’re interested in making money by buying things at Goodwill and selling them on eBay, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Do your research. Before you head to Goodwill, take some time to research what items are selling well on eBay. You can use eBay’s “Recently Sold” feature to see what items have sold in the past and for how much. You can also use Google Trends to see what items are trending.
2. Know what to look for. When you’re at Goodwill, keep an eye out for items that are in good condition and that you think will appeal to eBay buyers. Some popular items include:
   • Vintage clothing (Brand name items do great. Look for those.)
   • Antiques
   • Electronics
   • Collectibles
   • Toys
   • Home goods
3. Be prepared to negotiate. Goodwill prices are usually pretty good, but don’t be afraid to negotiate with the cashier, especially if you’re buying a large quantity of items.
4. Clean and repair your items. Once you’re home, clean and repair your items before you list them on eBay. This will make them more appealing to buyers and can help you get a higher price.
5. Take good photos. Your photos are one of the most important factors in selling your items on eBay. Be sure to take clear and well-lit photos of your items from multiple angles.
6. Write detailed descriptions. Your descriptions should be clear, concise, and informative. Be sure to include all of the relevant information about your items, such as the brand, size, condition, and any flaws.
7. Set a competitive price. Use eBay’s “Recently Sold” feature to see what similar items have sold for in the past. You can also use eBay’s “Price Guide” feature to get an estimate of what your item should sell for.
8. Ship your items promptly. Once your items sell, be sure to ship them promptly to the buyer. This will help you maintain a good reputation on eBay.

Here are a few additional tips for making money by buying things at Goodwill and selling them on eBay:

• Focus on a niche. If you focus on selling a specific type of item, such as vintage clothing or electronics, you’ll become more knowledgeable about the market and be able to find better deals.
• Buy in bulk. If you buy a large quantity of items at Goodwill, you can often negotiate a better price. You can also sell the items in bulk on eBay, which can save you time and money on shipping.
• Use eBay’s promotions. eBay often runs promotions, such as free shipping days and reduced listing fees. Be sure to take advantage of these promotions to save money and increase your sales.

Selling things on eBay can be a great way to make extra money, but it’s important to be patient and persistent. It takes time to build up a successful eBay business.

But if you’re willing to put in the work, it can be a very rewarding experience.