How I Made Nearly $11,000 Selling Items Online (My Reselling Case Study)
I nearly made $11,000 ($10,995.85) selling items online in a single year. At the time, that was the most I’d ever made since I started flipping. The crazy part? I felt like I was just getting started as an online seller.
That year gave me the confidence to keep going and showed me what’s possible when you take reselling seriously.
In this post, I’ll share what worked for me, how I increased my income, and my top 10 flips from that year. Even though my numbers are from a few years back, the strategies are still relevant today if you’re looking to grow your reselling income.
Selling Items Online
Focus on Better Items
One of the biggest shifts I made was being more intentional about what I picked up. Instead of buying random low-dollar items, I focused on products with higher profit potential, like vintage video games, quality running shoes, and sports jerseys.
If you’re looking to increase your sales, start by looking for better inventory. It’s often easier to sell one $80 item than eight $10 items.
More Sourcing Opportunities
Even with all the challenges that year brought, I managed to increase my sourcing. Once thrift stores reopened, I was back at it, usually hitting two per week.
I also branched out into yard sales and estate sales, which turned out to be gold mines. Estate sales, in particular, often have hidden gems at excellent prices because sellers want stuff gone.
And sometimes, the best inventory was free. Twice that year, people gave me more than 60 free items when they were cleaning out their homes. That happened because I consistently told people about my business. Lesson learned: don’t be afraid to let others know you sell online, free inventory opportunities will pop up.
Cross-Posting on More Platforms
Another big win was expanding beyond just eBay. I started cross-posting to Mercari, Poshmark, OfferUp, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and even Nextdoor.
Here’s how I used each platform:
- Mercari → Shoes, board games, bobbleheads, random flips. It became my second favorite behind eBay.
- Poshmark → Mostly clothing (about 90%). Occasionally, I tested mugs or bobbleheads.
- OfferUp → Larger items or things cluttering my house.
- Craigslist → Bulk “lots” and oversized items (no shipping).
- Facebook Marketplace → Random items, board games, bobbleheads, and more, once shipping was added.
- Nextdoor → Older or bulk items. Didn’t bring huge results, but still worth trying.
If you’re only selling on one site, you’re leaving money on the table. Cross-posting opens you up to entirely new audiences.
Consistent Promotion
Promotion was another key factor. I shared my listings online, discussed my store with friends, and ensured that people knew I was selling. Sometimes those conversations led directly to sales.
Reselling is a business, and like any business, marketing matters.
My Top 10 Flips
Here are some of my best flips from that year (purchase price → sold price):
10. LRG Aspen Sweater — $7.23 → $64.99
9. Kobe Bryant Huaraches — $6.47 → $65.99
8. Protege Sweater — $13.82 → $69.99
7. Good Mythical Morning Bobbleheads — $2.87 → $75
6. Hoka One One Clifton 5 Shoes — $17.42 → $84.99
5. Spookytown Fire Department — $5.50 → $100
4. Dale of Norway Sweater — $10 → $100
3. NASCAR Jacket (new) — $18.03 → $145.
2. Tiffany Watch (free!) — $0 → $199
1. Hero Quest Board Game — $6 → $210
The last one (Hero Quest) ended up being my best flip of the year.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on quality, not quantity.
- Constantly be sourcing (thrift stores, estate sales, yard sales, even free items).
- Cross-post to multiple platforms.
- Promote your listings and let people know what you do.
A few years before this, I was only making $100 every couple of months. By sticking with it, I grew into a five-figure side hustle.
If you’re thinking about selling items online, start now. Every big seller starts with their first flip.
More Resources for Resellers
- How to Sell on eBay for Beginners
- 100 Best Things to Sell on eBay
- eBay Shipping Tips: The Beginner’s Guide
- 7 Places to Get Inventory for eBay
- What to Sell on eBay: 45 Items to Flip Now
- eBay Items Not Selling? 14 Changes to Make ASAP
- eBay for Starters.
Jason Butler is the owner of My Money Chronicles, a website where he discusses personal finance, side hustles, travel, and more. Jason is from Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah State University with his BA in Marketing. Jason has been featured in Forbes, Discover, and Investopedia.
