So, you’ve decided what to sell—now where do you find the goods?
🏡 Start at Home (and with People Who Love You)
Before you spend a dime, take a look around your house. Chances are, you’ve got items you’ve been meaning to part with but didn’t want to just give away. My mom offered me some beautiful pottery to practice with (still haven’t listed it—breakables make me nervous, but that’s a story for another post!).
Let your friends and family know you’re starting a reselling business. You’d be surprised how generous people can be. My brothers have been incredibly supportive, handing over loads of inventory. Some friends might even ask you to sell things for them in exchange for a cut of the profit. It’s a win-win.
🛍️ Thrift Stores, Garage Sales & Estate Sales
Your location will shape your sourcing strategy. I’m lucky to live in a city with plenty of thrift stores, but if you’re in a rural area, garage and estate sales might be your best bet. And honestly? That’s not a bad thing.
I recently hit up my first community garage sale of the season and scored big—clothes, shoes, and a stack of men’s Ralph Lauren Polo tees for 50 cents each. I practically skipped home. Two of them sold already, and yes, I’m still smiling about it.
🌐 Online Marketplaces: Free Finds & Hidden Gems
Don’t overlook digital treasure troves like NextDoor and Facebook Marketplace. You can often find items for cheap—or even free. Just today, I spotted a snowblower, a full bedroom set, and some depression glass listed for $0. It’s wild what people are willing to part with. Keep your eyes peeled and check often.
🧺 Black Fridays & Bin Stores
A new Black Fridays store opened near me, and I had to check it out. Picture tables piled high with Amazon return items, all priced the same for the day. I went on a Wednesday (the cheapest day), and it was chaos—jumper cables next to ginger candy, with a turtleneck on top. If you go, try an earlier day in the week when the selection’s better, even if the prices are a bit higher. And definitely watch some YouTube videos beforehand to get a feel for what sells.
🧤 Thrift Store Bins & Rescue Boxes
I haven’t braved the thrift store bins yet, but it’s on my list. You fill a bag and pay by weight—great for those with patience and a good eye for trends.
Another option? Rescue Boxes from places like ThredUp. You buy a mystery box of items sight unseen. It’s a fun gamble and a great way to stock up, especially if you’re far from thrift stores or stuck in the garage-sale off-season.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Inventory is everywhere—you just have to train your eyes to see it. From your own closet to your neighbor’s curb, from digital freebies to chaotic bin dives, the world is full of potential listings. So grab a tote bag, charge your phone, and get ready to treasure hunt. You never know when a 50-cent Polo tee might make your whole week.