What started as a way to declutter and make some extra holiday cash turned into a powerful part of my debt-payoff plan.
Back in December, I listed a few items around the house just to make room and maybe cover some gift expenses. But fast-forward to spring, after a few unexpected bills hit and my credit card balances ballooned, I knew I needed to take reselling more seriously.
While I’m not planning to go full-time with reselling, I’ve committed to making it a consistent side hustle—one I can use to bring in weekly cash flow and chip away at my debt. And the platform that’s made this possible? eBay.
Let’s dive into why I chose eBay, how I got started, and what you need to begin selling for extra income too.
🛍️ Why I’m Reselling on eBay
eBay has the reach, tools, and flexibility I need as someone balancing a full-time job, consulting work, and other side hustles. I also use:
- Depop for more fashion-forward items
- Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp for local sales
But in this post, I want to focus specifically on eBay, since it’s where I’ve seen the most consistent results lately.
🪜 How to Get Started Selling on eBay
If you’re brand new to eBay, don’t worry—it’s more beginner-friendly than it seems. Here’s a simplified path to help you start listing and making money:
âś… Step 1: Set Up Your eBay Seller Account
eBay makes this process straightforward. You’ll need a PayPal or linked bank account and a verified email. You can walk through the official setup here on eBay’s Help Page.
🔎 Pro Tip: Start with items you already have at home—unused electronics, clothing, books, or household goods. It’s free inventory with zero risk!
âś… Step 2: Gather Your Reselling Supplies
Once you’re ready to list more seriously, investing in a few key tools will save time and frustration:
- Shipping scale – Accurate weight = correct postage and fewer surprises
ACCUTECK ShipPro 110lbs x 0.1 oz. Digital Shipping Postal Scale, Black (W-8580-110-Black) - Thermal label printer – No ink needed, prints fast, saves so much time
JADENS Bluetooth Thermal Shipping Label Printer - Packaging tape – Stock up, because you’ll go through more than you think
- Plastic totes – Helps keep your listed inventory organized and safe
🧼 Optional but helpful: sticky notes or painter’s tape for labeling what’s listed vs. what’s not.đź’¬ Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the product links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. You’re never obligated to buy, but if you do, thank you for supporting The Hidden Payoff!
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âś… Step 3: Track Your Inventory and Sales
I use a simple Excel spreadsheet (or Google Sheets) to track:
- What I listed and when
- Sale price and platform
- Shipping cost
- Profit after fees
- Items I still need to list
This keeps me accountable and helps me identify what’s selling best so I can adjust my sourcing strategy.
đź“Š My Realistic Goals with Reselling
Right now, I aim to:
- List new items daily or every other day
- Sell at least 30 items per month. (I’m already at 11/30 MTD in June 2025!)
- Use the cash directly to pay down debt or cover bills
Some weeks are slower, but the goal is consistency. I remind myself that every sale—whether $10 or $50—is a step toward financial freedom.
🧠Final Thoughts: Reselling is a Mindset Shift
Reselling on eBay isn’t just about flipping stuff for profit—it’s about taking back control. It gives me a sense of progress, even when I feel stuck in other areas. And during months where I’m juggling extra costs, it helps ease the pressure and keep me on track with my bigger money goals.
If you’re thinking of starting, my advice is this: just list something. Once you get your first sale, the excitement kicks in, and the momentum builds.
đź’¬ Let’s Chat!
Are you reselling too? Thinking of trying eBay or another platform? Drop your tips or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re side hustling your way to financial freedom!
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