Cry said:
Sounds like a fun way to make a few bucks! When you started out, how did you know what to buy? Might be a mute question if item storage at the time was almost unlimited and the buying selling was a poke and hope thing. Knowing what you do now and realizing storage space might be limited for you(on the road), I'll repeat the question, how do you know what to buy? Any good starter websites? For me, I am going to invest a Lil bit of money into a metal detector and go hunt gold...!!!
I started by selling some stuff I already had, then used that money to build my inventory. You definitely want to invest in a smartphone at the very least (I use a $30 prepaid Tracfone) to look stuff up while in the store, but most of your research should be done at home so you know what's worth looking up in the first place. In time, you'll develop an eye for value. Also, I recommend getting a
bluetooth barcode scanner for video games/dvds/vhs/books. You'd be surprised how much some are worth. My local Savers has VHS for a buck a piece and CDs for 2 bucks which I spend about an hour scanning whenever I go. I usually buy those that are selling for at least 10 bucks, and can usually walk out with a stack of 5 or 6. I recently sold a VHS to VHS-C adapter for $30, spent a buck. Yesterday I sold a VHS for $15, spent a buck. When it comes to CDs, it's mostly classical, foreign, and religious that brings the money. With VHS and DVD, it's usually stuff that wasn't released on the later media formats, which often includes instructional workout programs. I recommend reddit.com/r/flipping if you want to learn more. That's where I got my start. Also be sure to get free boxes from
USPS.
It's funny you mention metal detecting. I just got myself a cheapo $40 Harbor Freight detector to see how I'd like it. Took it around the yard and it was able to pick out quite a few. Don't wanna fill my parents' yard with holes though so for now it sits until I'm livin' on the road.
minimotos95 said:
I've done some eBaying, mostly selling my own crap but I did sell a small shipment of pistol magazines at profit, motorcycle parts and a few other items I bought just to sell.
I actually don't like selling on eBay because of their political views and high fees. It seems only one out of every 10 buyers will leave feedback too. Despite that I will probably get another order of pistol magazines to flip on ebay for some extra cash while I'm waiting for an opportunity to rebuild my engine.
I took advantage of a promo vistaprint was (and probably still is) running on business cards. Got 500 for something like 8 bucks. Used a free template I found for encouraging ebay feedback and I slip one in with each shipment. I haven't exactly kept track of how much more feedback I get since doing so, but it feels like it's increased, and they're also useful for letting buyers know to contact you before opening a case if they're unsatisfied in any way, as even if a case is open and satisfactorily resolved, you get a strike as a seller. You're right about the fees being too high. Unfortunately there aren't many alternatives. They're waaaay too buyer centric too.
