There are unlimited sources to find items to resell on eBay for profit. One source is dollar stores, such as Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. Here are a few tips about what to buy, when to buy it, and how to sell it on eBay.
Step 1
Find a store in your area that keeps shelves well stocked. Find out from the store manager when items are restocked and plan to shop on that day. Early shoppers get the best selection. Timing is everything.
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Step 2
Watch for seasonal items in the off-season too. For example, look for sunscreen, aloe gel, lip balm with SPF, and other summer items in the fall and winter. (Check expiration dates.) You can start selling these items in early spring.
Step 3
Watch for discontinued items. You might find shampoo or body wash in a scent that has been discontinued. Chances are, someone out there loves that scent and will buy it from you because it is their favorite and they can't find it anymore.
Step 4
Look for cosmetics that you can sell in a batch or lot. Dollar stores often carry brands like Physicans Forumula, L'Oreal, Maybelline, Cover Girl, and Neutrogena. These may be closeout items that are discontinued or have had packaging changes and have been removed from drugstore shelves.
Step 5
Books are great to sell. You can find all kinds of bestsellers in both paperback and hardback. Again, you may consider selling these in a lot, for example, several books in the same genre or by the same author.
Step 6
Look for CDs and DVDs. You can find these for as low as $3 each. These also do well in a lot.
Step 7
Watch for children's or family board games. These sell well during the holidays (November and December).
Step 8
Do not list items on eBay without purchasing them and having them in your possession first. Some eBay sellers list the items on eBay, then return to the store to purchase the product only after a customer buys it and pays for it. Not a wise decision. Stock turns over quickly at dollar stores. You may return to the store to purchase an item, and the product will be long gone. Then you are in an tough situation with the buyer since you can't find or ship the product. Your customer could leave you negative feedback for selling an item you can't deliver. You can always by a few of the item, list them, and if sales are good go back and get more.
Step 9
Don't broadcast to anyone that you reselling the items on eBay. Yes, it is fun to let everyone know what you are doing, but ou could be creating competition for yourself. If someone comments on the volume of your cart's contents, you can just smile and laugh and go about your business. Sometimes people say to me, "Wow, you are buying a lot." I just smile and say, "Yes, I am!"
Step 10
See the resources section below for more tips and tools for eBay selling.