How to Start Reselling: A Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Successful Reseller

Starting an e-commerce business might sound overwhelming. But what if you didn’t need to rent a storefront, hire staff, or even hold inventory? That’s exactly what reselling offers.

In 2023, the e-commerce resale market in the U.S. was valued at around $78 billion, and it’s projected to surpass $90 billion by 2027. Based on these trends, reselling is shaping up to be one of the best ways to start an e-commerce business in 2025.

But how do you become a reseller? What’s the best thing to sell? Where can you find reliable suppliers?

This article answers all those questions and walks you through exactly how to start reselling in today’s e-commerce world.

What is reselling, and what is a reseller?

Reselling simply means selling products that have already been purchased before. The sellers who do this are called resellers. Unlike manufacturers, resellers don’t create the products themselves. Instead, they buy items from suppliers or other sources and then sell them to customers at a higher price to make a profit.

For example, if you buy a pair of shoes from someone and then sell them to another person, that second sale is reselling.

So, where do resellers get their products? There are several main ways:

• Second-hand reselling: You sell items you already own, new or used, on resale platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
• Thrift shopping and discount sourcing: Hunting for bargains at thrift stores, outlet shops, clearance sales, or local discount stores to resell for profit.
• Livraison directe: You source products from platforms offering low prices, then sell them on marketplaces without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, you buy the product from the supplier, who ships it directly to the buyer.

Reselling is attractive because it usually requires a low upfront investment and carries less risk. If you have a good sense of what customers want and can market effectively, reselling can be a great way to start your e-commerce journey.

If you want to become a reseller, what do you need to know and prepare? Let’s explore the essentials next.

How to become a reseller?

To become a reseller, you need a legal business structure. If you resell second-hand personal items, a resale certificate is usually not required. But for brand-new products via wholesale or dropshipping, it’s often needed. Platforms like Amazon or eBay may also ask for tax info. So, check local rules before selling. 

If that’s your path, here’s how to set up your reselling business step by step.

1. Register your business

You need to register your business in the state where you plan to operate. Most U.S.-based resellers choose to form an LLC (Limited Liability Company) to keep their business and personal finances separate. After registration, you will receive official documents that prove your business is legally established.

2. Gather the necessary documents

Before applying for a resale certificate, make sure you have all the required business information ready. This usually includes:

• Your business license or LLC formation documents
• An EIN (Employer Identification Number) issued by the IRS
• Your business address and contact information

Being well-prepared with these documents will help make the application process smoother and quicker.

3. Understand state tax laws

Sales tax rules can vary significantly from state to state. Some states accept resale certificates issued by other states, while others do not. If you plan to buy or sell across state lines, it’s important to research how each state handles reseller permits and tax exemptions.

4. Apply for a resale certificate

A resale certificate allows you to purchase goods for resale without paying sales tax upfront. You will need to apply for this certificate in every state where you plan to buy or sell products. Some states may charge a small application fee, while others provide the certificate free of charge.

How to start reselling?

Once you have the permission to buy and sell goods, it’s time to start reselling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch your reselling business.

Step 1: Choose what to resell

The very first step is deciding what kind of products you want to focus on. Are you interested in new or used items? Do you want to sell niche, specialized products or trending, fast-moving items? Take time to explore popular online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy to see what sells well and matches your interests. Also, consider your budget and the market demand—some products might require more upfront investment but offer higher returns. 

Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to start; we will cover the best products to resell later in this article.

Step 2: Find suppliers for reselling

Once you’ve decided what to sell, the next step is finding reliable suppliers. 

One option is to visit yard sales, thrift stores, or local outlets to find discounted or unique products you can resell. This approach works especially well for second-hand or vintage goods.

Another popular way is dropshipping. According to reports, the global dropshipping market was valued at USD 365.67 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 1,253.79 billion by 2030, showing huge potential.

If you’re reselling brand-new products, your supplier becomes the backbone of your business. Before you partner with any supplier, ask yourself a few important questions:

• Can they handle bulk orders and manage returns efficiently?
• Do they offer reliable and fast shipping options?
• Is it easy to communicate with them, and can you get timely support when needed?

Choosing the right supplier ensures your customers receive quality products on time.

Step 3: Build your reselling websites

After you’ve chosen your products and suppliers, the next step is setting up your sales channels. This might mean launching a Shopify store, opening a TikTok Shop, or listing your items on popular marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. 

At the beginning, you don’t have to build your own website. Selling on existing platforms can help you start quickly. However, if you want to grow a brand and have more control, having your own online storefront is a great long-term strategy.

Each platform attracts different types of customers and comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Lecture recommandée : 25 Best Sites Like eBay to Sell Your Stuff

Step 4: Handle fulfillment and customer service

Once the orders start coming in, you need to fulfill them quickly and keep your customers happy. Some resellers pack and ship items themselves; others use fulfillment services or dropshipping partners to handle logistics.

Make sure you’re clear on shipping times, return policies, and how you’ll respond to customer issues. Even small lapses in service can lead to bad reviews and refund requests.

What to resell? Where to resell?

It’s not always easy to decide what to sell, especially for beginners. Reselling doesn’t have to mean flipping used items from thrift stores. Some people focus on second-hand goods like clothing or books. Others go straight into dropshipping and resell brand-new products from suppliers.

To help you get started, here are a few product categories that are worth considering, along with the best platforms to sell them on.

Resell Clothing

Clothing has long been the top choice for resellers. In fact, in 2021, clothing was the most popular second-hand product to buy and sell in the U.S. And the market’s only growing. By 2025, the global market value of secondhand and resale apparel was estimated to be worth 256 billion USD. 

Resellers often start with their own closets, then move on to sourcing from thrift shops or outlet stores. Trending pieces, vintage styles, and recognizable brands tend to perform best.

Where to sell?

• eBay – A solid all-around platform with a large buyer base
• Depop – Great for Gen Z, Y2K trends, and creative styling
• Poshmark – Popular for women’s fashion and everyday clothing
• Grailed – Focused on men’s streetwear and designer pieces
• TheRealReal – Ideal for authenticated luxury fashion

Fashion resale also works well on social media or even your own Boutique Shopify if you want full control.

Resell Books, Movies, and Media

According to Statista, 33% of U.S. consumers said they had bought used books, making them the second most commonly purchased second-hand item after clothing. Books, movies, music, and games continue to hold steady demand, especially among shoppers looking for affordable or nostalgic options.

For beginner resellers, this category is an easy entry point. Many start by listing used books, DVDs, CDs, or retro video games they already own. It requires little upfront investment and is relatively low risk.

Certain genres, like collector’s editions and niche nonfiction, can fetch surprisingly high prices. As for movies and games, bundles or complete series often sell better than individual items.

Where to sell？

• eBay — ideal for both books and multimedia items
• Amazon — a massive marketplace with a broad reach
• Facebook Marketplace — good for quick local sales
• AbeBooks — best for used books, rare editions, and textbooks

Books and movies don’t take up much space, and many platforms have barcode scanning tools that make listing easier.

Dropshipping New Products

If you don’t want to store inventory or handle shipping yourself, dropshipping is a business model worth considering. 

Some popular product categories for dropshipping are:

• Home goods and kitchen tools
• Pet accessories
• Beauty and skincare items
• Phone cases and tech accessories
• Fitness gear and wellness products

You can also browse the Sup Dropshipping Mall to discover more trending and profitable products.

Where to sell?

Many dropshippers choose to build their own online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Others list their products on established marketplaces such as Amazon, TikTok Shop, Facebook Shops, Etsy, or eBay.

Whichever channel you choose, your success will largely depend on two things: working with reliable suppliers and setting clear delivery expectations for your customers.

Finding the Right Supplier for Brand-New Products

Many beginners start reselling with platforms like AliExpress, Alibaba, or Temu. While these sites offer a wide range of low-cost products, they often come with trade-offs like long shipping times, inconsistent quality, and limited support.

C'est là que Sup Dropshipping steps in.

Sup Dropshipping is built for resellers who want more than just low prices. We offer:

• Fast and reliable shipping, including local warehouses in the US and EU
• Product branding to help you stand out
• One-on-one support to help you find trending products with stable supply
• Integrated fulfillment with your online store, like Shopify, WooCommerce, TikTok Shop, and more

Whether you’re reselling through your own website or on marketplaces, Sup makes it easier to scale without dealing with messy logistics or unreliable sellers.

How to start reselling FAQs

1. How to resell for beginners?

Start by picking products you know or are interested in. You can sell used items you already have or find good deals. Next, choose where to sell—like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a simple website. Keep it small at first, learn as you go, and focus on good customer service.

2. How profitable is reselling?

Reselling can be pretty profitable if you find the right products and keep your costs low. Profit depends on what you sell, where you sell it, and how well you manage prices and shipping. Smart buying and good marketing help a lot.

3. How much does it cost to start reselling?

Starting doesn’t have to be expensive. You can begin by selling things you already own or buying discounted items. Dropshipping needs less upfront money since you don’t hold stock. Usually, your biggest costs are buying products and small fees from selling platforms.

Dernières pensées

Starting a reselling business is easier than you might think. Whether you’re flipping used clothes or dropshipping brand-new products, the key is to start small, learn along the way, and stay flexible. Keep an eye on what customers want, find reliable suppliers, and choose the right platforms to sell on. With patience and smart choices, reselling can be a great way to build your own e-commerce hustle.