Make some extra cash reselling.

This Girl is on Fire!!

I know we all see those work from home platforms like jewelry, makeup and even fitness. Most of those companies make you buy their product first or a membership. Also, the only way you can make good money is by throwing parties and hitting up your friends and family or getting them to start selling. And let's face it sometimes no one wants to buy that stuff. So how can you truly make some extra cash without putting your own money up front? Reselling online.

My App Home Screen

The platforms I use are Poshmark and Mercari. These are easy to use apps where you post photos of your items, set the price and then list. When someone buys it, you ship it through your mail with the shipping label that the company provides. Once your customer receives the item you get paid (minus commission or shipping cost). You can use the items sold for shopping credit, or put it straight into your bank account. No up front cost if you sell your own things. Let's face it, we all look at our closet and see items we have never worn and some things still have the tags attached. Poshmark is a great platform for selling clothing, shoes, makeup and accessories! And Mercari you can sell pretty much anything from clothing to electronics.

Item list Screen

I started out by selling items that I no longer used but were still in great condition. Then I took the money I got from those sales to buy new with tag items that are on sale at department stores or outlet stores for a profit. I slightly mark the items up from the price I paid so the people purchasing are also getting a great deal. Have you ever seen an amazing price on an item but it wasn't in your size? Well now you can buy it and resell it and make a little bit of extra fun money! My sales help to fund my handbag and shoe habit. Some people have been so successful that it ended up turning into a career.

Example of modeling and pairing items you are selling

Poshmark is a social selling app that does require being active to be successful. Here a few tips that have helped me get started. You want to have well lit photos and great product descriptions. Think what about you look for when purchasing online from a retail provider. If at all possible model the items.  If the item has any flaws, just list it in the description and take a picture of it.  Make sure the item is searchable by listing the brand color, item name and size. Make sure you share your closet often to give you the best chance of your items to be seen. I share my closet at least 5 times a day and double on weekends  When you send your items make sure to package them well with tissue paper and bubble wrap. I like to wrap my items up with a bow and make it look like a gift. I also hand write a thank you note. My goal is to make it a shopping experience. This will set me apart from the rest.

Mercari doesn't generate a lot of sales for me but it's a good idea to cross list (as long as you remember to take an item off once it sells on another platform).  I get about 1 to 2 sales a week from it. I have the option of offering free shipping (which I do and it helps you sell faster) and commission is only 10%. I also love how Mercari notifies everyone who has looked at your listing when you place your item on sale. They also show you how many people have viewed your item.

Example of Mecari views

Here are a few tips that I've learned along the way. Don't take anything too personally. People will review you and your items and not everyone gives 5 stars. If you have been very descriptive and listed everything correct, these apps do not let buyers send product back due to poor fit. If you get a bad review, just treat it as a learning experience. How could I have

Take many pictures of the items.

made their experience better? I had one negative review that said my ship time could be faster (I ship next day and it was the mail's fault). But instead of saying "you are crazy girl", I now message the buyer about when their item will be shipped. If she didn't look it up on the app or check her email, how would she know what day it was shipped? There are so many things you can't control when reselling, so just focus on what you can control. Make sure your pictures are good and your item's detail has almost too much information. Package your items up nicely and add a small thank you card. Ship your item next day whenever possible. You can schedule a pick from the USPS online and it gets picked up with your regular mail.

Like with any new venture or job it takes time. You work at it and then learn what sells quickly and for how much.When I first started I had only1 to 2 sales a week, and now my average is 8 to 10. Sometimes I take losses on items when they have sat for too long. This is rare but it happens sometimes. I consider this my little start up business and maybe someday I will have my own website and sell the fabulous clothing and shoes I design! Hey, everyone has to start somewhere. I just wanted to share with you the success I've had and I've only been at it since July 2017. Hope you #getyourchictogether and make some extra cash this year!!