Here are some of my sales this year. I am posting these to illustrate what is possible as well as emphasize that to keep your business growing, it is important to keep learning year after year. Building an eBay business isn't about the rare big scores, it is about consistency, commitment, and flexibility.
1. Anthropologie Brands. I really tried to dig in this year and learn the sub-brands. (Thanks to my friend Beth T. who introduced me to this brand.) Anthropologie is a "lifestyle brand that celebrates art, culture, design, and discovery." There are hundreds of sub-brands, each with its own logo and garment tag design. (See the list here.) Anthropologie brands hold their value and sell at high prices in used condition. You may think it is a disadvantage to have to learn the sub-brands, but one thing that works in an eBay seller's favor is that thrift store employees can't keep up. Unlike recognizable brands like Ralph Lauren and Nike, Anthropologie brands are sleepers hiding in plain sight in thrift stores and usually are not pulled aside and marked up to a higher price. There is just no way thrift store employees can learn about everything we can pick for profit. Here are a few of my sales this year:
$4 at thrift store, took BO of $40
$3 at thrift store, sold for $39.97
$2 at thrift store, sold for $35 on BO.
$6 at Goodwill, sold on BO for $50.
$6 at thrift store, sold for $60 on BO.
2. Pens with no ink. People collect fountain pens for various reasons - the advertising, the tips, the brands that no longer exist. Look for these at estate sales in the home office section. You can often negotiate a whole bunch of office stuff for a low price.
$5 sold for $39.97
$5 for lot of pens, sold for $45 on BO
$7 sold for $79.97
3. Michael Simon Brand. This is a designer brand and the sweaters are crazy like Storybook Knits and Design Options. I also found some crazy Santa Claus shoes.
$2 at thrift store, sold for $39.97 (in June!)
$2 at thrift, took BO of $35
$2 at thrift store, sold for $36
4. Lucky Brand. Most people know Lucky for its denim, but they also make sportswear, outerwear, and t shirts.
$7 at Goodwill, sold for $40 on BO.
$2 at thrift store, sold for $32.97.
$2 at thrift store sold for $29.97
$2 at church sale, sold for $25 on BO.
5. Random stuff that just looked interesting. After you do this business for a while, you get a feel for what sells. Here are some random things I tried that worked out:
$2 at estate sale, took BO of $33 + shipping to the US Virgin Islands.
$1 at thrift store, sold for $34.97.
$3 at thrift store, sold the week of Christmas for $44.97.
$1 at thrift store, sold for $19.97 on BO.
$3 at thrift store, sold for $42.97
$2 at estate sale, sold for $24.97.
Make sure you follow the Money Making Mondays threads on my Facebook group. You can see thousands of other sellers posting their sales and learn what sells on eBay.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
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