How to find items to sell on eBay is probably the number one thing that comes to mind when you think about reselling.  There are so many ways to source good items to list!  The good news is that most of these ways are at little to no cost to you.

How to Find Items to Sell on eBay

Your Home

Yes, your place is the most obvious first place to look to find items to sell on eBay.  Think about it.  How many clothes do you no longer wear?  How many books do you no longer read?  Do you have any household decor you’re just not feeling any longer?  Why not list it and see if you can sell it?  It doesn’t make you any money just sitting around.  The very thing you no longer are using may just be the very thing someone else is looking for.

Thrift Stores

Certain thrift stores indeed get a bad rap when it comes to sourcing.  There are a few that shall remain nameless and are charging almost full price for obviously used items.  Shop at those if necessary, but don’t forget to check out your locally-owned thrift stores and little hole-in-the-wall places.  My favorite one I shop at almost always has a sale going on each day on certain items, and I can usually pick up anything for $1 or less.

Garage Sales

Garage sales are a big thing in the warmer months where I live.  I have been to a few, and it’s also a great way to find items to sell on eBay.  I have found that most items at garage sales are reasonably priced because people are just trying to get rid of junk quickly that they no longer want.  Sometimes, they will even offer bigger discounts if you come close to the time the sale is ending.  I’ve had garage sales before where, in the end, I just let whoever is left take everything away for free, so I don’t have to worry about donating it.

The “Drive-By”

I have to give props to people who do the “drive-by.”  I’ve done it a few times myself.  Sometimes, people will set out items they no longer want by the curb, waiting for the trashman to pick them up.  There have been many times I have seen something that catches my eye, and I pull over, and if it’s worth salvaging, I will grab it.  A man drives around our neighborhood in his truck every Sunday, looking for items to rescue.  Of course, if you see the owner of the home outside, it’s best always to ask.  You should also not make a huge mess while going through things someone throws out.

Bulk Buying

You can also buy items in bulk from wholesalers.  This often requires a tax ID number to purchase from.  I have done this a couple of times and have been relatively pleased with my purchases of items to sell, but I still make the most from sourcing items myself.  You usually choose a box size and can often see pictures of what is inside the box.  Some items may have slight imperfections or be store returns, so just be aware of that.  But, if going out and sourcing isn’t your favorite thing to do, this can be a great way to build your inventory.

Other People

You’d be surprised at how much other people want to get rid of the stuff they no longer need but don’t because they don’t want to take the time to find a place to donate it.  That’s where you come in!  Put the word out that you are willing to take things off people’s hands!  You can advertise this service on social media and online marketplaces.  You can even order some business cards and leave them around your town.

Online Selling Platforms

People even find things to sell on eBay…on eBay!  Sometimes, you can run across a great deal on an item that you know you could sell for more.  Maybe the person wants the item gone and doesn’t care about what it sells for or didn’t do their research to market it very well.  People find items on many different platforms to resell.  You can also go to the online auction website for Goodwill and look for items there.  Don’t forget to check out Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local buy-nothing groups.

I have personally only tried a few of these ways to find items to sell on eBay, and I prefer to shop in person at thrift stores.  It’s the thrill of the hunt that gets me excited about sourcing!  In what ways do you source your items?