Finding Stuff to Sell Online

Posted on October 29, 2008
Filed Under Government Auctions |

Billions of dollars worth of products are sold on eBay and other online merchants every year. Where are people getting all these items to sell? Surely, they’ve emptied their closets and garages by now. Even if they have, finding stuff to sell online is still relatively easy. Several sources are available for those who want to make a little or a lot of cash selling online.

Home Stuff

Not all garages have been cleared of junk. Weekend garage sales are still popular places to find items to sell. Sales in higher income areas tend to net more quality items like designer clothes, high end furniture, and antiques. However, don’t neglect an average Joe garage sale; one never knows what unique items will be unearthed regardless of the neighborhood. Go to these sales toward the end of the day. Homeowners will be more inclined to sell you merchandise at rock bottom prices rather than having to pack up unsold items.

Look through your own garage and closets to find items to sell online. You may be harboring old clothes, books, Cds, and toys that will bring in a few bucks online. Offer to rid your friends and family of their unwanted junk by selling on consignment. You sell their stuff and keep %25 of the profits. Local retailers may also agree to let you sell their overstocks and returned merchandise on consignment as well.

Buy Online, Sell Online

Finding stuff to sell online is as easy as buying it from the same online source. eBay is an excellent place to find everything from antiques to huge lots of merchandise that you can buy and resell at a profit.

Locate other online sources by using search terms such as wholesale liquidators, closeout dealers, and drop-ship services. These same sources can also be found in print media including the Yellow Pages and classified ads in newspapers, trade magazines, and free weeklies.

Auction Action

Unclaimed, slightly damaged, and repossessed merchandise can be purchased at freight claims and government auctions. Check the Yellow Pages for contact information and newspaper classified section for upcoming sales.

There’s a storage unit operation on every corner these days. The storage company auctions off the contents of unpaid rental units. Although the contents are sold sight unseen, there’s probably enough sale worthy items inside to let you break even.

Estate auctions are another great source for finding stuff to sell online. Like garage sales, high income estates yield the greatest finds, but gems can be found regardless of the estate’s net worth. These sales are advertised in the newspaper.

Drop Shipping

Drop shipping is an easy, hands off way to sell online. You send the order to the manufacturer or distributor and they ship the product to the customer. No inventory or shipping hassles to worry about.

Local Events

Bazaars, flea markets, and festivals are good sources for everything from unique handmade crafts to valuable collectibles. Like garage sales, stop by near closing time for deep discounted deals.

Check with the local convention and visitors’ bureau to find out about upcoming trade shows that are open to the public. You’ll be able to buy from manufacturers and sale reps selling the latest products on the market.

Offshore Action

Asia is a good source for finding stuff to sell online. However, the red tape and cost of contacting sources there can be a hassle. Your best bet is to hook up with a manufacturer’s rep who has overseas connections. There’s enough available home grown sources for locating products to sell to make this option unnecessary.

Comments

7 Responses to “Finding Stuff to Sell Online”

  1. cooldude_91801 on October 29th, 2008 1:16 pm

    Where can I my sell stuff online beside using Ebay?
    Since Ebay charges a lot of fees for posting stuff there, I would like to find other alternative selling channel. What do youy think about the site you recommend?

  2. mccauley4u on October 29th, 2008 6:18 pm

    http://www.craigslist.com
    References :
    My giant brain

  3. Bella on October 29th, 2008 6:20 pm

    you could try hoobly or craigslist
    References :

  4. no_way_jose_15960 on October 29th, 2008 6:22 pm

    ebay
    References :

  5. hellsqueen05 on October 29th, 2008 6:24 pm

    YAHOO AUCTIONS
    References :

  6. lisadumbgame on October 29th, 2008 6:26 pm

    Craigslist.org is great because they don't charge you and you can post up to 4 pics. I've made some good sales, and found some good stuff for myself.
    References :

  7. â—„ipostadsforalivingâ–º on October 29th, 2008 6:28 pm

    Try
    http://www.livedeal.com

    It's free if posting less than 10 ads
    Free basic store account if listing more than 10 ads
    References :

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