By Jamie Oleka
Dani’s journey into reselling began as a teenager, inspired by her mom and the profitable resale market for Vera Bradley bags. At just 16, Dani sold her first bag on eBay, and from that moment, she saw the potential to make money from items she no longer needed. However, it wasn’t until college that this hobby took on a more significant role. Thrifting became a passion, not only as a way to find designer pieces on a budget but also to recycle those finds back into the market at a profit.
By listing items she no longer wore, Dani discovered that she could sometimes sell pieces for five times what she originally paid. This financial boost allowed her to buy more of what she loved while continuing the cycle of thrifting and reselling. After college, when her budget tightened as a teacher, Dani picked up a second job at Clothes Mentor, a consignment store, where she saw firsthand how people would give away high-value items for minimal returns. This realization pushed her to explore reselling full-time. She began sourcing and selling items on her own, giving people better deals while earning more than she did at her part-time job.
Decluttering and Making Money
The pandemic brought a new wave of opportunity. Dani found herself with extra time on her hands and a house full of clothes she no longer wore. She began decluttering in earnest, selling what she had accumulated over the years. The income from selling her old clothes gave her the financial means to invest in tools and expand her business. By using a cross-listing tool, she was able to sell items on multiple platforms, such as Poshmark and eBay, leading to a significant increase in sales.
One of the most valuable lessons Dani learned was checking comps and understanding profit margins. She started using a profit margin calculator to assess each item she sold, ensuring she maximized her earnings. With this new knowledge and more time to focus on her business, she continued to grow, even while working in arts advocacy and education.
Utilizing Social Media
A significant turning point came when Dani injured her knee and was forced to take a break from thrifting. During her recovery, she shifted her focus to teaching others how to declutter and resell through her social media. What started as a way to share her knowledge exploded into a new income stream. Brands like eBay and Poshmark took notice, and Dani began partnering with them to further her reach. This new opportunity gave her control over her schedule, a critical factor as she prepared for a new chapter in life—expecting a baby.
Dani’s approach to decluttering and reselling focuses on starting small and with passion. She encourages others to begin by decluttering their own homes, focusing on items they’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Whether it’s clothing, toys, or collectibles, Dani believes success starts with familiarity. Describing and pricing items accurately are key, and tools like Google Lens can help sellers find the market value of their items.
When it comes to platforms to sell your products, Dani recommends starting with Poshmark for clothing and eBay for harder goods. These platforms are free to use and offer promotion options, which are particularly beneficial when starting. High-quality photos are essential for attracting buyers, and Dani insists that you don’t need expensive equipment—an iPhone with a neutral background and good lighting will do the job.
Keeping Your Business on Track
For those taking reselling seriously, Dani stresses the importance of tracking inventory and using spreadsheets. Keeping track of costs, sales, and profit margins is crucial not only for taxes but for growing the business. She advises sellers to take advantage of tax write-offs, such as shipping supplies and mileage, to maximize profits.
Consistency is another important factor in maintaining sales. Platforms like Poshmark favor sellers who list regularly. Dani suggests batching tasks, such as photographing and listing items, to stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
A final challenge Dani faces is the seasonal ebb and flow of sales. Summer months, particularly July, tend to be slower, while the holiday season is more lucrative. By planning ahead, Dani ensures that she is prepared for the highs and lows of the reselling business.From decluttering her home to building a thriving side gig, Dani’s story shows that with passion, strategy, and consistency, reselling can become a lucrative income stream. As she continues to grow her business and share her knowledge with others, Dani has turned her love for fashion and sustainability into a full-time endeavor, allowing her the freedom to create her own schedule and provide for her growing family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jamie Oleka, a wife, girl mom, and a passionate advocate for debt free quality education, has extensive experience in K-12 and nonprofit management having most recently served as a Managing Director at Teach For America. Jamie holds a Masters of Education in Instructional Accommodations from Francis Marion University, Masters of Arts in Teaching, and Ed.S. in K-12 Administration from the University of Louisville.
