Starting a reselling store is one of the fastest ways to turn unused goods—or great finds—into serious cash. Whether you’re selling vintage clothes, electronics, collectibles, or thrifted treasures, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s a checklist of the 15 best items to get your reselling business up and running like a pro.
1. Smartphone with a Quality Camera
Your phone is your first weapon. Crisp, well-lit photos boost trust and sales. Make sure it has a good camera, ample storage, and a photo-editing app like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile.
2. Shipping Scale
Accurate weight = accurate shipping costs. A digital shipping scale saves you money and time by avoiding under- or over-estimating postage.
3. Poly Mailers & Padded Envelopes
For clothing, small gadgets, and accessories, poly mailers are durable and lightweight. Padded envelopes are perfect for fragile or tech items.
4. Boxes in Various Sizes
You’ll need small, medium, and large boxes to ship everything from sneakers to vintage lamps. USPS even offers free boxes if you use their Priority Mail services.
5. Packing Tape & Dispenser
A quality tape dispenser speeds up your workflow and prevents frustration. Always stock extra rolls of strong packing tape.
6. Thank You Cards or Stickers
Add a personal touch. A simple “Thank You” sticker or handwritten note can increase customer satisfaction and 5-star reviews.
7. Label Printer
Skip the tape and scissors. A thermal label printer like Rollo or DYMO speeds up packing and gives your packages a professional touch.
8. Lint Roller & Fabric Shaver
If you’re selling clothing, presentation matters. A lint roller and fabric shaver help make secondhand clothes look first-rate.
9. Measuring Tape
Buyers want to know exact sizes—especially for clothing, bags, and furniture. Keep a flexible measuring tape on hand.
10. Ring Light or Softbox Lighting Kit
Good lighting = better photos. Natural light works, but a ring light gives consistency when shooting products indoors.
11. Clean Backdrop or Photo Box
Use a clean wall, white foam board, or portable photo box for uniform, appealing photos that stand out on resale platforms.
12. Notebook or Inventory App
Stay organized. Use a simple notebook, Google Sheets, or apps like SellerAider or List Perfectly to track what you’ve listed, sold, and shipped.
13. Gloves & Cleaning Supplies
From dusty electronics to musty clothing, having gloves, disinfectant wipes, and magic erasers can save you time and protect your health.
14. Pricing Gun or Labels
If you’re doing in-person pop-ups or want to sort inventory by price, a simple pricing gun or sticky labels help you stay organized.
15. Reselling Platform Accounts
Set up shop on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace. Make sure your bios, payment details, and return policies are clear.
Bonus Tip: Create a Reseller Survival Kit
Put together a tote or shelf that includes your most-used tools so you can grab-and-go for thrift runs, flea markets, or packing days.
Final Thoughts
Launching your reselling business doesn’t require a massive investment, but the right setup can dramatically boost your efficiency and profit margins. Start small, build consistently, and stay organized. Whether you’re flipping thrifted finds or niche collectibles, these tools will help you hit the ground running.