Do you think I can make money with this idea (resell / ebay)

10 years ago

Originally Posted by apocalypsejay

Okay, I am a licensed reseller. I am in need of sources to keep my ebay sales volume up. Please tell me why this idea would not work...

I go to a retailer (use flyers, call them, walk in and leave business card, use social media and ads on craigslist, etc.) and offer to buy their overstock, returns, and unsold inventory.

Option A = I can pay them for the items I like on the spot but not much. Example = for a can of protein powder that MSRP's 50 bucks I could maybe offer a dollar or two.

Option B = I can offer to take all their unsold inventory and sale it in big lots on ebay for them for a 50/50 split. I could email them the auction id number and then send them a check with a copy of the packing slip when the item / lot sales.

If you have ever worked in retail (especially management) please tell me why you would not deal with me. Also, please do not say that their is no inventory, I have seen stores who throw away thousands of dollars worth of good clothes and such. I understand they write things off but generally speaking, please tell me why this would not work.

Thank you for any help! Also, I apologize if this is wrong area, did not know where to put this one.

In general it works. If you show them some money they will sell to you. I have done this in a different niche. I have taken photos of the items and did ask them how much they want. Then I checked the competition one ebay and amazon. What are the prices and how many sales. When sold, I went there to buy the stuff. As more I sold as more items they gave to me. The 50/50 split works as well if they want to get rid of their stuff.

[ 1 ] Thanks

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electroventures

9 years ago

Originally Posted by apocalypsejay

Okay, I am a licensed reseller. I am in need of sources to keep my ebay sales volume up. Please tell me why this idea would not work...

I go to a retailer (use flyers, call them, walk in and leave business card, use social media and ads on craigslist, etc.) and offer to buy their overstock, returns, and unsold inventory.

Option A = I can pay them for the items I like on the spot but not much. Example = for a can of protein powder that MSRP's 50 bucks I could maybe offer a dollar or two.

Option B = I can offer to take all their unsold inventory and sale it in big lots on ebay for them for a 50/50 split. I could email them the auction id number and then send them a check with a copy of the packing slip when the item / lot sales.

If you have ever worked in retail (especially management) please tell me why you would not deal with me. Also, please do not say that their is no inventory, I have seen stores who throw away thousands of dollars worth of good clothes and such. I understand they write things off but generally speaking, please tell me why this would not work.

Thank you for any help! Also, I apologize if this is wrong area, did not know where to put this one.

Hi,

I would personally just buy a couple of the product from the retailer, and if they sell with a good markup, then I would go back and purchase more. I wouldn't want to split the profit with them because I'm doing all of the work. The only downside to this is that you are going to have your own inventory which means you will either need a nice amount of startup cash or you can just start off small and reinvest the profits in more inventory and you'll build up a little bit slower, but all the profit will be yours.

Thanks

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IdeaBox

9 years ago

We have a Five Below store and a Dollar Tree. You'd be surprised that $100 purchase from either of these stores will net you $500+. Buy the $1 and $5 items in bulk. One example that I made decent returns on were the $5 bluetooth headphones sold at Five Below. I bought 25 of them. Was about $138 after tax. Sold each on eBay for $10 +$2 shipping. Doubled my investment. Used cellphones sold to 3rd world countries is also a huge money maker.

Thanks

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T S Chan

9 years ago

I'm flipping products on ebay on regular basis.

Normally I research my competitors on ebay and compare the prices.

If the margin is good, I'll buy from retailer and list them on eBay for sale.

Hope it helps