Best methods to get initial inventory cheaply
Feb 20, 2025
Getting Started: Your First Inventory Without Overspending
If you're new to reselling, getting your first batch of inventory can feel intimidating — especially if your budget is tight and you're unsure where to start. Fortunately, there are tried-and-true strategies to source products affordably and organize your operation for success from day one. Here’s a practical guide to building your initial stockpile, keeping everything organized, and making those first sales with confidence.
1. The Smartest Places to Source Cheap Initial Inventory
Garage Sales and Yard Sales: These are goldmines for cheap, resellable goods. Early mornings are best for selection, but late visits can yield deep discounts as sellers look to clear out.
Thrift Stores: Regular visits to stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local charities can uncover hidden gems. Learn their discount days or tag specials for even better deals.
Estate Sales: Estate sales often feature higher-quality items priced below market value, especially towards the end of the sale. Use sites like EstateSales.net to find local events.
Online Marketplaces: Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Freecycle for bulk lots or free items. Filter by “Free” or “Clearance” for the best deals.
Friends and Family: Let people know you’re starting a resale business. Many will happily donate unused items, especially if you offer to pick them up.
Bulk Liquidation: Sites like BULQ or Liquidation.com sell return and surplus goods by the lot. Start small to learn the ropes.
2. Only Buy What You Can List & Store
It’s easy to get carried away with cheap finds, but clutter can kill your motivation and profits. Set a budget and physical limit: for example, “I’ll only buy items I can list and store this week.” Use clear bins or shelves to keep everything visible and organized.
3. Keep Inventory and Listings in Sync Across Platforms
Listing the same item on multiple sites (like eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace) increases your chances of a sale, but it also means you need to keep inventory in sync to avoid accidentally selling the same thing twice.
Start with a simple spreadsheet: columns for item name, description, purchase price, where it’s listed, and sale status. As you grow, consider using a central tool like Gavelbase, which helps you manage inventory and automatically syncs listings across major platforms, saving you time and preventing double sales.
4. Assign Basic Team Roles (Even if It’s Just You!)
Even solo sellers should break up tasks:
Sourcing: Finding and buying inventory
Listing: Photographing, describing, and posting items
Fulfillment: Packing and shipping or preparing for pickup
Bookkeeping: Tracking costs, sales, and fees
If you’re working with a friend or family member, clearly assign who does what. If you’re on your own, schedule blocks of time for each role so nothing falls through the cracks.
5. Track Sales and Fees from Day One
Keep a simple log of every sale: what sold, where, for how much, shipping cost, and any platform fees. This helps you see what’s profitable and simplifies tax time. Free templates are available on sites like Vertex42 or you can use inventory tools with built-in reporting.
6. Handle Shipping and Pickup Cleanly
Shipping: Start with free supplies from USPS or recycled boxes. Print shipping labels at home to save time. For multi-channel sellers, software like Pirate Ship or Gavelbase can streamline postage and tracking.
Local Pickup: Arrange safe, public meeting spots (like a police station parking lot). Set clear pickup windows and communicate politely but firmly. Mark items as sold on all platforms as soon as they’re picked up.
7. Quick Recap: Action Steps for Beginners
Set a strict inventory budget and sourcing plan.
Buy only what you can list and store this week.
Track every item and keep listings updated across platforms.
Assign or schedule time for each key role.
Log every sale, fee, and shipping cost.
Ship promptly and handle pickups safely.
Resources for Further Learning
Reselling Revealed – Tips and guides for beginners
Reddit: r/Flipping – Community Q&A and success stories
Gavelbase – Multi-channel inventory and sales management
Starting with the right sourcing strategy, basic organization, and simple systems ensures you build a profitable reselling business without overwhelm or wasted money. Take these steps one at a time, and you’ll have your first inventory – and your first sales – before you know it!