How to price used electronics for resale

Getting Started with Used Electronics Resale

Reselling used electronics can be both profitable and rewarding, but only if you can price your items competitively and manage your operations smoothly. New resellers often struggle with setting the right price, keeping inventory organized, and juggling listings across multiple marketplaces. This guide breaks down the essentials into actionable steps, so you can start reselling with confidence—even if you’re a complete beginner.

Step 1: Research and Set the Right Price

Pricing is the foundation of successful reselling. Set your prices too high, and your items may sit unsold. Too low, and you lose out on potential profit. Here’s how to price used electronics effectively:

• Check Sold Listings: Browse eBay’s sold listings, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace for items similar to yours. Filter by condition, brand, and model to get an accurate range.

• Consider Condition: Accurately describe your item’s condition (e.g., "like new," "good," or "for parts"). Items in better condition command higher prices.

• Factor in Accessories and Packaging: Complete sets (charger, cables, box) often sell for more.

• Check Local Prices: Sometimes local buyers will pay more, especially for bulky items or those with high shipping costs.

• Set a Competitive Price: Aim for the lower end of the average if you want a quick sale, or slightly above if you’re willing to wait.

Step 2: Centralize Your Inventory and Listings

One of the biggest headaches for new resellers is keeping track of what’s listed where, what’s sold, and what’s still available. A central inventory system helps you:

• Prevent double-selling an item across sites

• See what’s in stock at a glance

• Keep listing details consistent

Simple options include spreadsheets, but dedicated tools like Gavelbase can automatically sync your inventory and listings across multiple marketplaces, saving you time and reducing errors. Other options include Inventora and InventoryLab.

Step 3: Assign Basic Team Roles (Even If It’s Just You)

If you’re working solo, you’ll wear all the hats—but if you have help, even basic role assignments can streamline things:

• Sourcing: Finding and acquiring electronics to resell.

• Listing: Taking photos, writing descriptions, and posting items.

• Inventory Management: Tracking what you have and where it’s listed.

• Shipping/Pickup Coordination: Packing, labeling, and communicating with buyers.

• Customer Service: Answering questions and handling returns or issues.

Even if it’s only you, blocking time for each "role" can help you focus and stay organized.

Step 4: Track Sales, Fees, and Profits

Without tracking, it’s easy to lose sight of your actual profits. Here’s how:

• Log Every Sale: Record the sale price, platform, date, and buyer info.

• Track Fees: Each platform (eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace) deducts different fees. Record these promptly.

• Account for Shipping Costs: Note whether you or the buyer paid for shipping, and the actual shipping cost.

• Calculate Net Profit: Subtract purchase cost, fees, and shipping from the sale price.

You can use a simple spreadsheet, or automate this with inventory management tools such as Gavelbase, which can pull in sales data from multiple sites.

Step 5: Handle Shipping or Pickup Cleanly

Efficient shipping and pickup are crucial for customer satisfaction and good reviews.

• Shipping: Use sturdy packaging, provide tracking numbers, and ship promptly. Consider using shipping calculators like Pirate Ship to save on postage. Always double-check the buyer’s address.

• Local Pickup: Arrange safe, public meeting places. Confirm pickup times in advance and clearly communicate your expectations.

• Update Inventory: Mark items as shipped or picked up in your central system immediately to avoid confusion.

Step 6: Monitor and Adjust

Check your sales data regularly. If items aren’t selling, consider:

• Lowering prices

• Improving photos or descriptions

• Trying different platforms

• Offering bundle deals

Stay flexible and learn from each sale—over time, you’ll refine your process and grow your profits.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Research and set competitive prices

• Centralize inventory and listings

• Assign roles (or time blocks) for each task

• Track sales, fees, and profits

• Handle shipping or pickup efficiently

• Review and adjust regularly

Final Thoughts

Reselling used electronics doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these simple steps—especially using a central system like Gavelbase to keep everything in sync—you’ll be able to price smarter, manage inventory with ease, and keep your growing business running smoothly.