How to prioritize which items to list first
Feb 13, 2025
Start Smart: Why Prioritization Matters
If you're just getting started as a reseller, the temptation is often to list items in the order you find them. But with limited time and resources, choosing what to list first can make a huge difference in how quickly you see sales and build momentum. Let’s break down a practical, beginner-friendly approach to prioritizing your listings, managing your inventory, and keeping your team (even if it’s just you and a friend) organized from the start.
1. Sort Your Inventory: Quick Wins First
Begin by gathering all your items in one place—physically or digitally—and make a basic list. The goal is to identify "quick wins": items that are most likely to sell fast and for a good price. Ask yourself:
Is it in demand? Check sold listings on eBay, Mercari, or other platforms for similar items. If something is trending or highly rated, bump it to the top of your list.
Is it easy to ship? Smaller, lightweight items are easier and cheaper to handle, making transactions smoother.
Is it in excellent condition? Items with minimal flaws are less likely to result in returns or disputes.
Does it have complete info? If you already have the product details, measurements, and photos, it’s faster to list.
Sort your list by these criteria. Your first batch should include small electronics, popular apparel, and anything you see frequently selling online.
2. Use a Central Inventory System (Even a Simple One)
Keeping track of what you have, what’s listed, and where is essential as you grow. Start with a spreadsheet or a basic inventory tool. As you scale, consider systems like Gavelbase to keep your listings and inventory synced across multiple platforms. This helps you avoid double selling and makes relisting a breeze.
Assign each item a unique ID or SKU.
Track its location (shelf, bin, etc.), condition, and whether it’s listed or sold.
Record sales price, fees, and shipping method once sold.
Even if you’re only selling on one site, getting into this habit early will save you hours down the line.
3. Assign Basic Team Roles (or Solo Responsibilities)
If you’re not working alone, divide up the tasks:
Sourcing & Sorting: Find and organize items.
Photography: Take clear, high-quality photos (natural light works wonders).
Listing: Write descriptions, input details, and upload photos.
Shipping/Pickup: Pack and send out sold items or coordinate local pickups.
Admin: Track sales, fees, and maintain the inventory system.
For solo sellers, block out time for each task—batching can help you get in the zone and work faster. Even if you’re a one-person shop, thinking in roles helps you stay organized and spot where you need help or improvement.
4. Track Sales, Fees, and Adjust
After listing your first batch of high-priority items, keep an eye on what actually sells (and for how much). Use your inventory system to record each sale, including:
Sale date and price
Platform fees
Shipping/pickup method and cost
This data helps you refine your prioritization for future listings. For example, if vintage shirts sell quickly but board games sit for weeks, focus more on clothing next time. You can automate some of this tracking with tools like Gavelbase, which also syncs your listings and helps prevent accidental double sales.
5. Streamline Shipping and Pickup
Shipping hassles can eat up precious time and cause headaches. To keep things clean and simple:
Use standard-sized boxes or poly mailers to streamline packing.
Print labels at home when possible—most platforms offer discounted shipping.
Set clear pickup windows if selling locally. Use messaging features to confirm details and avoid no-shows.
Keep tracking numbers in your inventory system for quick reference.
Batch your shipping—plan to ship all sold items at the same time each day or week. This helps you avoid last-minute scrambles and keeps buyers happy.
6. Review and Repeat
Every few weeks, review your process:
Which items sold fastest?
Did certain categories or brands outperform others?
Were there any mistakes or double listings?
Use these insights to refine your prioritization system. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for what sells—and your listings (and profits) will improve.
Helpful Tools for Beginners
Gavelbase — Sync inventory and listings across multiple platforms, track sales and fees, and manage team roles.
Google Sheets — Simple, flexible inventory tracking for solo or small teams.
Canva — Quick photo editing for clean, appealing listing images.
Pirate Ship — Discounted shipping labels for resellers in the US.
Conclusion: Start Simple, Stay Organized
You don’t need fancy software or a big team to run a smooth reselling operation. By focusing on high-demand, easy-to-list items first, using a central inventory system, and keeping your workflow organized, you’ll build momentum and reduce stress. With steady review and improvement, your process will soon be second nature—and your reselling business will thank you for it.