Wondering how to get free inventory for reselling on eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari. Here are 6 places you can get free things to sell!
When you’re looking for a quick way to make money, there’s no better place than selling on websites like eBay, Poshmark or Mercari.
But the first problem you will run into after figuring out what to sell, is where to find inventory for reselling.
This is actually, I believe, the number one thing that keeps people back from selling online.
But thank goodness that doesn’t have to hold you back from making money online.
You don’t even have to fork over tons of money for inventory.
In this article, you’ll learn about 6 different places where you can get free inventory for reselling.
Before We Jump In
Hi there! If we haven’t met yet, my name is Lee. I’m a busy stay at home mom of 4 kiddos.
I’ve made over $100,000 reselling used clothes as a little naptime side hustle.
In my spare time, I also teach people just like you how to make money selling on online platforms like eBay.
If you’d like to learn how to bring home an extra $500 a month flipping used items (including the exact path to how I’ve made over $100,000), be sure to sign up for my FREE 5-day course called Reseller Bootcamp.
Tip: Be sure to check your spam folder and mark emails as “not junk” so you get all the days of the course!
Where To Find (Free) Things To Sell On eBay
Okay. Let’s get started.
Here is a list of 5 places to get free inventory for reselling (eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, or any other marketplace)!
1) Your Personal Items
This is most often the most overlooked category.
Do you have items in your home you’re no longer using?
It’s so easy to pass over what’s right in front of us.
To not see what’s in plan sight.
Or, maybe you have things in storage, hidden in a cupboard or drawer that you’ve forgotten about.
These unused items should be your first source of “free inventory” for reselling on places like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari. (Yes, you may have initially paid for them, but what good are they doing you if they’re going unused?).
Did you know that Americans are estimated to have $3-$4k of unused goods sitting in their house?
Some of the first things to check out are:
- Video games/consoles
- Closets (clothes)
- Shoes
- Old electronics (phones, music players, etc.)
Check out the complete list here of best things to sell:
I’m confident that once you start looking, you’ll find at least something (perhaps many items) that you can sell online (at no cost to you!).
2) Curbside Items
Have you ever checked out what people set out for free?
They don’t want to deal with the hassle of selling or arranging for pickup.
These items you’ll find set out on the sidewalk or curb with a sign marked “Free.”
It really is surprising the things you can find this way.
Don’t live in a neighborhood where this happens?
If so, keep your eyes open when visiting other neighborhoods and make a mental note of which neighborhoods this practice occurs the most often.
Again, once you start looking, you’ll start to notice free items more and more.
And don’t think it’s only “junk” set out; there are plenty of valuable items that people just want to be done with.
So get out there and get that free inventory for reselling!
3) Friends & Family
Next up on the list of where to get free inventory for reselling is from friends and family.
Let them know that you’re selling things online.
Many will be happy to give you free things to sell on eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari.
You might be surprised how many resellers get items this way.
So don’t be afraid to ask or post on social media. You’re getting free inventory, plus helping them declutter!
4) Garage Sales
Still need more ideas for getting free inventory to sell on eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari?
Checkout garage sales.
There are a couple of different ways to get free things to sell from garages sales.
First up, many will have a “free pile” or box of items they want to get rid of.
Don’t pass by those items! Give them a look-over and grab anything that might be worth selling online.
The second method is to pair items up and make an offer.
The seller may be more likely to accept an offer if you are buying several items.
This is essentially a way to get a few items free.
For example, you’re interested in 3 items for $5 a piece. Offer $10 for taking all. That’s the equivalent of getting one item free.
(And don’t forget, the worth you they can say is “no.)
The later in the day you go, the more luck you will have with this method.
5) Consignment
Next up in this list of where to find free inventory for reselling, is through consignment.
While not technically free, consignment is a tried and true method for getting inventory upfront for free.
You only pay your consignor if and when the item sells.
You’ll only want to offer consignment if you’ve been selling online for a while and feel comfortable listing and shipping.
If that’s you, feel free to offer your services to friends and family.
Many may have valuable items that they don’t know what to do with.
Here are some examples of items I’ve sold by consignment:
One of the best parts of consignment is being able to sell higher value items than you might normally find thrifting or at garage sales.
And if the item doesn’t sell, no big loss – you didn’t pay anything for it.
This is definitely one of my new favorite ways to get free inventory (upfront) to resell online!
6) Flyp
Have you heard of Flyp?
This is an online version of finding consignors.
It’s a free app and it’s free to get started (as well as well) as a “Pro Seller.”
(You even get $20 when you get your first lot delivered!)
Once you’re approved to sell (this takes less than 24 hours), you can apply for which lots you’d like to sell.
Then the inventory is delivered straight to your door. (Yay for not having to leave your house!).
And just like regular consigning, you only pay your consignor if and when the items sell.
This can be a great way of getting essentially free inventory for reselling on eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, etc. (You get to choose where you list items).
Conclusion Of Where To Find Free Inventory For Reselling
You now have 6 places where you can get free inventory for selling online!
These ideas for getting free items to sell should give you enough to get started (and going) with reselling.
And some (like consigning) can provide you with free inventory on an on-going basis.
Thanks for reading and if you need some more help getting started with reselling, be sure to sign up for my free course, Reseller Bootcamp!
Learn how you can make money flipping items!
Happy selling (and finding free items)!