If you’re like me, you relish in the thrill of thrifting, however the day-to-day running of a reselling business can feel like a constant assault of tiny sharp pins, where every mundane task is a pin prick of irritation piercing through your enthusiasm.
As your inventory and sales grow, you have to find ways to eliminate the issues and scale for continued success.
Lucky for us, there are a great many tools to help with this and instead of just telling you what to get I’ll share the purpose and benefits of each tool, the key features to look for when choosing them, tips and best practices for effective use, common mistakes to avoid, and even a few options you can add to your toolkit.
Some of these you might already have at home, while others might be new additions that will make a world of difference. Let’s get into the tools that help resellers succeed and make your reselling experience more seamless.
The condition and presentation of your items will make all the difference. Proper garment care not only preserves the quality of your inventory but also enhances it's appeal to potential buyers.
We'll explore essential tools and techniques for maintaining your garments in top-notch condition and keeping your reselling operations running smoothly.
A lint shaver is handy in giving pre-owned clothes a makeover.
It removes lint, fuzz, and pills, making garments look almost new. It's especially useful for sweaters, coats, and knitwear, which often show signs of wear and parts of the garment that experience the most friction. Like armpits and the crotch of pants.
How to Use:
Lay the garment flat.
Turn on the lint shaver and gently move it over the fabric.
Empty the lint container once you are done.
Features to Look For:
Look for a lint shaver with adjustable settings for different fabric types, a large shaving head for efficiency, and a detachable lint container for easy cleaning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t press too hard on delicate fabrics; it can cause damage. For extra caution, always test in a small area first.
Similarly to the shaver, a lint roller is an easy solution to making clothes look clean and presentable. It’s useful for removing pet hair, dust, and lint from clothes. Very few things are as disappointing as receiving an item covered from neck to waist in enough fur to cover an entire cat.
Unless you're planning to gift your buyer a new pet along with their purchase, it's probably best to give your clothes a good rollover.
How to Use:
Unroll a sheet.
Roll it over the garment until it’s clean.
Peel off the used sheet and repeat as necessary.
Features to Look For:
Choose a lint roller with extra sticky sheets, a comfortable handle and one that is refillable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t use it on delicate fabrics, as the adhesive might cause damage.
You know what is a mood killer? crumpled and wrinkled clothes.
Nothing worse than opening up that order you have been waiting for only to find it crushed like a receipt at the deepest trenches of your bag.
Since you always want happy repeat customers who leave the nicest love notes, presentation matters. A steamer is essential before photographing and shipping clothes. It’s faster than ironing and gentler on fabrics.
How to Use:
Fill the tank with water.
Hang the garment and steam from top to bottom.
Let the garment dry before photographing or packing. You don't want it to smell like a wet rag when it arrives.
Features to Look For:
Opt for a steamer with a quick heat-up time, a large water tank, and multiple steam settings. Portable steamers are great for on-the-go use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Avoid over-steaming, which can lead to water stains. Keep the steamer moving to prevent scorching.
Size matters, and that's why every reseller needs a measuring tape.
Yes, it adds one extra step you can probably get away without, but sizing issues are one of the main reasons for returns and disputes, so save yourself the trouble. Providing precise dimensions not only reduces returns but also boosts buyer confidence.
It makes it easier for customer service reps to side with you in Poshmark's claims court over sizing matters.
How to Use:
Lay the garment flat.
Measure areas like bust, waist, hips, pants and sleeve length.
Record the measurements in your listing, or if you have time, add the measurements directly to your photo.
Features to Look For:
Choose a flexible tape measure with both inches and centimetres. A retractable design is convenient for storage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Ensure the tape measure is straight and not twisted. Always double-check measurements for accuracy.
A shirt folder helps you fold clothes uniformly, making storage and shipping neat and professional. It also saves time and keeps your inventory organized.
How to Use:
Place the shirt face down on the folder.
Fold the sides over the panels.
Fold the bottom up towards the top.
Lift the folder off, leaving a neatly folded shirt behind.
Features to Look For:
Look for a durable, easy-to-use folder with adjustable settings for different garment sizes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Ensure the shirt is properly aligned with the folder's edges. Misalignment will cause crooked folds and an unprofessional appearance.
This one is self-explanitory, but some hangers are way better than others. You want to get hangers that are anti slip, with either silicone attachments or the ones that are covered in velvet. They tend to be slightly more expensive but worth it.
Features to Look For:
Look for sturdy, non-slip hangers that can support garments in a variety of fabrics. Velvet hangers are excellent for delicate items.
Bonus points if the hangers have hooks for vertical layering—this is a huge space saver. This is my hanger recommendation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Avoid flimsy hangers that can bend or break. Like the metal hangers that you get from the dry cleaners. Also, don’t overload hangers with multiple items.
If you already have a generational wealth of hangers to last multiple lifetimes, but just want a way to save more space. Use detachable hanger hooks. These pocket-sized accessories allow you to vertically layer your hangers, maximizing your closet space without needing to invest in more hangers.
Features to Look For:
Ensure the hooks are made from durable materials to support the weight of your garments.
Look for hooks with a non-slip coating or grip to prevent hangers from sliding off.
Check that the hooks are compatible with various hanger types and sizes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
These things are so simple there really aren't any mistakes to make. Just ensure the hooks fit your hangers properly to avoid instability or sliding.
The way you package and send your items reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, leaving a lasting impression on your buyers. In this section, we'll cover the essential supplies and best practices for packing and shipping your inventory.
From sturdy boxes to eco-friendly packing materials, and from reliable label printers to efficient shipping software, we've got you covered.
You’d never know you needed a label printer until you got one.
It speeds up the shipping process by eliminating the need for hand-written labels, allowing you to quickly print professional shipping labels. This also minimizes the chance of errors on the labels that tend to occur when they are written by hand.
How to Use:
Connect the printer to your computer or phone.
Select the label format and print.
Affix the label to your package.
Features to Look For:
Choose a printer compatible with your shipping software with high printing speed and resolution. Thermal printers are a good choice for cost-efficiency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Ensure the printer is correctly calibrated to avoid misaligned labels. Use the right label size to prevent jams.
As your inventory grows, it begins to swallow you and your home whole.
First you are digging through heaps to find that one item that needs to be shipped. Then you are tripping over "organized" piles, and soon your home starts to resemble a Goodwill bargain bin. This chaos will slow down your operations and prevent you from shipping quickly.
Storage bags become a necessity to prevent the agony and mess.
Unlike bulky storage bins, bags are lightweight and versatile, making them ideal for maintaining order in your reselling space. To further enhance organization, use poly bags within the storage bags to categorize and separate items efficiently.
Inside each storage bag, polybags neatly separate and categorize your items, allowing you to quickly find what you're looking for.
How to Use:
Sort items and place them in bag.
Label each bag for easy identification.
Stack bags to save space.
Features to Look For:
Choose durable, deep, stackable bags. Bags with a clear window are great for visibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t overfill bags, This will cause damage especilally at the seams.
When you order something that comes in a good packaging, you feel so much joy and satisfaction. Now, imagine your customers having that same feeling when they receive a package from you.
Poly mailers can help you achieve that. They are lightweight, durable, and cost-effective. Moreover, they protect items from moisture. To improve the package’s aesthetic, you can use thank you stickers and tissue paper.
How to Use:
Place the item inside the mailer.
Seal the adhesive strip.
Add the shipping label.
Features to Look For:
Choose mailers in various sizes, with strong adhesive strips. Eco-friendly options are a plus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Avoid overstuffing mailers, which can cause tearing. Also, ensure a secure seal to prevent tampering.
This one is goes without saying, having a scale on hand ensures accurate shipping weights, preventing overpayment and ensuring correct postage.
How to Use:
Turn on the scale and ensure it’s calibrated.
Place the package on the scale.
Record the weight and use it to calculate postage.
Features to Look For:
Look for a digital scale with a high weight capacity, accuracy, and easy-to-read display. A compact, portable design is also handy for small spaces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t forget to zero out the scale for accurate readings. Avoid placing packages that exceed the scale’s weight limit.
Photos are your best chance to capture the attention of potential buyers.
High-quality photos can captivate potential buyers, highlight the best features of your items, and significantly boost your sales. In this section, we'll delve into the must-have tools and tips for taking stunning photos and presenting your items in the best possible light.
A mannequin is one of the better ways to show how well clothes fit. It's not an absolute necessity but it gives buyers a better idea of fit and style. It’s also a great tool for professional-looking photos.
How to Use:
Dress the mannequin.
Adjust the posture to showcase the garment best.
Photograph from different angles.
Features to Look For:
Pick a light colored adult mannequin that’s light weight, easy to dress and undress, adjustable, and the right size for your inventory. Another important feature is a sturdy base, as you do not want the mannequin to lose its balance and knock you over. Consider a mannequin with wheels if you need to move it around.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Be mindful of size, if you find yourself selling clothing in a particular size, get a mannequin that will fit.
With a good lighting kit, you can capture consistently clear, well lit, attractive, and professional-quality photos. Photos are the attention grabbers on your listing, so you want to put extra effort in sprucing them up. More eyes on your listings mean a higher potential for a sale.
How to Use:
Set up the lights around your photography area.
Adjust brightness and angles for even lighting.
Take test shots to ensure the best setup.
Features to Look For:
Look for kits with adjustable brightness, color temperature settings, and easy setup. LED lights are energy-efficient and provide good illumination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Avoid harsh shadows by diffusing the light. Ensure consistent lighting to prevent color discrepancies.
A clean, neutral background makes your items stand out and looks professional. It helps buyers focus on the item without distractions. Backdrops can range from super fancy to something super simple you can hack together yourself. It also depends on the amount of space you have for your photo setup.
You can use a professional backdrop or make a DIY custom backdrop using bulletin board paper you can find at staples or any art supply store or even a white shower curtain from walmart.
How to Use:
Set up the backdrop in your photography area.
Ensure it’s smooth and free of wrinkles.
Position your item and take photos.
Features to Look For:
Choose a backdrop that’s easy to clean, has a matte non reflective surface, wrinkle-resistant, and large enough for your items. Portable backdrops are convenient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t use busy or distracting backgrounds. Ensure the backdrop is well-lit to avoid shadows.
Thrifting can sometimes expose you to hazardous situations, involving sharp objects, biohazards and extremely dusty environments. Proper protective gear ensures your safety while you hunt for hidden gems. In this section, we'll cover essential protective equipment to keep you safe and comfortable while you sift through thrift store treasures.
Your hands are the first to come into contact with any potential dangers in thrift stores, so they deserve the best protection. Slip on a pair of gloves to shield yourself from sharp objects, dirt, stains, and whatever else might be lurking in those thrift store bins.
How to Use:
Suit up before starting your thrifting hunt.
Remove and wash (or dispose of) after use.
Features to Look For:
Look for durable, comfortable gloves with a good grip. Disposable or washable gloves are both good options. For disposable gloves, ensure they are not prone to tearing after only a few minutes and they with last your entire thrifting trip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don't use ill-fitted gloves; if they are baggy they will slip off, and if too tight, they will restrict movement and stop circulation. try out different kinds and see which ones are best suited for the tasks.
I know wearing a face mask while thrifting seems a bit dramatic, but once you see the Sahara Desert levels of dust present in these stores, you will think otherwise.
Face masks protect you from allergens, funky odors and all other dusty evils looming in the shadows of your local thrift store. It's your best defense against sinus irritation and infections.
So protect your airways while thrifting and use masks. I prefer reusable face masks but the disposable face masks work as well.
How to Use:
Wear the mask covering your nose and mouth.
Adjust for a snug fit.
Wash or dispose of after use.
Features to Look For:
Choose masks with multiple layers, a snug fit, and good breathability. Reusable masks with filters are environmentally friendly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t wear a mask that’s too loose as this will defeat the purpose.
Each of these tools will make reselling a breeze, less chaotic and more efficient.
I’ve linked all the items mentioned throughout the blog for your convenience, so you can easily find and purchase them. When you’re ready, just cash out and start enjoying a smoother, more organized reselling experience.
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