Today, many people are looking for ways to make an income outside of a regular 9-5 job. Whether you, blog, freelance, or want to start a side hustle, there is money to be made from items that other people don’t want. You can choose to set up an online shop to sell the items on places like eBay, GumTree of Facebook Marketplace.
*This is a collaborative post.
Buy auction lots
Every year, there are opportunities to buy auction lots from companies that rent indoor storage solutions. If renters fail to pay their bills or fall out of contact for a certain period, then they sell on the contents of the storage units.
Similarly, dry cleaners often have items that people don’t collect. After a certain amount of time, they sell on the items. Usually, if someone has taken the time to get something dry cleaned then it is usually a quality item that you can sell on for a profit.
The airline lost luggage sales are also treasure troves of fantastic quality clothes, electronics, and jewellery. You often have to buy contents of the case site unseen but you can find a lot of valuable items there.
Learn to upcycle
Upcycling is huge. There are entire corners of the internet dedicated to it. Taking old, boring furniture and turning it into something beautiful and then selling it on for a higher price.
Look for free or cheap items online that you can then transform into something that someone wants to buy.
There are many YouTube channels and Pinterest accounts entirely dedicated to upcycling furniture. You’ll never run out of inspiration.
Visit car boot sales
Car boot sales are a British institution. People turn up with a boot full of items they want to get rid of, often for a few pounds. You can then take these and sell them via a different platform. Even if you’re only making a few percent more than you paid for them, it all adds up with each item you sell.
Charity shops are also great places to find items to sell, and you’ll be doing your bit for a good cause too.
Learn how to spot a bargain
Of course, learning to take other people’s pre-loved items and turning them into a profit, takes a good eye. You need to do your homework on each platform that you’re using so you can accurately figure out how much something is worth and what others are willing to pay for it.
The best way to do this is to spend as much time browsing around as possible to get a feel for the market place. Start with what you’re interested in. If you like fashion, then you’re more likely to know how much a dress is worth than say, a painting. Once you’re confident in one area, start to branch out into others.
Final thoughts
Making money working for yourself is very satisfying, but can be hard work. Buying and selling items takes a lot of patience and knowledge. You also need to be good with people, it helps when negotiating. Use these tips to help make money now and in the future.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
