How do I price items I find at thrift stores for resale?
Research Sold Comps
Use eBay's sold listings filter to see what similar items actually sold for, not just what sellers are asking. Look at the last 30-90 days of sales. For books, check Amazon and BookScouter. For clothing, sites like Poshmark and Mercari can give you a sense of demand.
Note the condition of the sold items compared to yours. A mint-condition item will sell for more than one with flaws. Also consider the season; winter coats sell better in fall and winter.
- eBay sold listings (filter by sold)
- Amazon used prices (check sales rank)
- Poshmark and Mercari for clothing
- Etsy for vintage items
- Facebook Marketplace for local sales
Factor in Fees and Shipping
Marketplace fees typically range from 10-15% of the total sale price, including shipping. Shipping costs can eat into profits, especially for heavy items. Price your item to cover these costs and still leave a profit.
A common strategy is to price at or slightly below the average sold price to sell faster. If you want top dollar, price higher and be willing to wait.
Common mistakes
- Pricing based on asking prices rather than sold prices.
- Forgetting to account for platform fees and shipping costs.
- Ignoring condition differences between your item and comps.
