How Much Money Can You Make Reselling? Realistic Income Breakdown for 2026
“I made $10,000 in my first month flipping!” You’ve probably seen claims like this on YouTube or TikTok. While a tiny percentage of resellers hit those numbers early, the reality for most people looks very different — and that’s perfectly okay.
Reselling is one of the few side hustles where you can start with almost no money, work on your own schedule, and scale as fast or slow as you want. But before you dive in, you deserve an honest answer to the question everyone asks: how much money can you actually make reselling in 2026?
This guide breaks down realistic income at every level — from selling a few things on weekends to running a full-time operation. We’ll cover revenue, expenses, net profit, time invested, and the factors that separate people who earn $200 a month from those earning $10,000+. No hype. Just data.
If you’re brand new to this world, start with our ultimate beginner’s guide to reselling first, then come back here to set realistic income goals.
The Income Equation Every Reseller Needs to Understand
Before we get into specific numbers, you need to understand how reselling income actually works. It’s not as simple as “buy for $5, sell for $20, pocket $15.”
The real formula:
Net Profit = Sale Price − (Cost of Goods + Platform Fees + Shipping Costs + Supplies + Tax Obligations + Overhead)
Here’s what eats into your revenue:
| Expense Category | Typical % of Sale Price | Example on a $50 Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of goods (COGs) | 20–40% | $10–$20 |
| Platform fees | 10–15% | $5–$7.50 |
| Shipping costs | 8–15% | $4–$7.50 |
| Packaging/supplies | 2–5% | $1–$2.50 |
| Tax obligation | 10–25% of profit | $1.50–$3.25 |
| Other overhead | 2–5% | $1–$2.50 |
On a $50 sale, your actual net profit might be $8 to $20 — not the $40+ that looks obvious at first glance.
Use our Flip Profit Calculator to run your own numbers before buying anything. And check the Platform Fee Calculator to understand exactly what each marketplace takes from your sales.
💡 Pro Tip: The single biggest mistake beginners make is ignoring fees and costs when evaluating deals. A 50% margin before fees can shrink to 15% after everything is accounted for. Always calculate net profit, never gross.
Level 1: The Casual Seller ($200–$500/Month)
Who this is: Someone selling items from their own closet, picking up a few things at thrift stores on weekends, or flipping the occasional garage sale find. This is where almost everyone starts.
The Numbers
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Monthly revenue | $400–$1,000 |
| Monthly net profit | $200–$500 |
| Hours per week | 3–7 hours |
| Starting capital | $0–$200 |
| Active listings | 15–50 |
| Items sold per month | 10–25 |
| Average sale price | $20–$40 |
| Average net profit per item | $8–$20 |
What This Looks Like in Practice
You hit a few thrift stores on Saturday mornings, spend $30–$60 on inventory, and list items throughout the week while watching TV. You ship 2–5 packages per week. Your “workspace” is a corner of your bedroom or a shelf in a closet.
At this level, you’re learning what sells, getting comfortable with listing and shipping, and building feedback on marketplaces. You won’t get rich, but $200–$500 per month covers a car payment, groceries, or builds a nice savings cushion.
Typical Categories at This Level
- Clothing from your own closet or thrift stores
- Books and media
- Small household items
- Basic electronics and accessories
Real Example
Sarah, casual Poshmark seller: Spends 5 hours per week sourcing and listing women’s clothing. Sources 10–15 items per weekend at $3–$5 each. Sells about 15 items per month at an average of $28. Monthly revenue: ~$420. After COGs ($60), Poshmark fees (~$84), shipping supplies ($15), her net profit is approximately $261 per month.
For a deeper look at getting started on Poshmark, check out our complete Poshmark guide.
💡 Pro Tip: At this level, focus on learning rather than earning. Every item you list teaches you something about pricing, photography, and what buyers want. That education compounds over time.
Level 2: The Part-Time Hustler ($500–$2,000/Month)
Who this is: Someone who’s moved past the beginner phase and treats reselling as a consistent side hustle. They source intentionally, have a system for listing, and understand their niche.
The Numbers
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Monthly revenue | $1,200–$4,500 |
| Monthly net profit | $500–$2,000 |
| Hours per week | 8–15 hours |
| Working capital | $200–$1,000 |
| Active listings | 50–200 |
| Items sold per month | 25–80 |
| Average sale price | $25–$60 |
| Average net profit per item | $10–$30 |
What This Looks Like in Practice
You’ve identified 2–3 categories you know well. You source multiple times per week — thrift stores, garage sales, clearance racks, maybe online arbitrage. You have a dedicated listing routine and ship almost daily. Your home workspace has a photo setup and shipping station.
You probably sell on 2+ platforms and may have started crosslisting to increase visibility. You track your inventory and know your numbers.
Expense Breakdown at This Level
| Monthly Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Inventory (COGs) | $300–$1,200 |
| Platform fees | $150–$550 |
| Shipping costs | $100–$400 |
| Supplies (boxes, poly mailers, tape, tissue) | $30–$80 |
| Gas/mileage for sourcing | $40–$100 |
| Software/tools subscriptions | $0–$30 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $620–$2,360 |
Use the Mileage Deduction Calculator to track your sourcing trips — those miles add up and are tax-deductible.
Real Example
Marcus, part-time eBay seller (electronics & vintage): Works a full-time job but spends 12 hours per week on reselling. Sources from Goodwill outlets, estate sales, and Facebook Marketplace. Averages 45 sales per month at $52 average. Monthly revenue: ~$2,340. After COGs ($585), eBay fees (~$305), shipping ($280), supplies ($50), gas ($65), his net profit is approximately $1,055 per month.
This level is where reselling starts feeling like a real income stream. Many people at this stage earn their first $1,000 and realize the potential.
💡 Pro Tip: The jump from Level 1 to Level 2 isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter. Learning which items have the best ROI and fastest turnover is the key skill at this stage.
Level 3: The Serious Side Business ($2,000–$5,000/Month)
Who this is: Reselling is a significant income source. They have deep niche expertise, established sourcing channels, efficient systems, and may be considering going full-time.
The Numbers
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Monthly revenue | $4,500–$12,000 |
| Monthly net profit | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Hours per week | 15–25 hours |
| Working capital | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Active listings | 200–600 |
| Items sold per month | 80–200 |
| Average sale price | $30–$80 |
| Average net profit per item | $12–$35 |
What This Looks Like in Practice
You’ve built relationships with sourcing contacts — estate sale companies call you first, thrift store managers tip you off on restock days, or you’ve developed wholesale or liquidation sources. You sell across 3+ platforms. You have a dedicated workspace, possibly in a spare room or garage. You might use a SKU system and inventory tracking.
Your photography is solid, your listings are optimized (you know when to use the Listing Title Optimizer), and your shipping process is efficient.
Expense Breakdown at This Level
| Monthly Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Inventory (COGs) | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Platform fees | $550–$1,500 |
| Shipping costs | $350–$1,000 |
| Supplies & packaging | $80–$200 |
| Gas/mileage | $80–$200 |
| Software & subscriptions | $20–$75 |
| Storage (if needed) | $0–$150 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $2,280–$7,125 |
Category-Specific Income Ranges at This Level
Different categories have different profit margins and sell-through rates:
| Category | Avg. Profit/Item | Items/Month Needed for $3K Profit | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage/antiques | $25–$80 | 40–120 | Medium |
| Electronics | $15–$50 | 60–200 | Medium |
| Branded clothing | $10–$30 | 100–300 | Low-Medium |
| Shoes/sneakers | $20–$60 | 50–150 | Medium |
| Sporting goods | $15–$45 | 65–200 | Medium |
| Home goods/décor | $10–$35 | 85–300 | Low |
| Books (niche/textbooks) | $5–$25 | 120–600 | Low |
Check our best things to flip for profit guide to find the categories with the best margins in 2026. You can also use the Brand Resale Value Index to spot high-value brands quickly while sourcing.
💡 Pro Tip: At this level, your biggest risk is the “death pile” — unsorted, unlisted inventory taking over your space. Read our guide on avoiding the death pile before it becomes a problem.
Level 4: The Full-Time Reseller ($4,000–$10,000/Month)
Who this is: Reselling is their primary income. They treat it as a real business with dedicated hours, serious systems, and business infrastructure (LLC, business bank account, quarterly taxes).
The Numbers
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Monthly revenue | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Monthly net profit | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Hours per week | 30–50 hours |
| Working capital | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Active listings | 500–2,000+ |
| Items sold per month | 150–500+ |
| Average sale price | $30–$100 |
| Average net profit per item | $15–$40 |
What This Looks Like in Practice
This is a job. You source 3–5 days per week, list daily, and ship daily. You likely have a dedicated room or garage converted into a full workspace. You may have help — a spouse who photographs items, a friend who ships, or a part-time assistant.
You sell on every relevant platform, you compare fees religiously, and you time your listings for maximum visibility using the Best Time to List Calendar. You understand shipping zones and know exactly when to use First Class vs Priority Mail.
The Full Cost Picture
| Monthly Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Inventory (COGs) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Platform fees | $1,200–$3,200 |
| Shipping costs | $800–$2,200 |
| Supplies & packaging | $150–$400 |
| Gas/mileage | $150–$350 |
| Software & tools | $50–$150 |
| Storage unit | $100–$300 |
| Insurance | $50–$100 |
| Self-employment tax (quarterly) | $400–$1,200 |
| Health insurance | $300–$800 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $6,200–$16,700 |
Notice the expenses that appear at this level: health insurance, self-employment taxes, storage, and insurance. Going full-time means losing employer benefits, which significantly increases your overhead. Use the Tax Deduction Calculator to make sure you’re capturing every legitimate deduction.
The Full-Time Reality Check
Going full-time is a major decision. Before making the leap, you need to consistently hit your target income for at least 6 months while still at your day job. Read our guide on transitioning from side hustle to full-time for a detailed playbook.
💡 Pro Tip: Most successful full-time resellers didn’t quit their jobs overnight. They scaled gradually over 6–12 months, built a financial cushion of 3–6 months of expenses, and already had consistent systems in place before going all-in.
Level 5: The Power Seller ($10,000+/Month)
Who this is: A small percentage of resellers who’ve built genuine businesses — often with help, specialized niches, wholesale connections, or multiple revenue streams.
The Numbers
| Metric | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Monthly revenue | $25,000–$100,000+ |
| Monthly net profit | $10,000–$40,000+ |
| Hours per week | 40–60+ hours |
| Working capital | $10,000–$50,000+ |
| Active listings | 2,000–10,000+ |
| Items sold per month | 500–2,000+ |
What Sets Power Sellers Apart
- Wholesale and liquidation sourcing — They buy by the pallet or truckload, not by the item
- Employees or virtual assistants — They’ve delegated photography, listing, or shipping
- Multiple revenue streams — They may also consult, teach, or operate a local resale shop
- Capital investment — They can tie up $5,000–$20,000 in inventory without stress
- Deep niche expertise — They know their category encyclopedically
Honest Perspective
Power seller income is real, but it’s uncommon. Of the millions of people who sell on eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari, fewer than 5% reach consistent five-figure monthly profits. It takes years of experience, significant capital, and the willingness to run a real business.
If your goal is to build toward this level, start with our scaling your reselling business guide and focus on building systems that don’t depend entirely on your personal time.
Income Growth Timeline: What to Actually Expect
Here’s a realistic progression for someone starting from zero, dedicating 10–15 hours per week:
| Timeframe | Monthly Net Profit | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | $0–$100 | Learning, listing personal items, making first sales, lots of mistakes |
| Month 2–3 | $100–$300 | Finding sourcing rhythm, understanding what sells, building feedback |
| Month 4–6 | $200–$600 | Developing niche knowledge, improving listing quality, faster shipping |
| Month 7–12 | $400–$1,200 | Systems in place, consistent sourcing, expanding to 2+ platforms |
| Year 2 | $800–$2,500 | Deep category expertise, efficient processes, potential to scale or stay part-time |
| Year 3+ | $1,500–$5,000+ | If scaling: delegation, wholesale, business infrastructure |
Key insight: The biggest income jumps don’t come from working more hours. They come from:
- Better sourcing — Finding items with higher margins
- Faster listing — Getting items live quicker (fighting the death pile)
- Better pricing — Using data instead of guessing
- Multi-platform selling — Use the Crosslisting Platforms Comparison to pick the right mix
- Niche expertise — Knowing what’s valuable on sight
Platform-Specific Earning Potential in 2026
Where you sell significantly impacts your income. Each platform has different fee structures, audiences, and optimal price points.
| Platform | Best For | Fee Range | Avg. Sale Price | Earning Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | Electronics, vintage, collectibles, variety | 13–15% | $25–$60 | High (largest audience) |
| Poshmark | Women’s/men’s fashion, shoes, accessories | 20% | $20–$45 | Medium-High |
| Mercari | General items, lower price points | 10% | $15–$35 | Medium |
| Facebook Marketplace | Furniture, local items, large goods | 0–5% | $20–$100 | Medium-High (no shipping) |
| Depop | Trendy/vintage fashion, Gen Z market | 10% | $20–$50 | Medium |
| Amazon (FBA) | Retail arbitrage, new items | 15–40% | $15–$40 | High (requires capital) |
For a deeper comparison, check our guide on where to sell online in 2026 and use the Platform Fee Comparison Tool to see exactly how fees affect your profits on each marketplace.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t spread yourself thin across every platform. Master one platform first, then add a second once your systems are solid. Most part-time resellers see the best results focusing on 2–3 platforms max.
Geographic Factors That Affect Your Income
Where you live impacts both your sourcing opportunities and your costs:
High-Income Areas (Major Metropolitan Areas)
- More competition for sourcing, but also more inventory turnover at thrift stores
- Higher cost of living means you need to earn more
- Better sourcing variety — estate sales, upscale thrift stores, more garage sales
- Higher shipping costs if items go across the country
Suburban and Mid-Size Cities
- Often the sweet spot — good sourcing, reasonable cost of living, less competition
- Estate sales and garage sales can be goldmines in established neighborhoods
- Lower overhead — cheaper storage, shorter sourcing drives
Rural Areas
- Less competition but fewer sourcing opportunities
- May need to drive further for thrift stores and sales, increasing mileage costs
- Online sourcing (online auctions, Facebook Marketplace) becomes more important
- Shipping costs can be higher depending on zone distances
Track your sourcing travel expenses with the Mileage Deduction Calculator no matter where you live — those deductions add up significantly over a year.
What Influencers Won’t Tell You: The Hidden Costs
Let’s talk about the unglamorous parts that rarely make it into “I made $5K this month!” posts:
Time Costs Nobody Mentions
- Sourcing trips that produce nothing — You’ll have plenty of these
- Returns and refunds — Expect 5–10% of sales to result in returns at some point (see our returns and refunds guide)
- Customer messages — Answering questions, handling offers, resolving issues
- Research time — Looking up comps, checking sold prices, learning about items
- Bookkeeping — Tracking income, expenses, inventory (bookkeeping basics)
- Platform issues — Dealing with scammers, unfair cases, policy changes
Financial Costs That Shrink Profits
- Unsold inventory — Not everything sells. Budget for 10–20% of inventory never selling at your target price
- Price drops — Items that sit may need price reductions to move
- Storage costs — Even if it’s “free” space in your home, there’s an opportunity cost
- Seasonal fluctuations — January and summer are typically slow; Q4 is typically the strongest
- Platform fee increases — Fees have trended upward over time
Use the Break-Even Price Calculator to understand the minimum price you need to avoid losing money on any item.
The Revenue vs. Profit Illusion
This is the biggest misconception in reselling content online. Someone posting “$8,000 in sales this month!” might only be netting $2,500–$3,500 after all expenses. Revenue is vanity. Profit is what pays your bills.
Always think in terms of net profit. Use the Margin vs. Markup Calculator to understand the difference between these two commonly confused concepts.
How to Maximize Your Reselling Income
Whatever level you’re at, these strategies help you earn more per hour invested:
1. Focus on Profit Per Hour, Not Profit Per Item
An item that nets you $5 profit but takes 10 minutes total (source, list, ship) earns you $30/hour. An item that nets $30 but takes 3 hours of research, cleaning, and complex shipping earns you $10/hour. Choose wisely.
2. Develop a Niche
Generalists can do well, but niche expertise lets you spot deals instantly instead of researching every item. Whether it’s vintage clothing, electronics, books, or sporting goods — going deep beats going wide.
3. Source Smarter
Use our Retail Arbitrage Sourcing Checklist before every sourcing trip. Know what you’re looking for before you walk through the door. Check the Thrift Store Color Tag Calendar for discount days that dramatically improve your margins.
4. Optimize Listings
Better photos, better titles, and better descriptions sell items faster and at higher prices. Read our guides on how to photograph items and how to write listings that sell.
5. Reduce Shipping Costs
Shipping is often your second-largest expense after inventory. Use the Shipping Box Size Calculator to avoid overpaying on dimensional weight, and read our shipping guide for the cheapest options.
6. Track Everything
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Track your cost of goods, your time spent, your sell-through rate, and your actual profit per item. Our inventory turnover calculator helps you see which items are actually making money versus just sitting.
Can You Replace a Full-Time Income With Reselling?
Yes — but it’s not quick or easy. Here’s an honest assessment:
- Replacing a $30K–$40K salary: Achievable within 12–18 months for a dedicated reseller working 25–35 hours per week
- Replacing a $50K–$70K salary: Possible but requires significant capital investment, deep expertise, and 35–50 hours per week. Usually takes 18–30 months
- Replacing a $80K+ salary: Requires power-seller-level operations — team members, wholesale sourcing, high capital, and significant business infrastructure. Takes 2–4+ years
Remember: when replacing W-2 income, you need to account for the loss of employer-provided health insurance, retirement matches, paid time off, and other benefits. Your gross reselling income needs to be 20–30% higher than your salary to achieve the same take-home lifestyle.
If you’re exploring this path, read our part-time reselling plan to structure your hours for maximum impact while keeping your day job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a complete beginner make reselling in their first month?
Realistically, $0 to $200 in net profit. Your first month is primarily a learning phase. You’ll make mistakes — buying items that don’t sell, pricing too high or too low, overpaying for shipping. Many beginners actually lose money in month one. That’s normal. Focus on education over earnings. By month three, most committed beginners are consistently profiting $100–$400 per month.
Is reselling still profitable in 2026?
Yes, absolutely. The secondhand market continues to grow, projected to reach over $350 billion globally by 2027. More buyers are shopping secondhand for sustainability and value reasons. While competition has increased, so has demand. The key is being strategic about what you sell and where. Use tools like the Brand Resale Value Index to focus on items with proven demand.
How much starting money do I need to begin reselling?
You can start with $0 by selling items you already own. If you want to source inventory, $50–$100 is enough to get started at thrift stores and garage sales. You don’t need thousands of dollars. Many successful resellers started by selling things from their closet to fund their first sourcing trips. See our beginner’s guide for a zero-budget starting plan.
What percentage of revenue is actual profit for resellers?
Most resellers net 30–50% of their gross revenue as profit. This varies widely by category, platform, and efficiency. High-margin categories (vintage, branded items, electronics) can hit 50–60% net margins. Lower-margin, higher-volume categories (books, general clothing) may see 20–35%. Always calculate your true net using the Flip Profit Calculator.
Do I need to pay taxes on reselling income?
Yes. In the US, reselling income is taxable regardless of the amount. Starting in recent tax years, platforms report sales over $600 via 1099-K forms. You should track all income and expenses from day one. The good news: you can deduct legitimate business expenses including mileage, home office, supplies, inventory costs, and more. Read our full reseller tax deductions guide and use the Tax Deduction Calculator.
How many hours per week do I need to invest to make $1,000/month?
Approximately 10–15 hours per week once you’re past the initial learning curve (usually 2–3 months in). This includes sourcing (3–5 hours), listing and photographing (3–5 hours), shipping (2–3 hours), and admin tasks (1–2 hours). Efficiency improves dramatically with experience — what takes a beginner 3 hours might take an experienced reseller 45 minutes.
What sells fastest for beginners?
Branded clothing, shoes, small electronics, and popular toys/games tend to sell fastest. The key is selling items people are actively searching for. Avoid extremely niche items as a beginner — you want volume and fast turnover to build experience and feedback. Check our best things to flip guide for category-specific advice.
Is it better to sell high-price items or lots of cheap items?
It depends on your goals and time. High-price items ($50–$200+) generate more profit per sale but take longer to source, may sit longer, and carry more risk. Low-price items ($10–$30) sell faster but require more volume. Most successful resellers find a middle ground: a core of steady mid-range items ($20–$60) supplemented by occasional high-value finds. Use the ROI Calculator to compare approaches.
Which reselling platform pays the most?
No single platform “pays the most” — it depends on what you’re selling. eBay has the largest audience but moderate fees. Poshmark takes 20% but fashion items can command premium prices there. Facebook Marketplace has minimal fees but requires local meetups or self-managed shipping. The best strategy is selling each item on the platform where it performs best. Use our Platform Fee Comparison Tool and read our guide on where to sell online.
How long until reselling income becomes consistent?
Expect 3–6 months before your income becomes reasonably predictable. In the early months, your sales will be lumpy — a great week followed by crickets. Consistency comes from having a large enough listing base (100+ active listings), understanding seasonal patterns, and maintaining a steady sourcing and listing cadence. By month six, most committed resellers can predict their monthly income within 20–30%.
Can I resell part-time while working a full-time job?
Absolutely — the majority of resellers are part-time. Reselling is one of the most flexible side hustles available. You can source on weekends, list in the evenings, and ship during lunch breaks or on the way to work. Many resellers make $500–$2,000 per month working just 8–12 hours per week. Check our part-time reselling plan and our reselling as a side hustle guide for structured approaches.
Set Realistic Goals, Then Go Crush Them
The truth about reselling income is this: most people who stick with it for six months or more are genuinely surprised at how much they can earn. But the key words are “stick with it.” The early months are a learning investment. The returns come later.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Month 1–2: Focus on learning. Target $100–$200 in profit. Read everything you can, including our common beginner mistakes guide
- Month 3–6: Build systems and consistency. Target $300–$800 in monthly profit
- Month 7–12: Optimize and scale. Target your desired income level and work backward to determine the hours and capital needed
- Year 2+: Decide if you want to stay part-time or explore full-time reselling
Don’t compare your month one to someone else’s year three. Every experienced reseller started exactly where you are now.
Ready to start analyzing deals like a pro? Underpriced gives you free AI-powered deal analysis — just upload a photo or paste a listing, and get instant profit estimates with comparable sales data. Start with 10 free analyses and see exactly what your finds are worth before you buy.