How I Source Inventory for eBay (What I Used to Do — and What I Do Now)
When people ask how to start reselling, they usually want one answer.
There isn’t one.
Over time, my sourcing has evolved. What I did in the beginning isn’t exactly what I do now — but every phase taught me something.
Here’s the real progression.
Phase 1: Thrift Stores & Goodwill Outlets (“The Bins”)
When I started, I sourced heavily from thrift stores and Goodwill outlets.
If you’ve never been to a Goodwill outlet (often called “the bins”), it’s basically a warehouse filled with large blue bins of unsorted donations. You pay by the pound — in my area it’s around $1.99 per pound.
That makes experimentation cheap.
I started mostly with clothing. At the bins, you can grab several shirts for just a few dollars total.
It can feel competitive — other resellers are there digging too — but sometimes you find unexpected wins.
For example, I once picked up a pair of boots simply because they looked well-made. They turned out to be a high-end brand and eventually sold for several hundred dollars.
Those big wins don’t happen daily.
But the low buy-in makes it worth showing up.
Phase 2: Garage Sales & Estate Sales
After thrift stores, I moved into garage sales and estate sales.
This is where some of the best return-on-investment opportunities exist.
Before the weekend, I check listings online and map out sales that look promising. If photos show electronics, tools, cameras, or interesting items, I’ll prioritize those stops.
Garage sales are powerful because:
- Prices are extremely low
- Sellers often just want things gone
- Not everything valuable is displayed
I always ask politely:
“Do you happen to have any old cameras, electronics, or game systems you’re getting rid of?”
Many times, people will bring things out from inside the house that weren’t originally on the table.
One time I picked up a Montblanc pen for just a few dollars. It later sold for several hundred.
That kind of margin isn’t daily — but garage sales consistently produce strong flips.
Estate sales can be even better.
When families are clearing out homes, items are often well-kept and higher quality. Older owners frequently took good care of their belongings, and condition matters a lot on eBay.
Phase 3: Buying Lots (Including Directly on eBay)
One of my main sourcing methods now is buying lots — sometimes locally, and sometimes directly on eBay itself.
Most people assume eBay is too competitive to source from. I used to think that, too.
That’s not always true.
I look for:
- Poorly titled listings
- Weak photos
- Mixed electronics lots
- Auctions ending at low-visibility times
- Bundles where one strong item justifies the entire purchase
If I can clearly see value inside the lot, I’ll buy it.
Often:
- One item covers the entire cost.
- The rest becomes profit.
- Remaining pieces can be relisted individually or as a new discounted lot.
Sourcing from eBay requires discipline.
You can’t overpay.
You have to know sold comps.
But if you’re selective, it can be one of the most consistent sourcing methods available.
Free & “Overlooked” Items
Sometimes sourcing is opportunistic.
I’ve picked up free items left curbside or near dumpsters — especially electronics.
One example: I once grabbed a small vintage TV with a built-in VCR that was sitting out with a “Free” sign. It worked. It sold quickly for around $100.
Even if something doesn’t work, I often list items for parts or repair.
There’s an entire buyer market for:
- Repairable electronics
- Replacement parts
- Restoration projects
Nothing is automatically worthless.
My Buying Rule
Regardless of where I source, I ask:
- Can I at least double my money?
- Is there sold history on eBay?
- Can I test it?
- Am I okay holding it for 30–60 days?
If the answer isn’t mostly yes, I pass.
There will always be another opportunity.
How My Sourcing Has Changed
In the beginning, I experimented more and bought broader categories.
Now, I’m more selective.
Experience teaches you:
- What actually sells
- What looks valuable
- What ships easily
- What to avoid
Sourcing isn’t about one giant score.
It’s about consistent small wins that stack.
Final Thoughts
There’s no secret source.
Inventory is everywhere.
The skill is:
- Recognizing value
- Managing risk
- Being consistent
Over time, that’s what builds a real reselling business.
New to Reselling on eBay? Start Here
If you’re new to reselling, these posts will walk you through my exact system from start to finish: