Your first flip doesn't need to be complicated. In fact, the best first flip often comes from your own closet—something you already own that you're ready to part with. No sourcing required, no money at risk.
This checklist walks you through every step, from picking the item to depositing the cash. Print it out, follow it in order, and you'll have completed your first sale before you know it. If you want the bigger picture first, check out our complete beginner's guide.
Phase 1: Choose Your Item
📦 Item Selection
Pick something you own that you no longer want
Clothing, shoes, electronics, books—anything in decent condition that's taking up space.
Research if it sells
Search eBay for the item, filter by "Sold Items." If similar items have sold recently, you're good.
Note the typical selling price
Look at 3-5 sold listings for similar condition. Write down the average.
Phase 2: Prep the Item
✨ Preparation
Clean it thoroughly
Wash clothing, wipe down electronics, remove dust. First impressions matter. See our cleaning guide for specific tips.
Check for flaws
Stains, holes, missing buttons, scratches. Note everything—you'll disclose these.
Fix what you can
Remove pills with a fabric shaver. Tighten loose buttons. Small fixes increase value.
Phase 3: Photograph
📸 Photos
Find good natural light
Near a window during daytime. No flash needed—natural light is free and better.
Use a clean, simple background
White wall, plain floor, or hung on a door. Avoid clutter.
Take 6-8 photos minimum
Front, back, tags/labels, close-up details, and any flaws. More is better.
Review photos before moving on
Sharp? Well-lit? Shows the item accurately? Retake if needed. See our iPhone photography guide.
Phase 4: Create Your Listing
📝 Listing
Choose your platform
For your first flip, eBay or Poshmark are easiest. Both have free accounts.
Write a keyword-rich title
Include: Brand + Item Type + Key Details + Size. Example: "Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket Mens Large Blue"
Take measurements (for clothing)
Pit-to-pit, length, sleeve length. Lay flat and measure. Include in description.
Write honest description
Brand, size, condition, measurements, any flaws. Be accurate—it prevents returns.
Set your price
Based on sold comps. For your first item, price competitively—a quick sale builds confidence.
Upload photos and publish
Double-check everything, then hit publish. Congratulations—you're a reseller now.
Phase 5: Make the Sale
💰 Selling
Respond to questions promptly
Quick responses build trust and increase likelihood of sale.
Consider reasonable offers
Most buyers expect some negotiation. Know your floor price in advance.
Accept the sale
When it sells, celebrate briefly—then move to shipping.
Phase 6: Ship It
📬 Shipping
Print your shipping label
The platform provides this. Use a regular printer if you don't have a thermal one.
Pack securely
Poly mailer for soft goods, box for fragile items. Ensure it can't be damaged in transit.
Attach label and drop off
USPS, UPS, or schedule a pickup. Get a receipt or scan confirmation.
Mark as shipped (if required)
Some platforms do this automatically when scanned; others need manual confirmation.
Phase 7: Get Paid
🎉 Completion
Wait for delivery and acceptance
Funds are typically released after buyer receives item (or after a few days).
Transfer funds to your bank
Or keep them in the platform to cover shipping on future sales.
Record the sale
Note what you sold, what it cost you (if anything), and your profit. Start tracking from day one.
You Did It
That's it. You've completed your first flip. The process gets faster with practice—what takes an hour now will take 15 minutes once you've done it a dozen times.
Now do it again. And again. Each flip teaches you something: what photos work, what prices move, what items are worth your time. The learning happens by doing, not by reading.
Ready for your next item? Time to go sourcing.
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