Join me on my journey to how I started selling secondhand items. It all began with a single email—yes, that Boxing Day sale announcement that sent my Mecca-loving heart into a frenzy. I had been waiting all year for this, and when the moment came, I was ready to pounce. Fuelled by excitement (and maybe a touch of FOMO), I loaded up my cart with questionable eyeshadow palettes, Christmas ornament sets with mascara, sunblock, and more random things that somehow seemed essential at the time. For a brief moment, I shopped like I was the heir to a billion-dollar fortune. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t.

A week later, the boxes arrived—yes, plural (because why stop putting things in your cart when you’re spiralling?). Unboxing each package felt like Christmas morning because I had completely forgotten what I ordered. Then, as the contents spilled across the table, the cold, hard truth hit me. Why on earth did I buy so much makeup during a pandemic? With masks covering half my face, the idea of wearing makeup was absurd. And seriously, who in their right mind buys a 90s blue eyeshadow palette in 2020? Well, apparently, I did.

Determined not to let my splurge go to waste, I made an effort to use it all. But let’s be honest—some of it was destined for the back of the bathroom cabinet, never to see the light of day again.

A Lockdown Discovery

Cue lockdown number two. With a surplus of free time (and a newfound urge to declutter), I decided to tackle my overflowing cupboards. Amongst the chaos, I stumbled upon unopened makeup products—still sealed in their pristine packaging. Because nothing screams “pandemic productivity” like discovering forgotten makeup while wearing sweatpants for the fourth day in a row. Realising these items were untouched and probably worth something, I listed them on Trademe (New Zealand’s equivalent to eBay). To my surprise, within a few weeks they sold—and for a profit!

That little victory sparked a thought: What else could I sell? I embarked on a full-scale treasure hunt through my stuff, listing clothes, perfumes, skincare products, and even random knick-knacks. I was shocked to find that selling secondhand items like makeup and skincare had a market (and yes, I sanitised everything thoroughly before listing). It was like I had accidentally stumbled upon a new side hustle.

My Experience

Selling secondhand items like clothes, makeup, and skincare products turned out to be the easiest route. They were simple to package and ship—thank you, Molenberg bread bags, for your unexpected role as makeshift packaging. Who knew carbs would be the hero of my side hustle journey? On the flip side, bulkier items like fancy cups, saucers, and the occasional kitchen appliance posed a bit more of a challenge. Finding the right cardboard boxes and packing material during a pandemic? Not as easy as it sounds.

Then there’s the time spent listing each item. Since I only had one of everything, each piece required its own description and a fresh set of photos. And let’s be real—taking good photos of clothes is like trying to capture the perfect selfie. Without a mannequin, I had to make do with a coat hanger and a doorframe. Definitely not what you’d call “high-fashion” photography. On the bright side, makeup and boxed items were far easier to photograph—just pop them on a flat surface, throw in some good lighting, and voilà!

By the end of the lockdown my house looked a lot tidier, and my bank account a lot healthier.

Tips from my experience:

Understanding the Secondhand Market

When selling secondhand items online, the platform you choose really matters. While Trademe (and other sites like eBay and Craigslist) are popular, there are a variety of marketplaces suited to different products. For example, Poshmark is perfect for fashion items, while Facebook Marketplace is great for local sales with less hassle around shipping. Understanding your audience and picking the right platform can help maximise your sales. Pro tip: keep an eye on market demand—some items might sell faster than others, so it’s essential to price wisely and stay informed about second-hand trends.

Create Effective Listings

Want your listings to stand out? The key is high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. Cleaning and prepping your items properly before listing them can significantly impact their sale price. For clothes, a little ironing or steaming goes a long way. For makeup and skincare, ensure everything is sanitised and call out any imperfections. Being transparent builds trust, and trust is the secret sauce to making sales.

Managing Shipping and Packaging Costs

Let’s talk shipping. It can be a bit tricky. For smaller items like makeup or jewellery, make sure to research affordable shipping options that include tracking. For larger or more fragile items, invest in quality packaging to avoid any breakages—nothing ruins a sale faster than a broken mug or shattered perfume bottle. You can offer multiple shipping options, like standard or expedited, allowing buyers to choose what fits their needs. Just remember to factor in these costs when pricing your items so you’re not losing money on the logistics.

Pros:

• Every sale felt like pure profit since I was selling secondhand items I no longer needed.
• Decluttering my home was an added bonus. Not only was I earning money, but my house was also finally less cluttered.
• The flexibility to list items whenever I felt like it was a huge plus, although buyers do expect timely shipping once a sale goes through.

Cons:

• It’s not the most sustainable or long-term hustle. Eventually, you’ll run out of items to sell, limiting your earnings.
• The time spent listing, photographing, and describing each item adds up—especially if it’s a lower-value item, where the effort-to-reward ratio isn’t as favourable.

My Ratings:

1. Start-Up Cost (9/10): Minimal or zero. The main cost is your time, and any platform fees or shipping costs can be factored into the item price.
2. Time Commitment (6/10): Listing each item takes time—especially when it comes to writing descriptions and snapping photos. But hey, you get to do it on your own time, so it’s pretty flexible.
3. Income Potential (5/10): The income potential is limited—these are second-hand items, after all. But for a short-term hustle, you could make a decent amount depending on what you’re selling.
4. Fun Factor (8/10): Finding hidden gems in your own home and making a profit is kind of thrilling. Plus, decluttering and earning money? That’s like the ultimate win-win.
5. Flexibility (9/10): You can list and ship items on your schedule, making this side hustle adaptable to your life. As long as you can ship within a reasonable timeframe, you’re golden.

How would I rate this accidental side hustle? A solid 7/10

Final Thoughts

Looking to start small? If you don’t mind putting in a little effort, selling secondhand items is a great way to declutter and make some extra cash. Sure, it’s not a reliable long-term income stream, but turning your clutter into cash is satisfying—and hey, you might even have enough to treat yourself to a coffee and pastry. Or, you know, another questionable eyeshadow palette. (Because who’s judging?)