Using custom stickers for your packages adds a personal touch.
There are many companies to choose from where you upload a logo and order custom Thank You stickers. While these stickers are great to seal packages, they are not great to hand out for networking. No one wants a thank you sticker.
I choose the more economical side and went with a versatile stamp that can have more uses.
I ordered my custom stamp from https://www.rubberstamps.com/. I make my own thank you stickers using any old name tag labels I can find at the thrift store (saving money here). I also stamp all my boxes on the outside with my stamp. This came in handy when a package accidentally made it to the Post Office with no mailing label, luckily they knew it was my package!
Storage is important. No matter how long you have been reselling, have a system in place. A system where another person can simply come in and takeover shipping for you is the best.
It takes time to get a good system in place. I am still tweeking my storage system. I have had several weird looking ideas in the past. Plastic shelves, bags, totes, boxes, and many other improvised whatevers. Every time I switched to something new, I was stoked. Then it happened, too many times, I could not find a single item that sold. I searched through bags and containers and finally found the item (no#) in the wrong container.
A call to the handy man would solve my problem and put an end to the daily human Tetris game I was playing. Not fun-a mini workout, but not fun. My husband put a stop to all this. He didn’t like the idea of the shelves the handyman and I had envisioned. He would find a better answer a few months later. For now, Tetris, anyone?
My current system is the item in a bag with a #, into a categorized tub by letter. I have the item # and container letter in the listing. Yes, there are some floaters with no bag or # assigned, my system is far from perfect but it’s working so far.
It took nearly 2 years of doing this reselling thing on the side to get my storage to its current state. These heavy duty shelves work and fit in the space I have set aside for storage. This was definitely an investment. I would not invest in these units unless it is necessary. In my case, this was way overdue and worth every penny. Below are the shelves (I have 2 sets) and tubs I use. Please note-the gray tubs are a tight fit and not my favorite-most times the lids don’t stay on as they are a bit wider at the top, lesson learned. Another change to be made soon. The 70qt tub does hang a bit off the ledge, but I can store larger bulkier items in this one.
Whatever stage you are in the reselling process, having an inventory/storage system that works is a must. There is nothing wrong with changing it up as you go along, upgrading as needed. Any questions or comments, just ask!
Every reseller uses tissue paper at some point. We all start off using the cute colors and prints. We package, tuck, fold, tie and marvel at our sale. We gently place it in the box and send it on it’s way. Unfolding those sheets is fun. At first. Then, we learn better.
At this point in my reselling journey, keeping costs low is priority. Don’t get me wrong. I still place my items in a bag, seal, and wrap in tissue. It took some time to find bulk tissue. The most economical way I have found (thanks to my husband), is in a bulk roll. The link and picture is below.
The price tag may scare you at first, but, after you do the math it will make sense. I am on my 3rd roll so far. I simply place the roll on top of a small file cabinet thing, I just turn the roll and rip off what I need. No, it’s not a sharp cut, but it saves time and money.
So, if you get tired of unfolding those sheets and constantly running out of tissue, give the bulk roll a try.
Tape, Packing tape, shipping tape, it’s a must have.
I have been reselling for some time now and have locked in my choice. Doing my best to keep costs low is very important in my business.
The best pricing I have found is to always buy in bulk.
Amazon has the best pricing. Choose 6, 8 or 12 rolls of tape, (either 2 inch or 3 inch). + hand held tape dispenser gun. This is an amazing deal. I currently have 2 guns, 1 for clear tape and 1 for USPS priority mail tape. I have recently ordered the tape only packages where you choose your size and quantity.
If you are reselling or mailing anything online, at some point it will be necessary to have a scale. Poshmark allows up to 5 lbs with their Priority mail label. If Poshmark is the only platform you use, most likely can get away without a scale. If you sell bundles of jeans and or shoes, it is best to weigh the package to ensure you are within the weight limit.
If your Poshmark package is over 5 lbs you will need to know the escat weight in order to upgrade your label within the app. Poshmark allows up to 10lbs and the difference will be taken from your earnings.
If you are shipping on your own via Paypal, Pirateship or other methods, a scale is a must. Especially when listing your items to ensure you are charging the correct fees. Since First class mail goes by ounces, you want to get this number correct to avoid your buyer getting any additional fees upon delivery.
Any food scale will work in the beginning until you are ready to upgrade. Below is the link to the scale I currently use.
Keeping listed items in clear numbered bags has been the biggest time saver.
The bags everyone seems to use are the Great Value extra large twist tie bread bags. This bag will fit folded tops and most dresses. Bigger items such as hoodies and coats will not fit into this bag. Most of my items go into these bags after they have been laundered, steamed, photographed, listed, numbered and put away in their bins.
Having a steamer is a definite must have if you are reselling.
I personally use a stand up steamer. The type you use depends on cost and how much you will be using your steamer.
I have used a small hand held smaller steamer in the past, Yes, it was way cheaper. I quickly found that this steamer was Not my thing. Fighting with the short cord got old real quick. The constant refilling of the tiny water reservoir drove me nuts. And so, it got listed and sold.
I love my steamer now and use it quite often. I use the Conair upright extreme steam steamer. The water tank lasts forever and is easy to fill. It alsonhas wheels and a long cord, yay! I usually hang my hangers on the rack and go to town.
There are way too many steamers out there at various price ranges. Do some research and choose the best to suit your needs and budget. Below is the link to the steamer I use.
I was recently contacted for an interview with VoyagePhoenix Magazine on their series of Inpiring Stories highlighting professionals, community leaders and local entrepreneurs. I am honored to represent the reselling community in my area and hope to inspire others.
Following is the link to the article as well as so many other inspiring stories.
Have you ever ruined the insole of a beautiful pair of heels by trying to remove that sticker? You know, that sticker, yes, the one they place on the most delicate part of heels. Or other stores place them on the bottom and are so tough to remove.
The best tool I’ve found to remove these is the Scotty Peeler. I got the 4 pack which is the best deal and includes 1 metal and 3 plastic.
These are safe to use on plastic, glass, metal and leather. The tougher stickier labels such as on a book or the insole of a shoe may be a bit tougher to remove, on these items, heat with a blow dryer first and then continue with the peeler tool. Click the link to get your on Amazon.
A stay at home mom, reselling my days away.... 
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