Reselling Starter Kit: 6 Must-Haves (Broken Down)

Reselling Starter Kit: 6 Must-Haves (Broken Down)

If you’re considering diving into the world of online reselling, one of the most common questions is: “What tools and supplies do I need to get started?” Whether you’re selling clothes, electronics, or collectibles, the right starter kit can make the difference between a smooth launch and a frustrating, time-consuming process.

In this guide, we’ll break down the 6 must-haves for every reseller starter kit in 2025. We’ll cover why each item matters, budget-friendly options, and pro tips from experienced sellers to help you maximize efficiency and profits.


1. A Reliable Smartphone or Camera

High-quality photos are the foundation of every successful resale listing. Buyers can’t touch or try on your product, so your images must do all the convincing.

What you need:

  • A smartphone with a good camera (iPhone 12 or newer, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S20+ and up).

  • Natural lighting or a ring light for consistent brightness.

  • Optional: A DSLR or mirrorless camera if you’re selling high-end products (luxury bags, jewelry, collectibles).

Pro Tips:

  • Use a clean, uncluttered background (white poster board or fabric works well).

  • Take multiple angles (front, back, close-up, tags, defects).

  • Turn off harsh flash—natural light boosts trust and reduces returns.


2. Shipping Supplies: Boxes, Mailers, and Tape

Shipping is where many beginner resellers get stuck. Having the right supplies ensures your items reach buyers safely and professionally.

Essentials:

  • Poly mailers for clothing (lightweight and affordable).

  • Bubble mailers for fragile items.

  • Boxes (many marketplaces like USPS, eBay, and Amazon provide free or discounted shipping supplies).

  • Packing tape + tape gun for speed.

Pro Tips:

  • Always keep a stash of various sizes—you never know when you’ll need them.

  • Reuse boxes when possible to save costs (remove old labels and tape).

  • Branded packaging (stickers, thank-you notes) can boost repeat buyers.


3. Label Printer or Printing Setup

Printing shipping labels is a daily task for resellers. Manually cutting and taping printed labels wastes time, so investing in a label printer is a smart move.

Options:

  • Thermal Label Printer (Rollo, Dymo, Brother QL): No ink needed, fast, reliable.

  • Standard Printer: Works fine if you’re just starting out, but requires ink and tape.

Pro Tips:

  • Set up your printer to connect directly with your selling platform for 1-click printing.

  • Keep extra labels stocked to avoid last-minute shipping delays.


4. Storage and Organization System

Without an inventory system, your reselling business can quickly turn chaotic.

What you need:

  • Clear plastic bins with lids for easy visibility.

  • Shelving units to keep items organized vertically.

  • Labels or barcodes for quick identification.

Pro Tips:

  • Assign a SKU or bin number to every item and note it in your listing.

  • Keep “active” inventory separate from “to be listed” piles to avoid confusion.

  • Protect valuable or fragile items with bubble wrap and dust covers.


5. Automation and Listing Tools

Listing and managing inventory across multiple platforms (Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, Depop, etc.) is time-consuming. Automation tools cut this workload dramatically.

Best Starter Tools (2025):

  • Closo Crosslister (Free): List once and push to multiple marketplaces instantly.

  • Closo Auto-Offers to Likers (Free): Automatically sends discounts to Poshmark likers to convert sales faster.

  • Paid Options: Bots like ClosetPilot or SuperPosher for heavy Poshmark sellers.

Pro Tips:

  • Start with free tools like Closo before investing in premium bots.

  • Use scheduling features to list at peak shopping times.

  • Track which platforms perform best for your niche.


6. Accounting and Tracking Software

Reselling is a business—and that means taxes, expenses, and profits must be tracked.

Must-Haves:

  • Spreadsheet setup (Google Sheets or Excel) to track purchases, fees, and sales.

  • Bookkeeping apps like QuickBooks or Wave for advanced accounting.

  • Mileage log apps if you source inventory locally.

Pro Tips:

  • Save receipts for inventory purchases—they’re tax-deductible.

  • Track net profit per item, not just gross sales.

  • Separate your personal and business bank accounts early to simplify bookkeeping.


7. Case Study: A Reseller’s First Month with a Starter Kit

Profile: Emily, a part-time reseller starting on Poshmark and eBay.

Starter Kit Setup:

  • iPhone 13 camera

  • $50 worth of mailers and shipping tape

  • A Dymo thermal label printer

  • 6 storage bins with labels

  • Closo Crosslister + Auto-Offers (free tools)

  • Google Sheets tracking template

Results After 30 Days:

  • 72 items listed across Poshmark and eBay.

  • 31 sales completed (mostly clothing).

  • Time saved: ~20 hours thanks to crosslisting and auto-offers.

  • Net profit: $890 after fees and shipping.

Key Takeaway: With a well-prepared starter kit, Emily avoided chaos, built a smooth system, and scaled faster than most beginners.


8. Final Thoughts

A reselling starter kit is more than just supplies—it’s the foundation of your business. By investing in the six essentials(camera, shipping supplies, label printer, storage, automation, and accounting tools), you set yourself up for efficiency, professionalism, and profitability.

The best part? You don’t need thousands of dollars. A budget of $150–$300 is enough to cover the basics, and free tools like Closo give you automation power from day one.

If you’re serious about reselling, take the time to set up your kit right—you’ll thank yourself when your closet (and bank account) grows.

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