What to Look for When Thrifting for eBay or Poshmark (Beginner’s Guide)
What to look for when thrifting for eBay or Poshmark is one of the most important things to understand if you want to succeed in reselling. Not everything in a thrift store is worth buying, and some items can lead to great profits if you know what to pick.
This guide is perfect for beginners who want to turn secondhand shopping into a fun and profitable side hustle. Let’s break down what to look for, how to spot valuable items, and how to avoid beginner mistakes.
Why eBay and Poshmark Are Great for Thrift Flips
eBay is known for a wide range of items: clothes, shoes, electronics, collectibles, and more. It’s great for reaching a large audience.
Poshmark, on the other hand, is focused mainly on fashion — including clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories. If you’re interested in selling apparel, this platform is beginner-friendly and easy to use.
Whether you’re flipping from a Goodwill Outlet, a local thrift store, or a garage sale, knowing what sells well on these platforms is key.
What to Look for When Thrifting for eBay or Poshmark
1. Brand-Name Clothing in Good Condition
Look for brands like:
Make sure the items don’t have stains, holes, or heavy wear. A quick search on Poshmark or eBay using the “sold” filter will help you see what similar items recently sold for.
2. Vintage or Y2K Style
Styles from the early 2000s or the ’90s are back in fashion. Think:
These are popular on Poshmark and can resell for 3–5x what you paid.
3. Shoes in Great Shape
Shoes are easy to clean and sell well online. Look for:
Always check soles and insoles. Avoid shoes that are badly worn or smelly.
4. Handbags and Accessories
Some used bags are worth a lot. Keep an eye out for:
Check zippers and stitching. If it’s real leather and in good shape, it’s usually worth listing.
5. Books and Media for eBay
While Poshmark is for fashion, eBay is great for books and DVDs. Look for:
Use your phone to scan barcodes and compare sold prices before you buy.
6. Unique or Niche Items
Items that stand out or serve a specific group can be profitable. Examples:
These may not sell fast, but when they do, the profit margin can be high.
How to Research Before You Buy
While in-store, use your phone to:
This helps you avoid bad buys and focus on items that are more likely to sell.
Pro Tip: Don’t Buy Just Because It’s Cheap
Even $2 is too much if the item won’t sell. Train yourself to walk away from things that seem “okay” and wait for the great ones. Quality > Quantity.
Final Thoughts
What to look for when thrifting for eBay or Poshmark comes down to one simple rule: buy what sells, not just what’s cheap. It takes time and practice to develop an eye for value, but once you do, it becomes a fun and profitable habit.
Start small, be honest in your listings, and focus on delivering good items to happy buyers. Every thrift trip is a new chance to find treasure — and now, you’ll know what to look for.
