Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, understanding the business model and strategy behind reselling saves you money and time. These books cover pricing psychology, sourcing tactics, and building sustainable income from used goods.
The Reseller’s Guide to eBay by Michael Ford
This book walks through the mechanics of online selling, including how to photograph items, write effective listings, and manage shipping logistics. While eBay-focused, the principles apply directly to Mercari and other resale platforms. You’ll learn what makes listings sell faster and at better prices.
Shop The Reseller’s Guide to eBay on Amazon →
Profit from Your Stuff by Karen McGraw
This book specifically addresses turning household items into income. It covers sourcing from thrift stores, estate sales, and clearance sections—exactly where Mercari resellers find inventory. You’ll gain practical frameworks for spotting profitable items before you buy equipment.
Shop Profit from Your Stuff on Amazon →
The Online Reseller’s Workbook by Kristy Titus
Kristy Titus breaks down the full workflow of a modern reseller, from sourcing to shipping. The workbook format helps you apply concepts immediately. It covers multiple platforms, time management, and scaling—useful once you’ve bought your initial equipment.
Shop The Online Reseller’s Workbook on Amazon →
Sell It on Mercari by Stephanie Stearns
This is the platform-specific resource. It covers Mercari’s exact interface, algorithm, best practices for photos and descriptions, and how to handle returns and disputes. Starting with platform knowledge prevents equipment mistakes and wasted effort.
Shop Sell It on Mercari on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Mercari reselling doesn’t require expensive gear, but certain tools directly impact your income. A smartphone can start your business, but strategic equipment upgrades reduce time per listing and improve photo quality—both critical for sales velocity and price.
Photography Equipment
- Phone camera with macro mode: Your primary tool for photos. Modern phones (iPhone 12 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+) have sufficient resolution. You don’t need to upgrade if you already own a quality smartphone.
- Ring light or clip light: Eliminates shadows and shows item condition accurately. Direct sunlight works temporarily but isn’t reliable.
- Phone tripod or stand: Frees both hands to arrange items and adjust lighting. Stabilizes consistent shots across listings.
- White or neutral backdrop: A simple white poster board or fabric background reduces clutter and focuses buyer attention on the item.
- Reflector or foam boards: Bounces light onto items to fill shadows without harsh lighting.
Shop ring lights and phone tripods on Amazon →
Shipping and Packing Supplies
- Printer: A thermal label printer (4×6) saves on label costs and speeds shipping. Inkjet works but costs more per label. Skip this initially if you print at UPS or FedEx locations.
- Shipping labels and tape: Thermal labels reduce per-unit cost dramatically once volume increases. Standard labels work initially.
- Boxes and mailers: Buy in bulk from suppliers or save boxes from previous purchases. Calculate cost-per-unit before ordering.
- Bubble wrap, tissue paper, and padding: Cheap materials that prevent returns from damage. Damage claims hurt your metrics and profit.
- Poly mailers: Lightweight bags for soft goods. Much cheaper than boxes for clothing, books, and soft items.
- Packing tape and dispenser: Heavy-duty tape ensures boxes stay sealed. A dispenser saves time.
Shop thermal label printers on Amazon →
Shop packing supplies on Amazon →
Workspace Setup
- Small desk or folding table: A dedicated listing station improves workflow. Not essential initially but saves time sourcing and photographing.
- Storage bins or shelves: Organize inventory by category. Reduces time searching for items and prevents damage.
- Labeling and organization supplies: Sticky notes, markers, and small labels help track which items are listed, packed, or ready to ship.
Shop tables and storage on Amazon →
Research and Tools
- Price-checking app or subscription: Tools like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel show eBay and Amazon pricing history. Helps you price competitively and identify overpriced items at thrift stores.
- Basic scale: Shipping costs depend on weight. A postal scale prevents overpaying for shipping labels. Digital scales cost $20–40.
- Smartphone or tablet: List while researching prices in real time. Most resellers use the phone they already own.
Shop digital scales on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean and scale based on your actual sourcing volume and time investment. Your immediate income depends on listing speed and photo quality, not equipment volume.
- Month 1–2 (Buy now): Smartphone with macro mode (you likely own this), ring light, basic backdrop, poly mailers, bubble wrap, and a scale. Total: $100–200. These items directly impact listing quality and shipping accuracy.
- Month 3–4 (Add if revenue supports it): Thermal label printer and label rolls. Thermal printing pays for itself once you’re shipping 20+ items monthly. This assumes $5+ average profit per item.
- Month 5+ (Consider only after sustained income): Dedicated workspace furniture, industrial storage, or upgraded camera. Only add equipment if your current setup genuinely slows you down.
- Avoid early: Desktop photo lightboxes, expensive ring lights, branded packaging. These are marketing, not business essentials. Early buyers care about price and condition, not packaging aesthetics.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy used equipment where possible—this mirrors your business model and cuts startup costs. However, certain items deserve new purchases for reliability and warranty coverage.
Buy used: Workspace tables, storage bins, shelves, and photo backdrops. These are one-time purchases with zero failure risk. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local thrift stores often have these for 50–70% off retail. A used folding table costs $15–30 instead of $50–80.
Buy new: Ring lights, scales, thermal printers, and shipping supplies. These devices have moving parts or electrical components that fail if abused. A used thermal printer might jam after one month, costing you time and damaging your shipping speed. For $150–250, a new printer includes a warranty. A scale that gives incorrect weights costs you far more in overcharged shipping labels. Shipping tape and labels must be fresh—old tape loses adhesion and label ink fades.
For your phone and camera, use the best device you currently own. Upgrading to flagship phones specifically for reselling isn’t justified until your business generates consistent monthly income above $1,000.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Price comparison, fast shipping, and return policies. Useful for ring lights, tripods, scales, and supplies.
- Costco or Sam’s Club: Bulk packing supplies, bubble wrap, and boxes at lower per-unit costs. Membership costs $60–130 annually but pays back quickly if you ship regularly.
- Home Depot or Lowe’s: Tables, shelving, and storage solutions often cheaper than furniture retailers. Check local inventory for folding tables and bins.
- ULINE or Grainger: Wholesale packing supplies and shipping labels. Pricing is lower than Amazon at volume (50+ units). Requires business account setup but worth it after Month 3.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Used tables, shelves, storage bins, and workspace furniture. Avoid shipping fees by buying local pickup items.
- UPS Store or FedEx locations: Thermal label printers, boxes, mailers, and tape. Often cheaper than Amazon for single purchases. Good for testing a printer before buying in bulk online.
- Thrift stores: Ironically, thrift stores sometimes carry useful equipment. Wooden shelves, tables, and storage bins sell for $5–20. This mirrors your sourcing strategy.