Ultimate Reselling Business Starter Checklist
Your complete guide to launching and growing a successful resale business—especially on Whatnot! Transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality with this comprehensive roadmap.
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Foundation First: Mindset & Business Planning
Define Your Why
Know your driving force: side income, full-time freedom, or financial independence. Your "why" will fuel you through challenges and keep you motivated during slow periods.
Pick Your Niche
Start broad, then focus. Beauty, fashion, collectibles, or toys—let market response guide you. Successful resellers often begin general before finding their profitable specialty.
Set Clear Goals
Balance short-term targets (monthly income, follower growth) with long-term visions (full-time business, major purchases). Written goals become actionable roadmaps.
Make It Official: Business & Legal Setup
Business Structure
  • Choose your business name and secure social handles
  • Register as LLC, sole proprietorship, or DBA
  • Apply for EIN (free via IRS) to separate finances
  • Open dedicated business bank account
Financial Systems
  • Get reseller certificate for tax-free wholesale purchases
  • Set up bookkeeping with QuickBooks or Wave
  • Track expenses and mileage from day one
  • Use apps like MileIQ for automatic tracking
Smart Sourcing Strategies
01
Start with What You Own
Zero investment strategy: sell clothing, electronics, and home goods you already have. This builds capital and experience risk-free.
02
Explore Local Sources
Clearance aisles, TJ Maxx, thrift stores, and estate sales offer hidden gems. Facebook Marketplace provides local deals with negotiation opportunities.
03
Scale with Online Platforms
Graduate to liquidation sites like BULQ and B-Stock, plus wholesale suppliers like Faire and Abound for consistent inventory.
Inventory Management Made Simple
Organized Storage System
Label bins and shelves by category or SKU. Use inventory spreadsheets or tools like Airtable to track what you have and where it's located.
Photo-Ready Products
Keep inventory clean with lint rollers, steamers, and disinfectant wipes. First impressions matter—pristine products photograph better and sell faster.
Shipping Supplies
Stock bubble mailers, poly bags, boxes, and packing materials. Invest in a thermal printer and digital scale for professional shipping operations.
Master Whatnot: Your Live-Selling Platform
1
Application & Profile Setup
Apply with your reselling background highlighted. Create compelling profile with aligned username, professional photo, and clear bio explaining your offerings.
2
Technical Configuration
Connect bank account and tax information for seamless payments. Master the seller portal: listing products, starting auctions, and managing shipping bundles.
3
Go Live Successfully
Use quality lighting, stable setup, and organized backdrop. Prepare pre-show checklist with auction order, BIN items, giveaways, and retail price notes.
Live Show Equipment Essentials
Camera & Lighting
Phone with excellent camera or quality webcam. Ring light or softbox ensures bright, professional visuals that showcase products clearly and attractively.
Stability & Setup
Tripod or phone stand prevents shaky footage. Organized backdrop and designated display area create professional atmosphere that builds buyer confidence.
Pre-Show Preparation
Organize items in auction order, load BIN products, prepare giveaways, memorize retail prices, and keep water nearby—live selling is surprisingly thirsty work!
Marketing Magic: Build Your Brand
Social Media Strategy
Create business accounts on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Pinterest. Share countdown graphics, product teasers, and behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation.
Email & SMS Lists
Use Mailchimp or Klaviyo to capture leads. Build relationships through exclusive offers and early access to new inventory or special shows.
Cross-Platform Promotion
Promote Whatnot shows in Poshmark, eBay, and Mercari bios. Use Canva for branded graphics: show flyers, BIN announcements, and giveaway posts.
Pro Growth Strategies
1
Launch Phase
Always share MSRP during auctions to build perceived value. Use engaging commentary, call out bidders by name, and create urgency with exciting phrases.
2
Building Loyalty
Offer perks to repeat buyers: mystery gifts after three orders, free shipping on bundles. Run giveaways every 5-10 items to maintain viewer engagement.
3
Scale & Optimize
Track metrics: viewers, average sale per item, sell-through rates. Reinvest profits into higher-quality inventory and streamline operations with batch shipping tools.
Your Reselling Success Starts Now
$0
Starting Investment
Begin with items you already own—zero financial risk while building experience and capital for future inventory purchases.
24/7
Flexible Schedule
Work around your life. Schedule live shows when convenient and manage inventory during off-hours for maximum work-life balance.
∞
Growth Potential
From side hustle to full-time business—your dedication determines your success. Many sellers replace traditional income within 12 months.

Bonus Tip: Start your VIP loyalty program early! Offer thank-you cards with discount codes, $1 mystery gifts for first-time buyers, and referral rewards. Small gestures create lasting customer relationships.