If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you already know how busy life can get, juggling the endless laundry, school pickups, meal prep, and everything in between. But what if there was a way to earn extra money from home, on your schedule, using skills you already have? Reselling on platforms like eBay and Whatnot is a flexible, rewarding side hustle that fits beautifully into the life of a busy mom—and best of all, it can be fun.
Reselling means buying products at low prices and selling them online at a profit. While that may sound intimidating at first, the beauty of it is that you can start small with things you already have around the house. That old purse you never carry? The baby clothes your kids have outgrown? Those unused kitchen gadgets collecting dust? All of them can find a second life through resale, and put cash in your pocket.
One of the best parts about reselling is the flexibility. You decide when you want to work whether it’s while the kids nap, during preschool drop-off, or in the evenings after bedtime. There’s no boss, no dress code, and no commute. It’s also easy to scale. Many moms start by selling just a few items, and as they build confidence, they begin sourcing inventory to expand their little businesses.
So, where do you get stuff to sell? One of the best sources of inventory is right in your neighborhood: thrift stores. Local Goodwill, Salvation Army, and independent thrift shops are full of hidden gems—clothing, shoes, toys, books, even electronics—that you can buy for a few dollars and resell for much more. There’s something so satisfying about flipping a $4 find into a $40 sale. It’s like a real-life treasure hunt.
For example, a reseller recently found a pair of Guess jeans at a thrift store for $13 and sold them on eBay for $75. That’s a $63 profit, on just one item! With a little research and practice, you can develop an eye for spotting valuable items others overlook. Brands like Patagonia, Lululemon, Free People, Nike, and even vintage toys or hard-to-find household items can resell for impressive amounts.
Another excellent way to source inventory—especially if you want more consistency than thrift stores can offer—is through platforms like Reseller Source. It connects resellers to vetted suppliers and brands looking to sell their excess, returned, or overstock inventory at steep discounts. That means you can buy quality products in bulk at low prices and flip them for profit, all without ever setting foot in a thrift store. It’s a game-changer if you’re ready to take your reselling side hustle to the next level.
Once you have inventory, getting started on platforms like eBay is surprisingly easy. All you need is a seller account, a smartphone for taking pictures, and a little bit of time to list your items. Take clear, well-lit photos from different angles, write an honest and detailed description, and set a competitive price based on similar listings. eBay gives you tools to track your sales, handle shipping, and communicate with buyers. And once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.
If you’re looking for something more interactive and fast-paced, Whatnot is a fantastic platform to explore. Whatnot is a live-streaming auction app where you can sell items in real time—kind of like a virtual garage sale with a built-in audience. You go live, showcase your products, chat with viewers, and sell your items right there on the spot. It’s super popular for clothing, toys, collectibles, and more. Some moms have found a real community there and even developed a loyal following of buyers who show up every time they go live.
Of course, no side hustle is completely effortless, but with the right approach, reselling can absolutely be worth it. The key is doing a little research. Before you buy something to resell, check the item’s recent selling prices on eBay so you know it’s worth your time and money. Over time, you’ll build up knowledge of what sells well and what doesn’t. You’ll also learn how to price competitively, ship efficiently, and deliver great customer service that keeps people coming back.
Presentation matters, too. Great photos go a long way in making your items stand out. Make sure your items are clean, wrinkle-free, and photographed in good lighting. A plain background such as a white wall or poster board can help your items look more professional. And if you treat your buyers with respect, answer their questions promptly, and ship quickly, you’ll build a reputation that encourages trust and more sales.
Many moms have turned this side hustle into something substantial. Take Stephanie Williams, for example. She was managing a thrift shop before starting her reselling journey. Now she earns nearly $3,000 a month working from home by flipping items online. Or Janet Shafer, a former college student who began selling her own clothes online and now makes an average of $11,000 a month reselling clothing. She even used her profits to pay off $90,000 in student loans.
Of course, your goal doesn’t have to be that big. Maybe you just want a few hundred dollars a month for groceries, soccer uniforms, or a family trip. Maybe you want to save up for Christmas gifts without touching your regular budget. Or maybe you just want something that’s yours—a little business to build, enjoy, and feel proud of.
Reselling lets you set your own goals. You’re in charge. And you can make it as casual or as serious as you want.
For many stay-at-home moms, the best part of reselling isn’t just the money, it’s the sense of purpose. The little victories. The independence. The feeling of knowing you can contribute financially while still being fully present for your family. It’s a confidence boost, a creative outlet, and a way to connect with others. You get to learn new things, challenge yourself, and grow. All from your living room.
So if you’ve been looking for a side hustle that fits your lifestyle, reselling might be your perfect match. Grab a tote bag, head to your local thrift store (or browse inventory on Reseller Source), and start small. Pick a platform such as eBay or Whatnot and give it a try. You don’t need to be a tech whiz, a fashion expert, or a professional salesperson to get started. You just need curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to learn.
You’ve already mastered multitasking. You already know how to stretch a dollar and spot a good deal. Why not put those skills to work?
Your next sale could be just a few clicks away and your side hustle success story might start today.
