How to start reselling
A step-by-step guide for beginners: how to find resell suppliers and vendors, how to order sneakers and clothing from Weidian, Taobao and 1688, how to check quality and how to sell at a profit.
1. Pick what you'll sell
Start with one category you understand: sneakers, hoodies, tees or accessories. Check what sells on Vinted, eBay, Depop and TikTok Shop and at what price. You want items you can buy cheap and sell for two to three times more.
2. Find good suppliers
- 1688: the cheapest, factory prices, best for larger quantities.
- Taobao: the biggest choice, good for single pieces.
- Weidian: small shops and vendors specialised in sneakers and streetwear.
To skip the searching, The Real Vendors lists the vendors we buy from, free, with warehouse QC photos. See also our sneaker vendor list.
3. Order through an agent
Chinese marketplaces don't ship worldwide, so you use a shopping agent. We use CSSBuy: it buys the item for you, stores it in its warehouse, sends you QC photos and ships your parcel.
4. Check the QC photos
Before shipping, the agent photographs your item. Check stitching, colour, size and flaws. If something is wrong you can return or exchange it while it is still in China.
5. Ship smart
Group several items into one parcel so you pay shipping once. Remove shoe boxes on volume-priced lines. Always declare the real value.
6. Sell
- Shoot clean photos and short videos for TikTok and Instagram.
- List on Vinted, eBay or Depop and answer messages fast.
- Reinvest in the products that sell fastest.
FAQ
How much money do I need to start reselling?
You can start with a small budget. Buy a few pieces, see what sells, then scale the products that move fastest.
What sells best in resell?
Sneakers and basics like heavyweight hoodies, tees and cargo pants sell steadily. Stick to unbranded items and independent brands so marketplaces don't flag your listings.
Where do resellers find suppliers?
Most resellers source from Chinese marketplaces: 1688 for factory prices, Taobao for variety and Weidian for small sneaker and streetwear vendors. The Real Vendors lists the suppliers we use, for free.
Do I pay import tax on parcels from China?
Usually yes. In the EU, VAT is charged on every parcel from outside the EU and customs duty applies above 150 EUR. Always declare the real value.