Startup cost: $50 - $1.5k

Low-end estimate: At the bare minimum, you can start with $50. This would cover basic costs like listing fees on platforms such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace, and perhaps some initial inventory sourced from thrift stores or garage sales. Essential tools include a smartphone for taking photos and managing listings, and basic packaging materials like boxes and tape. High-end estimate: For someone looking to do it right, $1,500 would allow for a more professional setup. This includes a higher quality camera or smartphone for better photos, a lightbox for product photography, a label printer for shipping, and a subscription to inventory management software. It also covers initial inventory from wholesale sources, advertising on social media or Google Ads, and possibly a small storage solution if dealing with larger items. Hidden costs might include platform fees, shipping supplies, and potential returns. Many people find that costs can creep up as they scale their operations or seek to improve efficiency and presentation.