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WorthPoint is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of antique and collectible enthusiasts by introducing readers to real people who have built successful careers in buying and selling, as well as highlighting unique places for thrifting adventures. The goal is to inspire readers to have fun and explore the world of antiques and collectibles. Reselling plays a significant role in this industry, with sellers offering a wide range of items, from vintage clothing and home décor to sports memorabilia and electronics. Whether sourced from thrift stores, estate sales, or wholesale distributors, managing a reselling business can be complex, especially for newcomers.
To shed light on this journey, WorthPoint spoke with Kathy Terrill, an eBay reseller and auction educator. Terrill’s path to reselling was unconventional, as she initially pursued a career in theater and television. After graduating from Northwestern with a theater degree, she moved to New York City to work in indie and regional theaters, taking on small roles in soap operas and extra work to make ends meet. She also worked as a merchandise display worker for Macy’s, which led to a six-year stint as a presenter for QVC. This role allowed her to combine her acting skills with her experience in merchandising, teaching her how to effectively present and sell products.
However, Terrill’s career took a turn when she needed to care for her ailing mother. She stepped away from her acting and presenting roles to focus on her family responsibilities. After her mother passed away, Terrill found herself cleaning out the family home and selling items, which sparked her interest in reselling. She saw it as a flexible career option that she could scale up over time. What she initially planned to do part-time quickly became a full-time endeavor, and she never looked back.
Terrill’s ability to pivot, honed during her acting career, proved invaluable in reselling. She started by selling VHS tapes of older movies and gradually expanded to other categories like fitness gear, memorabilia, and clothing. Her success caught the attention of eBay management, who invited her to participate in eBay Radio and other educational events for sellers. This led to her creating her own YouTube channel, where she shares tips on maximizing profits, managing inventory, and succeeding in reselling.
When asked for advice for new eBay sellers, Terrill emphasized the importance of avoiding comparisons with other sellers. She encouraged newcomers to focus on their own progress and not to overthink the process. She also stressed the value of trying different methods and tools, such as WorthPoint’s pricing and trend resources, to boost sales. Terrill believes that research is essential for resellers, especially in a fluctuating economy where both buyers and sellers are seeking value.
Terrill also highlighted the impact of tariffs on the reselling industry, noting that while 80% of items sold on eBay are new, used items (often vintage or collectibles) tend to sell at a higher rate. As the reselling community continues to grow, staying informed about best practices and emerging trends is crucial. Terrill’s journey from theater actress to successful eBay reseller is a testament to the power of adaptability and perseverance.
WorthPoint is committed to supporting resellers of all levels with its pricing, sales, and trend resources. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, WorthPoint offers tools to help you discover, value, and preserve your finds. If WorthPoint has helped your reselling efforts, the team encourages you to share your story at [email protected].
Brenda Kelley Kim, the author of this article, lives in the Boston area and writes a weekly syndicated column for The Marblehead Weekly News/Essex Media Group. When she’s not writing or walking her pug, Penny, she enjoys yard sales, flea markets, and badminton. WorthPoint’s mission is to help enthusiasts and professionals alike navigate the world of antiques and collectibles with confidence and success.
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