December was an interesting month for my reselling business. On the surface, it felt like I was doing well — things were selling, inventory was moving, and I was excited. But once I sat down and really looked at the numbers, I realized something important: cash flow matters more than feelings.

In this post, I’m breaking down exactly what sold in December, how much I made (and spent), where I went wrong, and what I’m changing going forward. If you’re new to reselling or running this as a side hustle, I think you’ll find this helpful — especially if you want an honest look at the ups and downs.

Why Cash Flow Matters in a Small Reselling Business

When you’re running a reselling business — especially as a side gig — it’s easy to focus on gross sales or the excitement of making sales at all. But at the end of the day, cash flow is what actually determines whether your business is working.

Yes, inventory is an investment. Yes, you might have long-term upside. But if you’re consistently spending more than you’re bringing in, it’s important to pause, evaluate, and adjust.

That’s exactly what I had to do this month.

What Sold in December

Let’s start with the positives — here’s what sold across eBay and Depop.

1. Everlane Navy Pima Lux Long Sleeve Tee (Women’s Medium)

Sold for: $12
This was one of the very first items I picked up at the bins when I decided to start reselling. I could tell immediately it was a quality piece just by feeling it. I initially listed it higher but received a lot of low offers, so I let it go to help move inventory and keep my store active.

2. Cheetah Mini Dress (New With Tags)

Sold for: $21 (offer accepted)
This was a Y2K-style cheetah print mini dress with spaghetti straps and a cowl neck — perfect for New Year’s Eve. I originally listed it for $29 and was happy to accept an offer before the holiday. This was another item from my first haul, so it felt good to see it finally move.

3. Levi’s 501 Jeans (Men’s 35x34)

Sold for: $15
These were actually from my personal closet. I picked them up at the bins years ago, but they were always just a little too big for me. They sold quickly, and I even received a great review saying they were an excellent value — which was exciting because it was one of my first eBay reviews.

4. Crate & Barrel Silk Blend Fair Isle Cardigan

Sold for: $22
This holiday cardigan sold within two days. I picked it up close to Christmas and listed it competitively so it would arrive on time. The buyer got a great deal, and I was happy to move seasonal inventory quickly.

5. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Pink Cable Knit Turtleneck

Sold for: $29 (full asking price)
This was my best flip of the month.

I rescued this sweater from the bins, where it had visible stains and was likely headed to the landfill. After soaking it in OxiClean, I was able to restore it completely.

Cost: ~$2
Fees: $3.99
Profit: $23

This sale was a great reminder that project pieces can be worth it if the brand and quality are right.

6. CNK Designs Birdhouse Crewneck (Women’s 1X)

Sold for: $12
A quick, low-profit flip, but still a win. After fees, I made $7.90, and it sold quickly — which helps keep momentum going.

December Sales Summary

Total sales: $111
Total profit (after fees and cost of goods): $82.96

While that’s lower than last month, things are selling — which is important.

December Expenses & The Hard Truth

Here’s where things get a little less fun.

Inventory purchases: $153
Platform fees: $22
Reseller education: $50

📉 Total loss for December: $114

When combined with last month, my total loss since starting reselling is $169.

That’s a bummer — not going to lie. I was hoping to stay in the black while building this business. But I also know that starting a business often requires upfront investment, especially while learning.

What I’m Changing Going Forward

December made one thing very clear: I need to be more intentional with inventory.

1. Focusing More on the Bins

Normal thrift stores tend to push my cost of goods too high, especially when I’m shopping with my kids (all under four). At the bins, I can source quickly, cheaply, and decisively — which matters when time and patience are limited.

2. Keeping Cost of Goods at $3 or Less

While I’ll occasionally pay up for the right item, my goal is to keep my average cost very low until I have more data and experience.

3. Being Smarter With Comps

One mistake I made was rushing purchases — like a $15 pair of Nike shoes that looked great based on active listings, but didn’t actually have strong sold comps. Lesson learned: slow down and check sell-through rate, even when things look promising.

4. Expanding Beyond Style-Based Sourcing

I love sourcing based on style, and it helps me stand out locally. But I also want to learn which brands consistently move well, so I can balance creativity with reliability.

The Biggest Lesson: This Takes Time

Reselling is not a get-rich-quick business.

Some items sell fast, but many take time to find the right buyer. Learning platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Depop — when to send offers, how to price, how low to go — is a skill that builds over time.

The good news? January is already looking better than December, and I currently have over $2,000 worth of potential inventory listed in my eBay store. My total investment so far (including supplies like a thermal printer) is around $169 — so the opportunity for return is definitely there.

Final Thoughts

I’m sharing all of this because I want to be transparent. I want to show what’s actually possible with reselling — not just the wins, but the learning curves too.

If you’re a newer reseller, or even experienced, feel free to share your questions or insights. We can all learn from each other.

Thanks for following along with my journey — and I’ll continue to share updates as I go. 💛

December Reselling Income Report: What Sold, What I Learned, and What I’m Doing Differently