Hi everyone! My name is Amanda and I am a book seller in Virginia! I started my channel on RU-vid a few years ago making financial and wellness videos, but now I'm transitioning into sharing my journey as a reseller. Media is my main niche but I dabble in plush, toys and educational materials as well. Follow along as I document my experiences, share my knowledge and make some money while I'm at it!
@resellmaven, hey...just wanted to let you know that you probably should blur out the label since I can read the address. You can delete this comment after, just didn't know how to message you on YT.
Thank you! I won't have time to document the live, and I don't do those regularly but it will be this Friday at 1:30 ET on Whatnot if you would like to see it in action! I will likely be live for about 2 hours trying to sell everything I have in that bundle of albums!
I actually got this one for free on the side of the road like 2 years ago 😅 so I have no clue, there isn't a brand or any markings on it so I have to assume it's a generic one. It works great though, a solid Google or Amazon deep dive will probably give you a similar option
Do we need to put to the listings all your item That you like to sell ? Or its ok if some are not listed yet a s just show it live to the buyer? Please help Thanks for answers in advance
Great question, yes you can do a mix or list everything individually if you would like. Some sellers do like to take individual pictures and make individual listings with prices of every book, and some sellers don't make any listings and just show all the books they have or items they have to sell and people just pick and choose what they want and then the seller can make a listing from there. That is sort of what I do, I have pictures of all the books on my shelves listed so people can browse what I have, but I'm showing books in the camera as well that have not been shown already and people can pick from that selection. What I typically do then is make a bundle and whenever the person's ready to cash out I will cash their pile out as a bundle by making a single listing with all their books
Hello, shipping is handled through a dashboard on Whatnot. It will populate all of your orders, and you will make any modifications to weight or size and then print the label through the dashboard.
Hi, the only time I scan is for books that either don't sell on Whatnot or I know I can get more money for it on Ebay. I don't scan for Amazon at all, I will get back into it one day but for now 99% of my inventory goes to Whatnot based on my knowledge of what the buyers on that platform are looking for. Past success in selling something means it's picked up again, poor sell through means it's left behind.
Hi, so after listening to this video of yours, I had kind of a radical thought you might could use that space for I had a friend in Oregon, who opened up a shop too, and he would do business by appointment only and he would do like back to school clothes for kids and then whole family would come in the kids are going to dressing room clothes and then they buy their stuff and go home that was that. I wonder if you could do something like that with books and maybe private schools or schools or something I don’t know just a thought. That way you could schedule your time around the business of the store and still make some revenue off that space instead of having it to sit there.
Hey, so I am using the space for additional work space to expand my online presence. I just don't like to mingle with people enough to use it for something like you mentioned but that is a fantastic idea! I had considered something similar at one point but had to remind myself I just don't like that style of selling as much
Thank you! Wrote down my goals. Already read the book. My accounts are set up that was as well. Joji suggested I read the pumpkin plan by the same author. Reading(listening) to it now. I also read his book clockwork last year. Good book as well. Thanks again for the great content.
100% I think many people who are not self employed don't truly know what this number is either but it's especially important to know when you're in business for yourself. Thanks for watching!
I still am confused on shipping. Are you shipping your books via ground? I don't understand the difference between priority flat rate and ground. Can you help?
Hey, so I will try to explain it the best I can via text, but I do have a video title Step by Step Beginners Guide and that one has a part where I explain a good bit about shipping and the differences in regards to Whatnot. So because I am shipping books I do use Media Mail, but sometimes when something that's not a book is included like stickers or some sort of giveaway that isn't a book item it may switch from Media Mail to ground advantage or priority. So ground Advantage is a relatively new service and it's basically replaced first class mail, and it's really great for a cheaper alternative to priority mail. Both services are going to take into account the size of the box and how much it weighs, as well as the distance it will take to ship to the buyer. Then the price will go up depending on how high those numbers and distances are. From what I've noticed I tend to get ground Advantage labels when the states I'm shipping to our little closer to me and then I'll tend to get a priority label when they are farther away like shipping across up to the other side of the country bc ground advantage packages will only travel via ground, not plane. So the best way I can describe it is it just depends on how far your shipping the package how much it weighs what the size of the boxes and what's actually inside. If it's books it's likely going to always be Media Mail but if it's something that's not books it will switch to one of the other two labels and then just depending on how far away the customer is is likely the label you're going to receive. If you watch that video I kind of explain how you have a choice to choose what you want your labels to default to and I tend to like my packages that are under 5 lb to be priority whereas the packages that are going to be over 5 lb I would prefer for them to be a ground label if I have the choice because it will be cheaper usually.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you and to attend your presentation at the books and beyond conference. I just found your channel an Al looking forward to watching your videos. My name is Brent Nielsen. I will be the one in the electric wheelchair. I have been primarily a buyer on whatnot. I have sold a few funko pops on the platform before they started doing live auctions. I love the platform. I started following Joji at the beginning of the year. Started buying books for Amazon on may 1st. I think it’s important to diversify so I’m super interested in what you are doing on whatnot. Thanks for the content.
Hey Brent!! Thanks so much for watching and I am so glad to hear you will be attending the conference, I can't wait to meet you there. I love Whatnot as well and it's a great way to move additional inventory. If you're getting into FBA it will be a good place to sell your "duds" as long as they are still generally desirable books. Obviously the audience on Whatnot is much smaller than Amazon. I'll see you next month!
Hello, prebids are automatically available in listing available in an auction. When someone is browsing your store inside of a show, the option to prebid will be there, you don't have to turn it on
😊 Great stuff. I’ve told people before if you are a chef doesn’t mean you should run a restaurant. Two totally different things. I appreciate your honesty. New subscriber
Hey! I love that analogy!! So true, and it's a shame so many people have to learn the hard way. I'm glad to he able to share reselling in an informative but transparent way. Thanks so much!!
This was good. Too many people just blindly jump in with no plan what so ever. Then give up because they aren’t making money. Download a business plan and fill it out. Know what your short/long term goals are. Great information! Great video! Looks like you got some good books:). Thank you.
Thank you so much!! Yes, you are absolutely right! So many people throw in the towel and complain how reselling is impossible and blame everyone but themselves. Maybe they weren't as prepared as they thought or maybe they caught a tough break but either way, knowing this up front if you're a new seller is vital. I am glad this video was helpful and I hope it gave someone a second thought before jumping in head first. Thank you!!
I love these kinds of videos. As someone who is trying to get into this business I need to hear the highs and lows. Learning the cold hard truth is necessary. Thank you for being candid. Can you suggest any other videos or books that helped you in your business? I'm trying to take in as much info as possible. I'm starting this as a side hustle before I take the full time plunge so I want as much info as I can get before I take that step. Love your channel btw.
Hey! Thanks so much and I'm so glad you're enjoying the content! I try to be transparent because it can be a struggle to really find your footing in this business. I think that the biggest way you will learn and truly get better as a reseller is trial and error. Lots of error! Lol. It is easy to buy stuff but seeing what happens to those items once you've purchased them is the learning point. Did it sell? Was it worth what you thought it was? Is it still sitting in your deathpile bc you never listed it? Is it actually broken or too dirty to sell? Those things will really build you up and give you the knowledge you need to be a successful seller long term. I don't have too many other resources to mention other than RU-vid, it is an incredible place to learn quickly. Spend time finding people that speak your language and sell the type of things you want to sell. I highly reccomend The Commonwealth Flipper, bc he is one of my favorites to consume. I enjoy the knowledge and philosophy he has on reselling. I will say if you can figure out and focus on the main principles of reselling and find your niche sooner than later, that will be very helpful. Don't get caught up in content that doesn't suit you and don't vere off your path too often, try to stay niched down if you can. It's okay to dabble and learn but don't go too far off the original path bc that will be a time suck more often than not. I do plan to make some more general videos like this one that don't have to do with just Whatnot but reseller mentalities and general concepts and philosophies that I think are important in the business so definitely feel free to look out for that. And as far as books go, I haven't personally read any others but there's some incredible books and I think that if you were to Google something along the lines of top 10 best books for resellers or small business owners to read, there will probably be a pretty good selection of options that I think you'll benefit from greatly. Thanks!!!
Lol. February in competition with July...as a full time ebay reseller for 5 years we are always learning and researching items to sell and moving out the garbage that doesn't sell. We lso put in full time work to get a full time pay. When its all on you you have to focus and be diligenent in making sure you spend your time and money wisely. Learning how to research is a big opportunity to make it or break it.
Researching your niche and others constantly is a HUGE part of the business and so many people sleep on that. If something isn't selling, donate it and don't buy it again! 100% right that full-time work will result in a full-time income and even with that type of work, the business Ebbs and flows, so you just never know what will come your way. Make sure you're saving and living within your means and that's a great step in the right direction.
Powerful video! One thing I learned about these type of businesses is that people think they will fit it in. That’s not how owning and running a thriving business works. Flexible is not negotiable. Meaning if you don’t show up and work you won’t have a successful business.
You are so REAL!! I started reselling side hustles in 1978. Never quit to go FT and retired 2020. still enjoy bying and selling. FYI.. Total these expenses and multiply by 3 and this is whar your gross sales must be to maintain and grow. Life n health insurance, rent, auto, power, phones, internet, retirement, food, gas, prop ins, prop taxes, income tax, ssi tax, medicare tex. and COGS in business. I would love to share my stories with you!! I got many bumps and bruises on my head. LMAO>
Hey, thanks so much for sharing! I can only imagine how many changes, ups and downs and high and lows you've experienced in that time of reselling! I imagine the increase in shipping prices alone is a tremendous change from when you started. You are so right! Life is expensive and the amount you need to just stay afloat changes all the time so you have to change within your business too. Thanks so much for watching and I'm so glad you enjoyed the real talk, I was a bit blunt in this one lol
The reselling game is getting tough and its evolving....you will be ok just keep pushing....are you still doing calls for Chris? I talked to you over there before...
Hey! It really is evolving and I just enjoy the online side so much for than in person so I'm m excited for the pivot! Unfortunately a while ago Chris cut all the calls except for about 4 of them so I am no longer in that group. It was so sad to say goodbye but we didn't really have any say in the matter. I am now obviously sharing my knowledge here so hopefully you can enjoy the content here on my channel!
It was a tough decision but I know it was for the best! Online selling us so powerful and truly more enjoyable for me so I think it will be a great pivot to use that space to enhance my online presence. Thanks for watching!
Hello! So there are a few different ways to do a number system but the way I do mine is once an auction has ran, I label the book with the number of the auction that was. For example if the book weighs 4-7 oz and it was the 5th book I've ran in that weight range, the label would say 4-7/5 on a sticky note. Some people pre load their auction with numbers 1- whatever and label that way. I'm not 100% sure if that answered your question just let me know!
How do you know what shipping cost to charge if someone buys more than 1 book from your show. Do you just charge double,ie, if shipping for 1 book is $4 than add $4 shipping for each additional book?
Hey, so shipping for books is calculated by weight when shipped via media mail. So the base rate for any media mail is $4.63 and then depending on the weight of each book being purchased, the price goes up anywhere from free shipping to a few bucks. Most of the time every pound of additional weight in the package is about $.50-$60. So for example if I ran an auction for a book that weighed 7oz, the buyer would be charged $4.63 then let's say the same buyer buds on another book that only weighs 4oz, their shipping on the send item is free bc it is still under the 1lb. If the second book was 10oz, the additional shipping may be about 50 cents since it is now over a pound for the order. Hopefulyl that makes sense but whatnot does the shipping automatically so you don't need to worry about it. Just make sure you have buyer pays shipping on when you set up your show!
Finally! Someone using Android! Its literally the only reason I havent started, because so many android users on whatnot seem to have so many issues. I'd like to see a show running from the seller's side..
Hey, thanks, so glad I could give you some insight from an android side. I actually have that exact video on my list, Running an auction and recording the start to finish of it. It will be a few weeks before I can accomplish that one but I will be doing that for sure!
Glad to hear a notification did go out! No worries hope you enjoy, we had some technical issues always through and till the end but we will have that resolved for next time I go live!
Thank you SO MUCH! Glad I found your video! I've been waiting for Whatnot's help center to answer a critical question... and you answered it in your video! Another question I have... is it true that Whatnot limits your shipping adjustments to 5 per week? But don't I have to adjust every shipment based on the actual weight and dimensions of the package so USPS has the correct information? Or am I totally confused?? :) Thank you!
Hey, you're so welcome!! So glad to hear I answered your question. So yes, you will need to adjust your dimensions and weight when generating a label and as long as you aren't adjusting to the point of a price change you're good. For example, let's say you sell something at a 12oz shipping weight but after packing it ends up being 1.2lbs, that would result in a "label adjustment" and you get 5 of those free as long as they are minor adjustments. After you use those 5, it will charge your account the label cost difference. Hope that makes sense! Definitely feel free to come to the Live here on RU-vid 8/7 @3pm ET if you have any other questions I can answer live for you!
I've been selling on Amazon FBA for nine years, but would really like to find a better way. I had never heard of Whatnot. I live in a small upstairs apartment, but have never had an inventory of over 300-400 items at any one time anyway. Just have no idea here at 60 how to start over with anything else. But, FBA sales are drastically declining with each passing year.
you can't open a store and sell hard goods anymore, most everyone just buys online now or they go to their nearest target/walmart/costco . I wouldn't even attempt opening a store that is not service based
Exactly! Now some (some) businesses thrive with an in person store but most will find so much more success online. It's meeting the customer exactly where they are at. Thanks for watching!
Have you ever watched shark tank? As soon as the business owner that started successfully online says they want to start a brick and mortar, then throw up their hands and get angry. The overhead, staffing, everything that takes to keep it up, and so much capital, and the return is never as good as online. Its rough.
Love Shark Tank! And you are 100% right! And as soon as they say they want to expand into a storefront all the sharks throw up their hands and groan and say nope, wrong! It is not only not for me, but it is not for most small businesses. Online is king right now and every couple years there is a new platform and new opportunities.
It's been my best decision when I closed my brick and moter I save money and been less stress on me.i will be working out of my she shed / office ticktock shop only for me.
Thanks so much! I am going to be turning it into a functional addition to my online business and primarily overflow storage, prepping and a photography station for listing. So excited for the transition.
Thank you for posting these videos. I am a medical technician but I've been doing it for 18 years and I'm ready to do something else. I've always loved books and was trying to decide how I can turn my love of books into a career. Your videos are super helpful and educational for me. Please keep posting. I'm looking forward to your live next week.
Hey!! I am so glad to hear you have enjoyed the videos and I will definitely keep posting more! It is a great business and I absolutely love it. I highly recommend giving it a try and see what you think. It's quite easy to sell part time as a side hustle and learn while you still have the stability of a great job! Thank you so much!!