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The True Cost of an Item You Resell

1 min read · Profit and numbers

The shelf price is only part of what an item costs you. Count the rest.

Direct costs

Handling costs

Hidden costs

Why it matters

An item that looks like 40 percent ROI on the shelf price can be 20 percent after everything.

General information for resellers, not financial, tax or legal advice. Marketplace fees and policies change; check the current rules before you buy.

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Keep reading

Profit and numbersHow to Estimate What an Item Will Sell For

A realistic resale price comes from current competing offers and price history, not the store's regular price.

Profit and numbersFinding Your Break-Even Price

The break-even price is the lowest you can sell for without losing money.

Profit and numbersThe Most You Should Pay: A Simple Formula

Work backwards from the selling price to the highest buy cost that still meets your ROI target.