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Time Management Tips for Resellers: Balancing Life and Business

  • Writer: Justin and Melissa
    Justin and Melissa
  • Feb 9
  • 4 min read

Photo of time management for reslling online for a profit
Time Management Tips for Reselling Online for a Profit

The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of a sale, the freedom of being your own boss – reselling can be an incredibly rewarding venture. But let's be honest, it can also be a lot of work. Juggling sourcing, listing, shipping, customer service, and everything else that comes with running a reselling business, while still trying to have a life, can feel overwhelming. At J & M Marketplace, we understand the struggle. That's why we're sharing some time management tips for resellers to help you balance your reselling hustle with, well, everything else!

1. Schedule Everything (Seriously!):

This might seem obvious, but it's crucial for reseller time management. Don't just have a vague idea of what you need to do; actually block out time in your calendar for specific tasks. This includes:

  • Sourcing: Set aside dedicated days and times for reselling sourcing, thrifting, hitting up garage sales, or browsing online marketplaces. Check out this blog for sourcing tips

  • Listing: Allocate time for photographing, describing, and posting your reselling items. Batch similar tasks together (e.g., photograph all your items one day, then write descriptions the next).

  • Shipping: Schedule regular trips to the post office or plan for package pickups. Efficient reseller shipping is key!

  • Customer Service: Dedicate a specific time each day to answer messages and address any customer issues.

  • Admin Tasks: Don't forget the less glamorous but essential tasks like bookkeeping, inventory management, and reseller marketing.

2. Prioritize Ruthlessly:

Not all tasks are created equal. Identify the activities that have the biggest impact on your business and focus on those first. Use the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent/important) to categorize your tasks and tackle them accordingly. This is a core reseller productivity strategy.

3. Batch Similar Tasks:

As mentioned above, grouping similar tasks together can significantly improve your efficiency. Instead of switching between different types of work, you can get into a flow and accomplish more in less time. This is a top time management tip for resellers.

4. Set Realistic Goals:

Don't try to do everything at once. Start small and gradually increase your workload as you get more comfortable. Setting achievable goals will help you stay motivated and avoid reseller burnout.

5. Learn to Say No:

It's tempting to take on every opportunity that comes your way, especially when you're starting out. But learning to say no to things that don't align with your goals or that you simply don't have time for is essential for effective reseller time management.

6. Utilize Technology:

There are tons of apps and tools available to help you streamline your reselling business. Explore reseller inventory management software, listing tools, and shipping platforms to automate tasks and save time. Even simple things like using a scheduling app or setting reminders can make a big difference. When first starting out, we recommend trying reselling apps on a free trial only. Do some testing to see if you like it, does it make it easier etc. We actually do not currently use any reselling inventory or cross listing apps as it didn't seem beneficial for us since we do 95% of our sales from our eBay store. But they may work for you and depending on what items you are reselling, it may help to list the same item on multiple reselling platforms at once which can speed up your listings.

7. Take Breaks!:

This is just as important as the work itself. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout. Step away from your computer, go for a walk, or do something you enjoy. A well-rested reseller is a more productive reseller. Avoid reseller fatigue! Make sure you are ENJOYING the reselling game, it should be fun and exciting!

8. Delegate When Possible:

As your business grows, consider delegating tasks to others. This could be anything from hiring a virtual assistant to outsourcing your shipping. Freeing up your time to focus on higher-level tasks can significantly boost your productivity and help you scale your reselling business. Have a significant other, kids, a best friend? See if they would want to help!

9. Review and Adjust:

Regularly review your time management strategies and make adjustments as needed. What works for one person might not work for another. Experiment and find what works best for you. Reseller efficiency is an ongoing process.

10. Remember Your "Why":

When things get hectic, it's easy to lose sight of why you started reselling in the first place. Take a moment to reconnect with your goals and remember the things you enjoy about your business. This will help you stay motivated and focused, even when things get tough.

At J & M Marketplace, we believe that reselling can be a fulfilling and profitable career. By implementing these reselling time management tips, you can create a sustainable business that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally. We're here to support you on your journey! Stop by our marketplace to find unique items to resell and connect with a community of fellow resellers.


Building a Reselling Community at J & M Marketplace

We at J & M Marketplace are passionate about fostering a supportive and collaborative community for current and future resellers. We want to be more than just a marketplace; we want to be a resource, a gathering place, and a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences.

We encourage you to connect with us! Do you have questions about time management, sourcing, or any other aspect of reselling? Feel free to chat with us using the chat box on our website or send us an email. We'd love to hear from you!

Have a great idea for a blog topic? Share it with us! We're always looking for fresh perspectives and valuable insights to share with our community.

Even better, want to write your own blog post for J & M Marketplace? We would absolutely love that! We believe in empowering our community members and giving them a voice. We'll give you full credit for your contribution and even link it back to your eBay store, your own website, or any other online platform you'd like to promote. This is a fantastic opportunity to share your expertise, build your brand, and connect with a wider audience of resellers. Contact us today to discuss your blog post idea! Let's grow together!

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