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Writer's pictureDonald L. Butler, CEO

How Reselling Can Affect Your Tax Situation

Diversified Income Sources


When it comes to diversified income sources and flexible work arrangements, the trend of engaging inside hustles has become increasingly prevalent. One notable side hustle that has garnered attention is reselling, a business model encompassing various facets such as retail arbitrage, online arbitrage, and dropshipping. Reselling involves acquiring a product at a lower cost and subsequently selling it at a higher price.


This practice, rooted in the age-old concept of buying low and selling high, has been significantly streamlined and expanded with the advent of the Internet. The convergence of buying groups, affordable shipping, and online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon has transformed reselling into a more profitable and accessible venture.


Retail arbitrage involves finding discounted products in physical stores or online platforms like Craigslist and garage sales, with resellers aiming to capitalize on sales and resell the items for a profit. Online arbitrage extends this concept to the digital realm, allowing resellers to identify discounted products online and leverage services like Amazon's "Fulfilled By Amazon" to streamline the logistics. Dropshipping, another variation, eliminates the need for resellers to hold inventory, as products are only purchased from the manufacturer when a customer makes a purchase.


Reselling landscape involves determining where to resell acquired items, with popular platforms including Amazon, auction sites like eBay, and local markets such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Motivations for engaging in reselling vary, from the thrill of securing a deal to strategic accumulation of credit card points. However, it's crucial to approach reselling with a business mindset, recognizing that success requires consistent deal-finding and operational efficiency.


Reselling and Taxes


Understanding the tax implications of reselling is essential for practitioners in this side hustle. Net profits from reselling are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes. Additionally, resellers may have the opportunity to purchase items without paying sales tax, depending on their registration status and intention for resale.


Reselling stands as a dynamic side hustle that has evolved with the times. It offers individuals diverse avenues for entrepreneurial endeavors, from traditional retail arbitrage to the innovative model of dropshipping. As individuals engage in the realm of reselling, they embark on a path where profitability intersects with the thrill of securing favorable deals—an intersection that defines the essence of this dynamic and evolving side hustle.

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