What exactly are “Hard Goods?”

6 Minute Read

Hard Goods, What are They?

Hard goods, can be well, many different things! But, let’s start off with the basics. They are grouped into one large category, aka “hard goods,” but underneath of that is an umbrella of many smaller categories.

Allow me to name some of them off for you:

• Home Goods
• Pet Supplies
• Glassware
• Garage Items/Tools
• Yardwork Items
• Puzzles/Board Games
• Kitchen Appliances/Tools
• Electronics/Cords/Remote Controls/Printers
• Video Games/Consoles/Controllers
• Gardening Items/Pots/Planters
• Car Supplies/Accessories
• Storage Containers
• Cleaning Supplies
• Decorations/Festive Items
• Towels/Pet Blankets or Beds
• Lamps/Mirrors
• Collectibles/Coin Sets
• Sporting Goods
• Stationary
• Plush/Stuffed Animals

*Some people even include DIY into this broad category.

Andddd the list goes on! It truly can be as long as you want to make it. Clearly after skimming down this list, you will see that Hard Goods pretty much includes everything but the kitchen sink…which could actually be included as well! (Although I wouldn’t recommend reselling a kitchen sink, unless you’re on a platform such as OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace, (something local).

Related: Why You Don’t Always Need a Niche to Be a Reseller

Why So Many Umbrella Categories?

Obviously these smaller categories can be broken down into yet even more complex categories. It just depends on how far into that you want to dive. Today I wanted to explain that hard goods can really be anything except clothing/shoes/accessories/jewelry. Hard goods encompasses a vast amount of items, and to be honest, it is a category that takes a lottt of learning.

This is of course most likely because there is just so many items that are able to be learned. The more time you invest into learning new categories and new items, the more money you can potentially make. This is because you will have more knowledge and know better what to look for while you are out in the wild!

Have I Had Much Luck Reselling Hard Goods?

YES! Yes, I have. Much better luck than I’d though I would actually. I’ve really sold a lot more hard goods this past year than the year prior. It can clearly be quite the intimidating category, that’s for sure. But as I mentioned above, it really always comes down to learning, and how much time and effort you’re willing to dedicate to your business.

My advice is to just take it slow and steady. This is a category you really don’t want to be rushing in. Make sure you know exactly what to look for and exactly how much you can spend on something, BEFORE picking it up. If it’s iffy whatsoever, put it back, I promise, you will thank yourself later when that’s still hanging out in your inventory a year later.

Related: 22 Reasons Why I Became a Reseller

Tips & Tricks for Hard Goods

Now, these items typically take up much more space than say, shoes, clothing or accessories. This means you will probably need to try and flip them faster, so that you can keep your inventory space open and ready for new items to come in and be stocked. (This is especially important if you have limited space or a small apartment and no garage/etc.)

Also keep in mind the shipping costs that these items entail. A lot of times you can get by with utilizing the free shipping supplies from USPS, and boxes from your Amazon orders perhaps, but most often you will need to invest in some other supplies such as bubble wrap, bubble mailers, tissue or packing paper, etc.

*Remember to use those quarterly coupon codes if you are an eBay seller!

• Related: How to Start Selling on Ebay
• Related: How to Score Some FREE Shipping Supplies!

I definitely recommend gaining knowledge in this category, as it can score you some pretty big profit margins! Just make sure to take into consideration the time you’re spending testing electronics, possible damage to sporting goods, (helmets, etc.). I also like to put disclosures on my listings with items such as helmets, so that I am protected as a seller.

In addition, I include an umbrella disclosure on EVERY listing, stating that my inventory space is Smoke Free, but Pet Friendly. This protects me and also the buyer, that may be allergic to animals and not wanting to buy particularly from stores such as mine because of this aspect. Better to always be safe than sorry folks!

Thank You!

A giant thanks to everyone that has supported me this far into my journey! I greatly appreciate you returning to read my posts hope that you will continue to drop by in the future.

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Happy selling friends!

Platforms

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We have also created a Merch Store that donates 10% of profits to the National Resources Defense Council. If you are interested in helping out to promote Rooted Drawers Stores, please stop by to contribute! Remaining profits will be put towards our ever-growing business and are always genuinely appreciated.

Please feel free to drop any comments below that you would like to add! I am always open to advice, suggestions, or even hearing related stories of your own! I stay as active as possible in the comment section, therefore I will reply to any questions asap.

Pop over to Our Blog Posts Page to view all of Rooted in Reselling posts!

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My Top Ten Tips to Getting Started on Poshmark!

Read All About How to Get Started on Ebay, and when you’re finished, freshen up your store with My Best Ebay Selling Tips!