Reselling Glossary
Every Term You Need to Know

Price items at 3 times what you paid. A common reselling heuristic that covers fees (~15%), shipping, and leaves a reasonable profit. Not always achievable — validate against sold comps before defaulting to 3x.

Australian Business Number. Required when your reselling constitutes a business rather than a hobby. Apply free through the ATO. You need an ABN before you can register for GST.

Australian Consumer Law. Buyers have rights to refund or replacement for faulty goods. 'Change of mind' is not a valid refund reason for private sales. Platforms may have more generous policies on top of ACL.

The platform's system for ranking and displaying listings in search results. eBay values sales history and item specifics; Depop weights recency and follower engagement. Understand the platform before you optimise for it.

A high-priced item in your shop that makes other items seem more reasonably priced by comparison. A $500 vintage jacket anchors your $80 tees as bargains. Classic pricing psychology.

Courier service offering competitive rates for heavier parcels in Australia from $7.61. A solid alternative to Australia Post for parcels over 500g, and a Sendle replacement since Sendle shut down in January 2026.

Buying from one platform or market where prices are low and reselling on another where prices are higher. Retail arbitrage (buying from Kmart clearance, reselling on eBay) is a common variant.

An item from a brand's older collections, often from a specific designer's era or creative peak. Archive pieces are distinct from standard vintage — they're sought by buyers interested in brand history and design legacy. Common archive markets: Helmut Lang pre-2005, Raf Simons, early Yohji Yamamoto, McQueen pre-2010. Grailed is the strongest platform for archive pieces. Documenting a piece's origin in the listing (season, lookbook reference) adds value.

Sold in current condition with all faults disclosed. No returns. Used for items with known issues. Always describe every flaw in detail — as-is doesn't protect you from INAD disputes if faults weren't disclosed.

Australia's national postal service. The primary carrier for domestic resale shipping. Offers prepaid satchels (500g, 1kg, 3kg, 5kg), calculated postage, and tracked services. MyPost Business gives volume discounts.

An item that has been verified as genuine by a qualified service or knowledgeable seller. Authentication levels: seller self-authentication (described as authentic, supported by photos of hallmarks/labels), third-party authentication (Real Authentication, Entrupy, PSA grading), and platform authentication (eBay Authenticity Guarantee, Grailed Authenticity Guarantee). The level of authentication appropriate depends on the item's value and buyer expectations.

eBay's authentication service for high-value items (sneakers, luxury watches, handbags). Items are physically verified before delivery. Increases buyer confidence and typically commands a price premium.

An instruction left with the carrier allowing them to leave a parcel at the delivery address without a signature. Common in Australian online retail — buyers enable it via Australia Post's app or account settings. Useful for sellers because it reduces failed delivery attempts and buyer frustration. Risk: the parcel can be stolen from the door. As a seller, you're generally not liable if the buyer set their own ATL and the parcel goes missing.

The average amount a buyer spends per transaction. Resellers increase AOV through bundle deals, combined shipping incentives, and cross-selling within their shop. On Depop, buyers who find one item often browse the shop — surfacing related items in your description or bio increases AOV. On eBay, seller stores that display similar items on listing pages drive additional sales.

Incorporating shipping costs into the item price and offering 'free shipping'. Buyers respond better to $45 with free shipping than $30 + $15 shipping — even though the total is identical. Proven to improve conversion on Depop.

Business Activity Statement. Quarterly report submitted to the ATO for GST and PAYG obligations. Quarterly for turnover $75K–$20M. Use Xero or QuickBooks to prepare it accurately.

eBay feature allowing buyers to submit an offer below the listed price. Sellers can accept, decline, or counter. Set auto-accept and auto-decline thresholds to save time managing offers.

A feature on eBay Buy It Now listings allowing buyers to submit an offer below the asking price. Sellers can accept, decline, or counter. eBay also allows auto-accept (automatic acceptance above a threshold) and auto-decline (automatic rejection below a floor). Items with Best Offer enabled appear in 'Best Offer' filtered searches, increasing visibility. Most Australian eBay sellers enable it across all listings.

Levi's jeans label with a capital 'E' in 'LEVI'S'. Indicates pre-1971 production. Highly valuable to denim collectors — a Big E 501 can sell for hundreds. Look for the capital E on the red tab.

Be On the Look Out. A high-value item worth watching for while sourcing. Resellers share BOLOs in community groups to alert each other to profitable finds.

A Japanese textile tradition of patching and mending worn fabrics, typically indigo cotton. In contemporary fashion, 'boro' refers to garments or textiles with visible mending patches, often intentionally aged. Boro-style pieces sell on Grailed, Depop, and Etsy to buyers interested in Japanese craft traditions and wabi-sabi aesthetics. Genuine antique boro textiles are rare, valuable, and typically sold through specialist dealers rather than consumer marketplaces.

Reliable, consistent-selling items that form the base of a reselling business. Not glamorous, but predictable. Plain tees, jeans, and simple homewares are typical bread-and-butter stock.

Items too large for standard satchels or post boxes — furniture, gym equipment, whitegoods, bicycles. Bulky goods require custom freight quotes or courier booking. Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree (buyer collects) are the most practical sales channels for bulky goods because shipping economics are rarely viable. When shipping is necessary, cubic weight (the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight) often applies.

A single listing containing multiple items sold together. Effective for clearing low-value items, building higher average order values, or selling related items (matching sets, same-size clothing). Buyer expectation for bundles is price below the sum of individual items. Always list contents clearly and photograph all included items. On eBay, bundle listings can include up to 60 photos — use this for detailed item documentation.

Offering a discount when a buyer purchases multiple items from the same seller. Increases average order value and reduces shipping cost per item. Both Depop and eBay support bundle offers.

A curated, small collection of versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched for multiple outfits. Relevant to reselling as a buyer motivation: buyers assembling capsule wardrobes look for neutral, versatile basics in good condition. Marketing a secondhand blazer, neutral trousers, or quality basics as 'capsule wardrobe staples' in listings can increase perceived value and attract this buyer segment.

Shipping where the carbon emissions from parcel transport are offset, typically through tree planting or renewable energy projects. Australia Post offers a carbon-neutral option on most domestic parcels. Sendle (now defunct) built its brand around carbon-neutral shipping. For resellers marketing sustainability, carbon-neutral shipping is a genuine differentiator — though buyers should understand offsetting is not the same as zero emissions. Australia Post's carbon-neutral parcels cost a small premium.

The timing of money coming in (from sales) and going out (sourcing, fees, shipping). Resellers with strong sales but slow inventory turnover can face cash flow problems — capital tied up in stock prevents reinvestment. Managing cash flow means not over-buying inventory before generating returns from current stock, and ensuring sales receipts arrive before major expense payments. Fast-selling platforms like Facebook Marketplace (cash at pickup) have the best cash flow profile.

A payment reversal initiated by a buyer through their bank or credit card provider, bypassing the marketplace's dispute process. Chargebacks can occur weeks or months after a sale. Sellers who have complied with platform rules and have tracking evidence are often protected, but bank chargebacks can override marketplace decisions. To reduce chargeback risk: always use tracked postage, retain proof of dispatch, and ensure item descriptions are accurate.

Complete In Box. Item includes all original components and packaging. A game console CIB means the console, all cables, controllers, and original box are present. Significant price premium over loose.

Keeping clothing in use through resale, repair, and recycling rather than disposal. 130 million items were kept out of Australian landfill through secondhand trading in one year (ACE Hub, 2022).

The percentage of impressions that result in a click to view the listing. CTR is a measure of how compelling your thumbnail photo and title are. A CTR below 1% on eBay usually signals a weak thumbnail or a title that doesn't match buyer intent. Depop doesn't show CTR directly but impression and like data serves a similar function. Improving CTR is usually faster than improving conversion — it requires only a better hero photo or a more accurate title.

Cost of Goods Sold. Total cost of acquiring and preparing inventory, including purchase price, any repairs, packaging, and platform fees. Deductible as a business expense in Australia.

A sold listing used to determine the market value of a similar item. Check eBay sold listings — not active listings — for realistic comps. If something sells instantly, your comp was too low.

A detailed written account of an item's physical state, including all known flaws, repairs, or signs of wear. Common on Grailed and high-value eBay listings. A thorough condition report pre-empts disputes by establishing buyer expectations before purchase. Include: overall grade (NWT, EUC, GUC), specific flaws with location and size, any repairs or alterations, and laundering notes. For items over $200, a condition report with supporting close-up photos is standard practice.

Selling items on behalf of another person, taking a commission from the sale. A common side business for established resellers — source from friends, list and ship, split proceeds.

Percentage of listing views that result in a sale. 1–3% is typical for clothing on eBay. Poor photos, overpriced items, or missing item specifics all hurt conversion.

Aesthetic romanticising rural life — floral dresses, prairie blouses, natural fabrics, linen. Strong search term on Depop and Etsy. Source floral dresses and blouses from op shops for this category.

Fake or replica items sold as genuine. Illegal and results in permanent account bans. Facebook Marketplace's AI also flags genuine branded items — write around brand names if you're being falsely flagged.

A private delivery company that collects and delivers parcels, typically offering faster or cheaper rates than Australia Post for certain weight and distance combinations. Major Australian couriers used by resellers: Aramex (formerly Fastway), CouriersPlease (Singapore Post), TNT, DHL. Couriers generally offer better rates than Australia Post for parcels over 1–2kg. Coverage and reliability varies by postcode — always check delivery area coverage before committing.

Australian courier with competitive domestic rates from $8.10 per parcel. A solid alternative to Australia Post for heavier items. Operates through a network of agents and lockers.

Colour transfer from dyed fabric, especially dark denim. Disclose crocking in listings — a buyer who ruins their couch with a secondhand denim jacket will open an INAD dispute.

Listing the same item on multiple platforms simultaneously to maximise exposure and sell faster. The core value proposition of tools like Shopfront. Requires inventory sync to avoid double-selling.

AU shipping term. Carriers charge by actual weight or dimensional weight (L × W × H ÷ 5,000), whichever is greater. A large but light box often triggers cubic weight charges — pack densely to avoid this.

Aesthetic inspired by classical literature and academia — tweed, plaid, earth tones, Oxford shoes. Popular on Depop and Etsy. Tag blazers, cardigans, and loafers with this aesthetic to reach niche buyers.

Brand new, unworn item — often discontinued or vintage — still in original condition. Highly desirable for sneakers. A deadstock pair of 90s Air Max commands a serious premium over worn pairs.

Unsorted or unlisted inventory that has accumulated over time. Every reseller has one. A large death pile represents tied-up capital and lost income — listing it is always the priority.

Business expenses that reduce your taxable income. For resellers: cost of goods, shipping, platform fees, packaging, home office, photography equipment, vehicle use for sourcing, and software subscriptions.

A mark against a seller's eBay account for policy violations or unresolved buyer issues (INAD, INR, cancelled transactions). Too many defects triggers Below Standard Seller status and listing suppression.

Removing a listing from a platform because it sold elsewhere or is being withdrawn. For crosslisters, always delist immediately when an item sells to avoid double-selling on another platform.

Refreshing or sharing listings on Depop to push them higher in search results. Paid Boosted Listings cost 8% of sale price. Most AU sellers manually edit listings regularly to trigger the refresh.

A seller's profile page on Depop displaying all active listings, their bio, follower count, and average reviews. Depop Shops are browsed by buyers who follow a seller or land there from a specific listing. A well-curated shop with a consistent aesthetic (similar background style, cohesive photo editing) tends to retain buyers longer and convert them to followers. Your bio appears at the top of your shop and is the first thing new visitors read.

Selling items from a personal collection that are no longer wanted. Common in craft (fabric, yarn, beads) and fashion communities. Depop and Facebook groups are the typical venues for destash sales.

Downloadable items with no physical shipping required — PDFs, templates, patterns, guides. Popular on Etsy for craft patterns and printables. No postage cost and instant delivery make digital products attractive for scaling. Etsy charges the standard listing and transaction fees. For resellers, digital products typically fall outside their usual physical goods business. However, some resellers create adjacent digital products (e.g., sizing guides, authentication checklists) as passive income.

The number of business days between a sale and the item being shipped. eBay Top Rated Seller status requires 1-day handling. Slow dispatch hurts metrics — print labels daily and batch your post office runs.

When an item listed on multiple platforms sells on two platforms simultaneously before you can delist it. A major crosslisting pain point. Tools like Shopfront sync inventory automatically to prevent this.

Selling items you don't physically hold. When sold, the supplier ships directly to the buyer. Common on eBay and Shopify. eBay buyers expect fast dispatch — supplier delays lead to defects.

Deadstock. Abbreviation used primarily on Grailed and Depop for an item that is brand new and unworn. Often appears in listings as 'DS Nike Air Max 90 size 10'.

eBay handles international shipping logistics. Australian sellers ship to eBay's domestic hub, then eBay manages international delivery, customs, and import fees. Removes the hassle of international shipping entirely.

eBay's built-in payment processing that replaced PayPal. eBay handles money collection and deposits payouts to your bank account. Transfers take 1–3 business days.

Paid advertising on eBay where you pay a percentage of sale price only when an item sells via the ad. Standard rate: 2–12% depending on category. Increases visibility for competitive items.

Monthly subscription giving reduced final value fees and more free listings. Basic Store: $24.95/month; Featured Store: $59.95/month. Worth it once you're selling 50+ items per month.

Status earned through consistent positive feedback, on-time shipping, and low defect rate. Gets a badge, higher search placement, and discounts on final value fees. Requires 100+ transactions and 98%+ positive feedback.

End of Financial Year. 30 June in Australia. Relevant for tax planning and sourcing during retail clearance sales. Retailers discount heavily before balance date — great sourcing opportunity.

Etsy requires items in its Vintage category to be at least 20 years old. As of 2026, that means pre-2006. Items between 10–20 years are 'retro' or 'collectables' on Etsy — not vintage. The rule is enforced strictly.

Etsy's paid advertising system placing your listings in search results and on browse pages. You set a daily budget and cost-per-click is determined by competition for the keyword. Unlike Promoted Listings on eBay, Etsy Ads charge per click regardless of sale. Best used for proven sellers with strong conversion rates — ads on poor listings waste budget. Offsite Ads are a separate programme where Etsy advertises your listings externally and charges 12–15% on resulting sales.

Badge for Etsy sellers meeting thresholds for response rate, on-time shipping, and ratings. Improves search visibility. Requirements: 95%+ 5-star reviews, 95%+ on-time dispatch, 95%+ message reply rate.

Excellent Used Condition. Minor signs of use but no notable flaws. A step below NWT/NWOT but still top-tier for secondhand. Include clear photos — 'excellent' is subjective.

Australia Post's premium domestic service offering next-business-day delivery to over 80% of Australian addresses within the Express Post network. More expensive than regular parcel post — small satchels start around AU$15. Express Post is best reserved for urgent orders or high-value items where the buyer is paying for speed. Some eBay and Depop sellers offer it as a paid upgrade at checkout.

Facebook's in-app payment system for Marketplace transactions, enabling buyers to purchase without meeting in person. Checkout transactions include buyer protection (buyers can dispute non-delivery or item not as described). Sellers pay a ~5% fee for Checkout transactions. Available for eligible categories only. Most Australian Facebook Marketplace sales still occur via local pickup with PayID or cash.

Gradual lightening or loss of colour in a garment due to washing, sunlight exposure, or age. In vintage and denim reselling, fade is often desirable — selvedge denim and work wear develop distinctive fade patterns from wear. In other contexts (bright prints, dark basics), fade is a defect requiring disclosure. Describe fade specifically: 'even all-over fade consistent with age' versus 'uneven fading to the right shoulder'.

Inexpensive, trend-driven clothing (Shein, Zara, H&M). Generally poor resale value — avoid sourcing fast fashion unless it's NWT and heavily discounted. Focus on quality brands or genuinely vintage pieces.

A running total of positive minus negative feedback received on eBay, displayed as a number next to your username. New sellers start at 0. A score above 10 with 100% positive rating establishes baseline trust with Australian buyers. Feedback score affects buyer willingness to purchase and is one component of eBay's Top Rated Seller assessment. Negative feedback from a legitimate dispute cannot be removed — but a seller's response to it is visible and can mitigate its impact.

eBay's commission taken from the total sale amount, including shipping. 13.4% on the first AU$4,000 for most categories, then 2.4% above that. Free for AU sellers under $25K/year.

The listed price is not negotiable. Sellers add 'FIRM' or 'price is firm' to listings to avoid lowball offers. Saves time but may reduce the number of offers you receive.

Photographing items laid flat on a surface from directly above. Standard Depop and Etsy style. Use a clean, plain background — white or neutral works best. Shows the full garment clearly.

Buying items at a low price and reselling them for profit. The core activity of reselling — source cheap, sell high. 'Flipping' implies a quick turnaround, whereas 'reselling' is broader.

The minimum price a seller will accept for an item — the break-even point plus a minimum acceptable profit margin. Setting a mental floor price before listing prevents panic selling below cost. On eBay, the auto-decline threshold in Best Offer settings acts as an automated floor price enforcement. Knowing your floor on every item prevents emotional decisions when buyers offer low.

Item is non-functional, sold for its components or as a repair project. Common for electronics. Clearly state what is and isn't working to avoid disputes.

Brown spots on paper or fabric caused by age, mould, or oxidation. Common in vintage books, magazines, and paper ephemera. Disclose foxing clearly — it significantly affects value.

An item requiring extra packaging care due to risk of breakage — ceramics, glassware, vintage electronics, records, jewellery. Fragile items should be double-boxed with cushioning material between layers. Carriers do not guarantee gentle handling regardless of 'Fragile' labels — pack defensively. Insurance is advisable for fragile items over $100. Disclosing the item's fragility in your listing and photographing your packaging can protect you from damage claims.

When a buyer or seller stops responding mid-transaction. Extremely common on Facebook Marketplace. Reserve items only for committed buyers — if they stop responding, relist immediately.

An economic model characterised by short-term, flexible work arrangements rather than permanent employment. Reselling is often described as gig economy work. The ATO's Sharing Economy Reporting Regime, which captures eBay and other platform seller data, applies to gig economy workers broadly. Tax obligations for gig workers are the same as for any sole trader — income is assessable and business expenses are deductible.

Outdoor and hiking wear worn as fashion. The North Face, Patagonia, Salomon, Arc'teryx. 'Gorp' = Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. Strong demand on Depop and Grailed for technical outdoor pieces.

A highly sought-after, rare item that a collector has been searching for. Grailed the platform takes its name from this concept — a marketplace for people hunting trophy pieces.

A service on Grailed where qualifying high-value items are physically inspected and authenticated by Entrupy's AI-powered authentication system before delivery to the buyer. Available for a list of eligible designer brands at qualifying price thresholds (typically US$300+). Items authenticated carry a badge, increasing buyer confidence and often commanding a higher sale price. Authentication adds 3–5 days to delivery time.

Feature on Grailed to push a listing to the top of its category feed. Costs money and wears off quickly. Best used for high-value, high-demand items where visibility directly converts to sales.

90s-inspired style: flannel shirts, band tees, Doc Martens, distressed denim. A perennial Depop aesthetic with consistent search volume. Source flannel shirts, oversized jumpers, and vintage band tees.

Goods and Services Tax. 10% tax on most goods and services in Australia. Register for GST once annual turnover hits $75,000. Voluntary registration is available below that threshold.

Good Used Condition. The item shows some wear but no significant flaws. Honest condition description — better than 'good' which can mean different things to different buyers.

The number of business days between receiving payment and dispatching the parcel. Set in your eBay or Etsy shop settings. Shorter handling time (same day or 1 business day) improves eBay search ranking and buyer conversion. Longer handling time is useful when you're sourcing to order or need buffer for busy periods. Missing your stated handling time repeatedly generates eBay defects and negative feedback.

A collection of items purchased in a single sourcing trip, often shared on social media. 'Op shop haul' content is popular on TikTok and Instagram among AU resellers showing their latest finds.

ATO distinction that determines tax obligations. Hobbies aren't taxed but you can't claim deductions. Businesses must report income but can claim expenses. Frequency, commercial intent, and profit motive determine which applies.

Number of times a listing appears in search results or feeds. High impressions with low clicks signals a weak thumbnail or title. Low impressions signals poor SEO or algorithm ranking.

Item Not As Described. A dispute reason when the buyer feels the listing misrepresented the item. eBay typically sides with buyers on INAD cases. Prevent them by disclosing every flaw with clear photos.

Item Not Received. Dispute reason when a buyer claims the item never arrived. Always use tracked shipping — it's your only protection in an INR case. Untracked shipments leave you with no recourse.

eBay's fee for creating a listing beyond your monthly free allocation. Individual sellers get 250 free listings/month. Beyond that, fees are $0.05–$1.00 per listing depending on category.

In Search Of. Used by buyers looking for a specific item. Common in Depop DMs and Facebook reselling groups ('ISO: vintage Levi's 501 size 30').

eBay's structured data fields (brand, size, colour, material) that power search filtering. Items without correct item specifics rank lower and miss filtered searches. Fill them in every time — it's free visibility.

Total cost to an international buyer including item price, shipping, customs duties, and taxes. Australian sellers on Grailed often underestimate this when pricing for overseas buyers.

Photographing an item in use or styled in a real-world context. Essential on Depop where styled model photos consistently outperform flat lays for fashion items.

Buyer collects the item in person from the seller's location. Dominant on Facebook Marketplace. Free for sellers — no shipping fees or packaging needed. Always meet in a safe, public location.

Item without original packaging or accessories. A 'loose' game cartridge means the game itself only — no box or manual. Always mention what's missing and price accordingly against CIB comps.

A group of related items sold together as a single listing. Lot sales are effective for clearing low-value items that aren't worth listing individually: '10x vintage 90s band tees, assorted sizes' or '5x Pokémon booster packs mixed era'. Buyers purchasing lots expect to pay less per item than individual listings. Lot sales reduce time-per-item and shipping complexity. Clearly state lot contents, sizes where applicable, and overall condition range.

Selling multiple items together as a single listing. Common on eBay for bulk lots (e.g. '10 x women's size 10 dresses'). Lower per-item price but faster clearance for hard-to-sell stock.

An offer significantly below the asking price. A common example from Australian Depop groups: '$12 including postage' on $8 shorts where shipping alone costs $11. Decline and move on.

Many brands manufactured domestically pre-1990s. A 'Made in USA' care label is a strong vintage authentication marker for denim, t-shirts, and workwear. Especially relevant for Levi's, Carhartt, and Dickies.

The difference between what you paid for an item and what you sold it for, after fees and costs. Gross margin = sale price minus item cost. Net margin = gross margin minus all fees and shipping.

The proprietary system each platform uses to rank listings in search results and browse feeds. Factors typically considered: listing completeness (titles, specifics, photos), seller metrics (feedback, defect rate, dispatch speed), price competitiveness, and engagement signals (clicks, likes, watches). Algorithms are not fully disclosed by platforms. The practical implication for resellers: complete listings with accurate titles, good photos, and clean seller metrics rank better organically without paid promotion.

Mint On Card. Action figure or toy still sealed on its original blister card. An opened card can reduce value by 60–80% compared to MOC — condition of the card itself matters enormously.

Listing and selling inventory across more than one marketplace simultaneously. Australian resellers commonly use eBay, Depop, Facebook Marketplace, and Grailed in combination, targeting different buyer demographics on each. Multi-platform selling increases sell-through rate and reduces dependency on any single marketplace's algorithm. The main operational challenge is preventing double-selling — solved by crosslisting software with auto-delist features.

Australia Post's volume discount programme for regular shippers. Discounts tiered by band (1–5) based on spending. Band 3–4 brings parcels down to ~$9.50 including satchel. Essential for any serious reseller.

Profit as a percentage of revenue, after all costs: stock purchase, platform fees, shipping, and packaging. Net margin = (sale price - all costs) / sale price x 100. A healthy reselling net margin is typically 30–50%. Below 20% after all costs, the activity may not justify the time investment. Calculate per item to identify which categories are worth continuing and which to exit.

New In Box. Item is sealed in original packaging. Used for electronics, toys, collectables, and other boxed products. Sealed condition commands the highest premium.

New Old Stock. Vintage item that was never sold or used, still in original condition. Think a 1980s jacket still in its original plastic bag. Rare and highly collectible.

New With Box. Typically used for shoes that are unworn and still in their original box. The box adds value — sneaker collectors and eBay buyers pay more for items with original packaging.

New Without Box. Unworn shoes but the original box is missing. Still commands a premium over worn shoes, but less than NWB. Always mention the missing box in the listing.

New Without Tags. Item appears unworn but original tags have been removed. Slightly lower value than NWT but still commands a premium over used items.

New With Tags / Brand New With Tags. The item has never been worn and the original tags are still attached. Top condition descriptor — commands the highest prices for secondhand clothing.

Or Best Offer. The seller is open to receiving offers below the listed price. On eBay, this is a formal feature where buyers submit offers that auto-accept or auto-decline based on thresholds you set.

A unique, one-of-a-kind item. Common for reworked, upcycled, or custom pieces on Depop. Creates urgency — buyers know if they don't buy it now, it won't be available elsewhere.

Australian term for charity or thrift shop. Run by Vinnies, Salvos, Lifeline, Red Cross, and others. The primary sourcing destination for Australian resellers. Prices vary widely by location and city.

The value of the next-best alternative forgone when a decision is made. In reselling, relevant for deciding whether to hold an item or discount it: holding has an opportunity cost (the capital is tied up, the space is occupied, the time managing it is spent). A slow-moving item at full price may be less valuable than a quick sale at 70% of asking price if the cash enables faster reinvestment. Resellers who ignore opportunity cost often sit on stale inventory indefinitely.

Levi's secondary line from 1969–1999 using an orange fabric tab instead of the standard red tab. Collectible and desirable. More accessible price point than Big E but still a strong vintage marker.

Chemical degradation of a material through contact with oxygen, resulting in discolouration or structural change. In reselling, most commonly refers to: metal hardware turning brassy or tarnished (bags, jewellery), rubber soles yellowing on sneakers (often called sole oxidation), or white synthetic fabrics yellowing. Light oxidation on hardware can be reversed with metal polish. Sole oxidation on sneakers is largely irreversible. Always disclose oxidation as a flaw.

Australia Post self-service locker for collecting parcels 24/7. Popular with buyers who aren't home during delivery. Parcel locker deliveries jumped 18% during peak season 2025.

Natural ageing of materials — leather, metal, wood — that adds character and value. A well-developed patina on leather boots or a vintage watch is desirable. Distinguish it from actual damage in listings.

Australia's real-time payment identifier system allowing instant bank transfers using a phone number, email, or ABN as the identifier. Widely used for Facebook Marketplace transactions as a safe alternative to cash. Payments clear immediately. Scam risk: fake payment confirmation screenshots — always verify in your banking app. Never accept PayID from someone offering to overpay and request a refund difference — that's the classic PayID overpayment scam.

A charge added by some carriers for collecting parcels from your address, in addition to standard delivery rates. Australia Post MyPost Business does not charge a pickup fee when using Click & Send (you drop parcels at an outlet). Aramex and CouriersPlease charge pickup fees for on-demand collections. Scheduled regular pickups may have lower or no fees under account arrangements. Pickup fees can erode margins for low-volume sellers — dropping parcels at outlets is usually more economical.

Small fabric balls formed on knitwear or textured clothing through friction. 'Pilling' is the international term; 'bobbling' is the Australian version. Always disclose in listings.

Lightweight plastic bag for shipping clothing and soft goods. Not padded — use for items that don't need protection. Buy in bulk from Temu or Amazon for ~$5/100. Combine with a satchel label.

Pending Pick Up. The item is reserved for a local buyer to collect. Used on Facebook Marketplace when a sale is agreed but the buyer hasn't collected yet. Change to 'Sold' once collected.

A message from a potential buyer asking for additional information before committing to a purchase — measurements, extra photos, condition details, shipping estimates. Responding to PPQs quickly and thoroughly converts browsers into buyers. Etsy Star Seller requires 95%+ of queries answered within 24 hours. On Depop, fast responses are visible through the 'Usually responds within X hours' badge on your profile.

Previously owned and used. A softer term for secondhand. Popular on Depop and Facebook Marketplace. Implies the item was cared for, not just used.

The maximum price the market will bear for a particular item, determined by completed/sold listings. There's no point listing a common Bonds tee for $50 when every comp shows $12–$15.

The process of checking recent sold prices for comparable items before pricing a listing. Best tools for Australian resellers: eBay Completed Listings (filtered to Sold, AU only), Terapeak in eBay Seller Hub, Depop's search with sold filter, and Google Shopping. Price research takes 2–5 minutes per item and is the single highest-ROI activity for improving reselling margins — underpricing is the most common costly mistake for new sellers.

Professional Sports Authenticator grading service for trading cards. Cards are submitted to PSA, which authenticates and grades them on a scale from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint). PSA-graded cards sell for 3–10x the price of equivalent raw (ungraded) cards at grades 9 and 10. The service costs AU$30–70+ per card depending on turnaround tier. Worthwhile for valuable cards; not economical for commons.

When multiple sellers with similar items keep undercutting each other's prices, driving margins toward zero. Most visible on eBay for common items. Avoid by differentiating your listing or moving to a less crowded platform.

A trading card that has not been professionally graded or authenticated — sold loose without a grading case. Raw cards sell at a discount to PSA or BGS graded equivalents. Grading transforms raw cards into certified, standardised investments. Most casual trading card sellers on eBay AU sell raw cards for speed and simplicity. For cards potentially worth $50+, researching whether PSA grading is worth the cost and wait time is worthwhile.

Unwashed, untreated denim that develops unique fading patterns with wear. Valued by denim enthusiasts. Associated with Japanese heritage brands. Niche but commands premium prices on Grailed.

Taking down a listing and putting it back up to refresh its position in search results. Both Depop and eBay respond to fresh listings. Effective for stale inventory — delete and relist to bump to the top.

An item made to replicate the design of a vintage or discontinued original, not the original itself. Reproductions are legal (unlike counterfeits — which replicate branded goods with intent to deceive). Examples: new-production vintage-style workwear, band tee reprints, reproduction ceramics. Always disclose repro status — selling a repro as original is misrepresentation. Repros are common in the vintage market and buyers are often aware — but they still expect honesty.

The minimum price a seller will accept on an auction listing, set confidentially. eBay shows buyers that a reserve price exists but doesn't reveal the amount until met. Auctions with unmet reserves typically don't sell — buyers become frustrated by 'reserve not met' notifications. Most experienced eBay sellers avoid reserve prices, preferring to set a realistic auction start price instead. Reserve prices carry a fee on eBay if the reserve isn't met.

The percentage of sold items that are returned by buyers. A high return rate on eBay triggers defect accumulation and can lead to account restrictions. Common causes: inaccurate item descriptions, photos that don't show condition issues, incorrect sizing information, and shipping damage. Improving listing accuracy through better photos and condition disclosure typically reduces return rates significantly. eBay's performance dashboard shows your return rate compared to seller benchmarks.

Return on Investment. Profit expressed as a percentage of the purchase cost. A $5 op shop find sold for $50 is a 900% ROI. Resellers track ROI to identify their best sourcing channels.

Pre-production garment — one-off and unreleased to the public. Rare and highly collectible, especially from desirable brands. Look for 'SAMPLE' stamps or blank tags without size information.

Pre-paid, flat-rate mailing bag from Australia Post. Available in 500g, 1kg, 3kg, and 5kg sizes. Standard small prepaid satchel costs ~$11.15. The go-to packaging for clothing and soft goods.

A specific collection release period for a streetwear or fashion brand, typically labelled SS (Spring/Summer) or FW (Fall/Winter) followed by a year (e.g., SS20, FW22). Season notation is critical for accurate listing on Grailed and in streetwear reselling — buyers comparison-shop by season and colourway. An incorrect season in a listing description erodes buyer trust. Check the item's care label, tags, or brand documentation to confirm the season if uncertain.

The percentage of listed items that actually sell within a given period. A 30-day sell-through rate of 20% means 1 in 5 listed items sold that month. Low sell-through across an entire inventory suggests pricing is too high, photos are weak, or the niche isn't matching platform demand. Sell-through is one of the most important metrics for a reselling business — it drives cash flow, sourcing decisions, and pricing strategy.

The percentage of listed items that actually sell within a given period. A healthy reselling business targets 30–50% sell-through per month. Low sell-through means prices are too high or items aren't in demand.

eBay's central dashboard for managing listings, orders, performance metrics, and analytics. Access Terapeak research, view defects, and track your seller metrics here.

Tightly woven finished edge on denim fabric from vintage shuttle looms. Associated with heritage Japanese and US brands. Highly sought after on Grailed and eBay by denim enthusiasts.

Third-party shipping provider popular with AU small businesses. Sendle halted all operations on 11 January 2026 following a merger collapse. Switch to Australia Post, Aramex, or CouriersPlease.

A listing title written to maximise search visibility by including the most commonly searched keywords. On eBay, an SEO title uses all 80 available characters with relevant terms in natural order. Key principles: include brand, item type, size, colour, and style. Avoid filler words. On Depop, the title is shorter (max 50 characters) so lead with the highest-value search term first. A well-written SEO title is the single most impactful listing change for organic search performance.

Sharing Economy Reporting Regime. From July 2024, platforms like eBay must report seller transaction data directly to the ATO — including your name, bank details, ABN, and total payments. The ATO will know your income.

An item that sells quickly and reliably every time you list it. Your best bread-and-butter finds. Once you identify your shelf-pullers, prioritise sourcing more of them consistently.

Reduction in garment dimensions after washing, common in natural fibres (cotton, wool, linen). Vintage cotton garments may have shrunk from their labelled size over decades of washing. Always measure the actual garment (not rely on the tag size) for clothing listings — and note if the garment appears smaller than the labelled size. Wool items are particularly susceptible to felting and shrinkage from incorrect washing.

T-shirt construction used pre-mid-1990s — a single line of stitching at the bottom hem. A reliable indicator of genuine vintage tees. Single-stitch 80s/90s band tees command high premiums on eBay and Depop.

Sustainable, quality-focused approach to clothing. Items aligned with slow fashion values (natural fibres, quality construction) command premium prices. Secondhand shopping itself is a form of slow fashion.

Placing a bid in the final seconds of an eBay auction to win at the lowest possible price. Buyers use sniper tools to avoid driving up the price early. Set a reserve price to protect against it as a seller.

The simplest business structure in Australia. An individual operating a business — no separation between personal and business assets. Most small resellers operate as sole traders. Register an ABN to get started.

Finding inventory to resell. Typically from op shops, garage sales, clearance sales, wholesale suppliers, or other online platforms. The sourcing game determines your margins.

A dedicated visit to one or more op shops, markets, garage sales, or other sources to acquire resale inventory. Effective sourcing trips are planned: research which op shops restock on which days, bring a charged phone for Google Lens and eBay checks, bring cash in small denominations, and bring a bag or box for items. Track the sourcing cost and items acquired per trip to calculate sourcing efficiency over time.

Items that have been listed for an extended period without selling. Stale inventory occupies space, ties up capital, and signals a pricing or platform mismatch. Lower the price or try a different platform.

The process of tracking what items you hold, where they are listed, their purchase cost, and their listing status. At small scale, a spreadsheet per category works well. At 100+ active listings, dedicated inventory management software (Linnworks, Sellbrite, or the inventory features in crosslisting tools) prevents double-selling and simplifies EOFY cost-of-goods calculations. Stock management also involves physically organising your inventory so items can be found and dispatched quickly.

Casual fashion rooted in skate, hip-hop, and youth culture. Key brands: Supreme, Stussy, Palace, Nike, Adidas. Grailed for premium pieces, Depop for casual streetwear.

A formal invoice required for GST-registered businesses to claim GST credits. Must include: seller's ABN, date, description of goods, total price, and GST amount shown separately. If you're GST-registered, buyers who are also businesses may request a tax invoice. For resellers under the AU$75,000 GST threshold, tax invoices are not legally required but can be provided voluntarily. Keep tax invoices for all business expenses to support deduction claims.

The first $18,200 of annual income is tax-free for Australian residents. Relevant for part-time resellers — if your total income stays under $18,200, you pay zero income tax regardless of platform.

eBay's built-in market research tool showing sold item data and trending searches. Free with any eBay account. Always check completed/sold listings, not just active ones, for accurate pricing.

Shopping at op shops, charity shops, or secondhand stores for resale inventory. In Australia, op shops (Vinnies, Salvos, Lifeline) are the main thrifting destinations.

Shipping with a tracking number allowing both buyer and seller to monitor delivery. Essential for items over $50 — it's your only proof of postage in a dispute. Always use tracked for eBay.

A name under which a business trades that differs from the legal business name or the individual's name. An Australian sole trader named Jane Smith might trade as 'Vintage by Jane'. Trading names don't need separate ABN registration but should be registered as a business name with ASIC if used publicly (cost: AU$40 for 1 year or AU$94 for 3 years). On eBay, your seller name can be your trading name — it doesn't need to match your legal name.

Items purchased with the intention of reselling. Different tax treatment from personal assets under ATO rules. Trading stock is valued at cost, market, or replacement value.

How quickly inventory sells. Faster turn means healthier cash flow and less dead stock accumulating. Aim to turn inventory within 30–60 days. Items sitting beyond 90 days need repricing or relisting.

A person who asks lots of questions or makes offers with no real intention to buy. A major time drain for resellers, especially on Facebook Marketplace.

An extremely rare or exceptionally profitable find while sourcing. That deadstock vintage Levi's jacket at the Salvos for $4 is a unicorn. They exist, but don't build a business plan around them.

Items reworked from existing materials into something new. Popular on Depop and Etsy — cropped vintage tees, hand-dyed denim, painted jackets. Value-adds that can significantly increase sale price.

Verified Rights Owner Program. eBay's system for brand owners to report IP infringement. A listing removed under VeRO can result in account suspension. Don't list counterfeits — the risk isn't worth it.

Generally accepted as 20+ years old (pre-2006 as of 2026). Etsy enforces this strictly. On Depop, 'vintage' is used loosely — Y2K items are often called vintage informally despite being under 20 years old.

Very Near Deadstock. Worn once or twice with no visible signs of wear. The item looks essentially new but technically isn't. Used primarily in sneaker and streetwear communities.

A calculated weight based on parcel dimensions, used when a parcel's volume is disproportionate to its actual weight (e.g., a large, light box). Formula: Length x Width x Height (cm) / 5000. If volumetric weight exceeds actual weight, carriers charge on volumetric weight. Relevant for sellers shipping bulky lightweight items like clothing in big boxes or foam packaging — using the right-sized box avoids this surcharge.

A single high-value sale, often unexpected. Finding a rare item at an op shop and selling it for hundreds — that's a whale. Great for cash flow but not reliable income on its own.

Cloud accounting software popular with Australian small businesses and resellers. Connects to bank accounts for automated transaction import, generates invoices and reports, and simplifies BAS preparation. At around AU$36–70/month, it's worth the cost once a reselling business exceeds AU$50,000 annual turnover. Free alternatives like Wave Accounting exist for lower-volume sellers. Most Australian accountants work with Xero, making EOFY preparation more efficient.

Fashion from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Low-rise jeans, baby tees, butterfly motifs, velour tracksuits. Depop's core aesthetic category and one of the most-searched styles in Australia.

Discolouration of white materials (sneaker midsoles, paper, vintage plastics) due to age or UV exposure. Common with vintage sneakers — disclose all yellowing with close-up photos.