I used to buy to sell on Ebay around 4 or 5 years ago. I bought make up in the states [unusual bits that weren't available over here] and made an absolute bomb. Became a powerseller within months. However, Ebay was different those days and is not geared towards sellers so much now.

You just need to hit on the right product. Children's clothes could work for sure. Playmobil and Lego - like has been said- very popular.

Thank you, you have all been really helpful.

Even if you don't make enough to pay tax then you still need to keep records to prove you don't have to pay tax. Try calling Business Link they run free courses on this sort of thing.

Oh if I thought it would work, then i'd register with tax people, thats fine, i'd not be looking to do anything shifty.

I suppose i'd have to do it for a while to know if it was gonna work though.

It's complicaed isn't it lol.

My bil also buys stuff at boot sales and then sells it on Ebay. He doesn't make enough to live on but enough to pay for a few luxuries. Have a look in charity shops too, I've bought a few things just lately which are going for much higher prices on Ebay. Don't forget the tax implications though.

Also bear in mind that if you buy specifically to sell, then it could have tax implications. Obviously not one or two bits though!

If you stick to lego and playmobil stuff you can make a fortune, they are very in demand and small and lightweight so cheap to post.

Thank you

I'd not thought of doing it the other way round but that could work I think.

Lots to think about.

MrsMorgan, I have had some sucess at buying at boot sales and selling on on ebay. You need to have an eye for things that will sell for high value, ie things that are very expensive to buy new.
You also need to find an affordable way to post stuff, e.g. cheap dhl courier for £6 or similar. That way, you can make up a massive bundle of stuff and post it out, if you notice on ebay alot of people won't post big stuff or heavy stuff... but you will pick up buyers if you will.
The sort of stuff I found sold well was heavy toys e.g. fisherprice peek a blocks, you buy a selection of it from boot sale for £1 a piece and then put it in a big box and sell on for a lot more. this hippo i bought for £1 and it costs £35 in the shops. if you get some extra stuff from same range you can collect a good bundle.
the other thing that i found sold well was stuff for kids/babies bedrooms e.g. a matching cot bumper, sheets, blanket, quilt, lampshade etc especially if it is pooh bear or a popular design from mamas and papas etc. you can buy the whole lot for £5 and sell on for £15 or so? That pooh bear stuff costs more than a tenner just for one blanket in argos so you can see how it would appeal as a bargain.
Best of luck, it's not easy but it all adds up!

My sister does this the other way round, although not with children's clothes -- buys stuff cheaply at car boot sales and resells on eBay. She has an eye for what will sell on eBay and (I think) only ever buys stuff priced at 50p-£1. Then she photographs it nicely and writes good eBay copy. It only makes her a bit of extra cash, though -- certainly not enough to live off.