The Great Reselling Experiment: How I Built a Business and Why I Walked Away
First things first, welcome back! If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’m currently on an indefinite hiatus from my ArtsyFartsyThrift channel. Maybe that’s how you found me, or maybe you're new and have no idea what I’m even talking about. Either way, something you probably didn't know about me is that before I was a YouTube creator, I was an Etsy reseller back in 2019.
My little business was called the Vintage Lemur, and while it was definitely in the red for the first year (hello, startup costs), it actually turned a profit in its second year. So, if it was doing well, why did I stop? That's what we're going to get into today. I’ll walk you through what inspired me to start, the day-to-day experience, and why I eventually decided to close up shop.
The Spark That Started It All
Various images circa 2012-14 featuring thrifted outfit. My personal favorite (and story I bring up again and again when I talk about thrifting) is my prom dress that I bought for… $10!
I’ve been a thrift store fanatic since I was a teenager. It started as a way to creatively experiment with fashion on a shoestring budget, but it quickly became an obsession. My love for all things second-hand grew even more when I worked at a local thrift store, which was basically like being paid to go on a daily treasure hunt.
Around the time I was considering reselling, I was working a corporate job in a big city. My job was one of those where the busy seasons were really busy, and the slow seasons were… well, soul-crushingly slow. My day-to-day involved processing applications, auditing files, and following state regulations—not exactly a creative playground. As a creative person, I was desperate for an outlet.
I was also watching a lot of YouTube at the time and stumbled upon some of the “greats” in the reselling world, particularly Crazy Lamp Lady. I watched her having the time of her life finding incredible vintage items and making a living from selling them. I thought, "She can do it, so why can't I?" I knew I didn’t have nearly as much vintage knowledge as she did, but I have a good eye and I'm a fast learner. I figured I could just learn as I went. It was a little scary because I'm a pretty cautious person, and this was my first business venture with minimal planning. But I took the leap. I picked a niche (vintage decor), chose a platform (Etsy), and came up with a name. And just like that, the Vintage Lemur was born!
My Reselling Adventure
For Instagram photos, I would do amateur photo shoots of my reselling items. I would include other random objects, including jewelry and flowers.
My experience as a reseller was a true rollercoaster, but a fun one. Here's a peek at what my day-to-day looked like:
Thrifting Trips: I’d go out once a week on average, rotating through several different thrift stores. As I became savvier, I started researching sold comps (comparable items) online before purchasing, ensuring it was worth the money. Generally, if I could sell a $5 item for $25 or more, it was a solid purchase.
Listing Prep: Once I got my haul home, I’d clean everything up and take photos. This was a whole process in itself, making sure the lighting was good and the item was shown from every angle.
The Research Rabbit Hole: I’d put my "eye for unique finds" to the test, but I still had to do a ton of research. I used all the resources I could find to make an educated guess about an item's history and value.
Listing Creation: Back before the days of AI description writers, I spent hours crafting eye-catching and informative descriptions. As a small seller, I had to master the art of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to get my listings noticed. I also made sure to be upfront about any flaws, which are pretty common with vintage items.
The Waiting Game: Once the listing was live, I just had to wait for a sale. When one finally came in, I’d pack the item up with extreme care. Since I sold some fragile things, bubble wrap and free boxes I got from neighbors were my best friends.
The Payoff: After all that, I’d finally get the profit—minus shipping and fees, of course.
The experience had its highs and lows. What worked well for me was the platform itself; I know Etsy is controversial now, but back then, it was perfect for the Vintage Lemur. It also gave me some great pocket money—an extra $100 a month felt like a huge win. My customers were amazing, too! I had all but one five-star review, which really helped my shop’s reputation. Plus, from a professional perspective, running a small business taught me so many transferable skills. I honed my marketing and customer service abilities and even picked up some new skills like data management.
But things eventually started to sour. Listing things became tedious and incredibly time-consuming. Any item that didn't sell was a sunken cost. The biggest issue, though, was space. At the time, I lived with my mom and brother in a two-bedroom apartment, sharing one closet. If the business kept growing, I would've needed more and more room for inventory—room I just didn't have. Ultimately, the opportunity cost (the time and energy I invested) wasn't worth the return. So, in 2022, I officially closed up shop.
So, Would I Resell in 2025? The Answer is... Sort of.
Today, I still love thrifting as a hobby. I’m always on the hunt for home decor, toys, and especially clothes. I rotate my wardrobe a lot, so I do list some of my "better" clothes on eBay to see if I can make a few bucks back. It's nowhere near the extent I did with the Vintage Lemur, though. If something doesn't sell within a month or so, I just donate it. The goal now is simply to recoup some of my spending, not to run a full-blown business.
As for returning to the early 2020s-style reselling? I just don't see myself doing that again. I have other goals and interests now, and I've learned that you can't pursue every single business idea. For me, the amount of time, energy, and resources it would take to make it profitable just isn't worth it right now.
Reselling can be an incredible experience, but it’s crucial to be realistic. Don't go into it thinking it’s an easy "post and you're done" kind of gig. I don't regret my time with the Vintage Lemur (now simply an Instagram page) at all—on the contrary, it taught me so much. But you need to look at your personal goals and ask yourself: How do I see reselling playing a part in my life? If you think it’s a get-rich-quick scheme, you’ll be sorely disappointed. On the other hand, if you're looking for a fun way to tap into your entrepreneurial spirit and learn some new skills along the way, it can be a truly rewarding journey.
