Starting a new business means making smart financial decisions from day one. While most entrepreneurs focus on cutting costs, many overlook a simple revenue opportunity sitting right in their office: reselling business supplies they no longer need.
Sustainable business practices appeal to consumers and can boost your bottom line. Instead of tossing outdated equipment or excess materials, you can transform these items into additional income streams while helping other businesses save money. These are the most common business supplies you can resell when you’re done with them.
Top Business Supplies Worth Reselling
Office furniture tops the list of profitable resale items. Desks, chairs, filing cabinets, and conference tables maintain value well, especially if you keep them in good condition. Technology equipment like computers, monitors, printers, and networking hardware also commands strong resale prices.
Packaging materials represent another goldmine for resale. Unused shipping boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and protective foam often accumulate faster than businesses can use them. Rather than storing these items indefinitely, selling them creates space and generates revenue.
Industrial supplies including tools, safety equipment, and specialized machinery can fetch substantial returns. Even smaller items like staplers, hole punchers, calculators, and phone systems find eager buyers among budget-conscious startups.
Where To Resell Your Business Supplies
Online marketplaces offer the widest reach for your business supplies. Facebook Marketplace connects you with local buyers, eliminating shipping costs for larger items. eBay provides access to nationwide customers, perfect for specialized equipment or rare items.
LinkedIn’s professional network creates ideal conditions for B2B sales. Posting in industry-specific groups helps you reach businesses that specifically need your supplies. Craigslist remains popular for local sales, particularly for heavy items like furniture and machinery.
Specialized platforms cater to specific supply categories. Sites like Liquidation.com focus on bulk business equipment, while local business equipment dealers often purchase items directly from companies.
Maximize Your Cardboard Box Resale Success
Moving and shipping boxes maintain surprising resale value. To successfully resell your used cardboard boxes, focus on condition and presentation. Clean boxes free from tears, water damage, or excessive tape residue command the best prices.
Size variety increases appeal to potential buyers. Small businesses moving offices need multiple box sizes, making mixed lots attractive purchases. Flatten boxes for efficient storage and transport, but photograph them assembled to show their true condition.
Timing affects cardboard box sales significantly. Late spring through early fall represents peak moving season, driving higher demand and better prices.
Tips for Effective Reselling
Accurate descriptions build buyer confidence and reduce returns. Include detailed measurements, condition notes, and clear photographs from multiple angles. Highlight any special features or original packaging that adds value.
Competitive pricing requires research. Check completed sales for similar items rather than current listings to understand actual market values. Price items fairly but leave room for negotiation.
Office Supply Bundling
Bundle related items when possible. Selling complete office setups or matched furniture sets often generates higher total revenue than individual piece sales.
Successfully reselling business supplies you’re done with becomes easier with experience and planning. Track which items sell quickly versus those that sit unsold to refine your future purchasing decisions. Document your sales activities for tax purposes, as business supply sales may qualify as deductible business expenses or taxable income.
