If you’re a reseller, chances are you’ve spent way too much time digging through junk just to find a few gems.
What if you could consistently land high-quality, profitable inventory—without wasting hours sifting through trash?
Let me show you how.
My Journey: From eBay Hustler to 70,000+ Transactions
Hey, I’m Ty Wilson, host of Chasing Cardboard.
In the past five years, I’ve done over 70,000 eBay transactions and surpassed $4 million in sales—mostly selling sports cards and collectibles.
But let me be clear:
I face the same inventory sourcing challenges that you do.
The only difference? I’ve figured out a few strategies that actually work. I’m sharing most of them in this post.
Understanding the “Seller Journey”
Before I give you my 7 go-to inventory sources, you need to understand the psychology of the people you’re buying from.
I call it the Seller Journey. And knowing where a seller is on this spectrum changes everything:
1. “Oh Cool” Stage
The seller hasn’t really considered selling yet. They might just be reminiscing or casually chatting with someone about their collection.
2. “Convince Me” Stage
They’re open to the idea of selling, but want to feel like they’re getting a premium. Think: “Make me an offer I can’t refuse.”
3. Marketplace Stage
Items are listed on platforms like eBay or Facebook. The seller knows what they want—now it’s just a matter of connecting with the right buyer.
4. “Convince You” Stage
Now they’re ready to sell. You’ll hear things like “Let’s make a deal” or “What would it take to make this happen?”
5. Disconnected Stage
This is inventory nirvana. The seller is emotionally detached and often just wants the items gone.
Your job is to identify where they are—and tailor your approach accordingly.
7 Proven Ways to Source High-Quality Inventory
Let’s get into it. Here are the 7 strategies I use to source the BEST inventory—starting with my favorite.
1. Local Newspaper Ads (Seriously)
Yep, in 2025, I still run print ads. Why? Because they work—especially with demographics that aren’t online.
My go-to ad:
“BUYING SPORTS CARDS. Will Pay Cash. We’ll come to you and help free up space!”
Cost: ~$200
Result: High-value, low-competition leads that others miss entirely.
Pro Tip: Keep it simple. Add your phone and email. Let the ad do the work.
2. Facebook Lead Ads (NOT Marketplace)
Skip the crowded Facebook Marketplace.
Instead, run targeted Facebook ads with a lead form. You control the audience, qualify the collection, and automate the flow of leads.
Think of it like a funnel—you’re dumping in fresh, qualified leads every day.
Not sure where to start? Join my email list to get my upcoming step-by-step guide to Facebook lead generation.
3. Community Bulletin Boards
Your best leads might be 5 miles away.
Visit local:
- Coffee shops
- Libraries
- Antique shops
- Churches
- Retirement centers
Pin up a simple 1-page flyer. Include what you buy, how you help, and your contact info.
Cost: Free
Results: High trust leads with low competition
4. Yard & Garage Sales (The Smart Way)
Garage sales are everywhere—but great sourcing requires strategy:
- Hit weekday sales (less competition)
- Ask directly: “Do you have any video games or sports cards for sale?”
- Follow-up: “Is there anything else you were thinking about selling?”
- Bring cash. Always.
Great inventory lives in the hidden stuff people didn’t put out.
5. Peer Relationships & Referrals
Build relationships with:
- Local card shop owners
- Antique dealers
- Flea market sellers
- Comic and TCG stores
Offer to trade leads or pay referral fees. Over time, you’ll become their go-to buyer.
Bonus Tip: Get business cards made. They’re cheap and nobody uses them anymore—which makes YOU stand out.
6. Buy Out the Whole Store
Want to fast-track your inventory?
Make bold moves like:
“Would you consider selling everything you have?”
“What would it take to make a bulk deal today?”
Use this approach with:
- eBay store owners
- Flea market vendors
- Antique booths
- Estate sales
It won’t work every time—but when it does, it’s a jackpot.
7. Word of Mouth (The Gold Mine)
Nothing beats a referral from a previous seller.
To get these golden leads:
- Be respectful during deals
- Leave a business card
- Send a thank-you text
- Say: “If you know anyone else looking to sell, feel free to send them my way.”
It’s simple, and it builds long-term trust. And trust leads to inventory you didn’t even know existed.
Final Thought: Become the Buyer Sellers Trust
Your sourcing success doesn’t come from fancy tools—it comes from understanding the seller.
Here’s how to shift your approach based on the Seller Journey:
- In early stages: “I love your collection. What’s the story behind it?” “When you’re ready, I’d love to be first in line.”
- In later stages: “Is there a number that would make you comfortable selling today?” “If we can agree on a price, can we close today?”
The best deals I’ve ever done came from patience and empathy.
Want More Secrets?
Join my free email list to get:
- Step-by-step sourcing guides
- Lead generation templates
- Exclusive video content
- Access to my reselling tools
👉 Click here to join — it takes 10 seconds.
If this helped, do two things:
✅ Like this post
📩 Share it with another reseller who needs better inventory
And remember: Good inventory keeps your reselling business alive.
But great inventory—and the ability to source it—is what makes it thrive.
