There are a few things to consider if you’re contemplating starting a reselling side hustle.

One of the main challenges is finding space to store your finds. It’s important to be disciplined about this and have a set area where you can store items you’ve listed for sale. It can be a real trap if you don’t – midnight hunting for an item you’ve misplaced triggers stress and anxiety – and none of us need that!

I’m fortunate to have a spare room which houses items, grouped together for easy access. Brass all together one one shelf. Vases all together, mugs grouped etc. Sounds simple, but it’s easy to get complacent. As soon as you buy an item, photograph it and move it straight to its spot. No point buying and not immediately photographing and listing. You’ll end up with clutter and confusion – and no sales.

If you’re strapped for space I’d suggest focusing on a particular category you specialise in, so you’re not buying too much random stuff. Australian pottery is often sought after and can be a good place to start. Make sure you target your op shops and treasure stalls to hone in on those items only. You might focus on miniatures if that’s all you’ve got room for (like the adorable birds in this image).

If you’re learning, seek out collector groups on Facebook, such as Everything Australian Pottery, where people are often willing to share their knowledge. Key tip in these groups which is stating the obvious: always be polite and appreciative when seeking help. Too often people come across as rude and demanding and are quickly dismissed by members who – quite rightly – expect respect and appreciation.