Accelerating Onboarding & Achieving ROI in 90 Days
Starting an online store can be a powerful way for nonprofit thrift stores to reach more customers and increase revenue. It might feel overwhelming at first to start a new operation. With the right plan, tools, and support, your organization can launch successfully and profitably in just 90 days.
🎥 Watch our master class: The Power of eBay & Upright Labs to learn how to build your store and grow fast with help from experts.
Why Choose eBay?
eBay is one of the world’s largest marketplaces with 134 million active buyers. That’s a massive audience for your donated goods.
In the thrift world, vintage items are a mainstay. That’s why eBay is the ideal marketplace for secondhand resale. Online shoppers search the term “vintage” 1,200 times every single minute online.
If you’re a nonprofit looking to expand into online sales, eBay is a great place to begin. Here’s a simple 5-step plan to get started:
Step 1: Apply for a Nonprofit Seller Account
eBay offers special benefits to nonprofits that sell through their eBay for Charity program. To qualify, you’ll need to:
- Submit your IRS 501(c)(3) letter
- Provide banking and billing info
- Verify your organization’s Principal Officer
Once approved, you’ll get:
- Reduced final value fees
- Full access to eBay’s tax and payment tools
- 100% of proceeds (after eBay fees)
- A profile on the eBay for Charity platform
Most applications are reviewed within 3–5 business days.
Step 2: Set Up Your Equipment and Workflow
Before you list any items, it’s important to build a smooth, repeatable process for your team. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Photo setup
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera, softbox lighting, and plain backdrops
- Working with an Android or iPhone can be effective too, and connect directly to Lister through our Link app
- Workstation
- Barcode scanner
- Computer with monitor
- Label printer
- Shipping scale
- Inventory system
- Label shelving zones and use consistent item names to stay organized
💡 Tip: Grab the full hardware checklist for using Lister like a pro.
Step 3: Start with High-Performing Categories
When launching your eBay store, it’s smart to focus on product categories that already bring in strong sales. At Upright Labs, we’ve seen clear patterns across nonprofit sellers. Some categories outperform others, making them ideal areas to lean into early on.
📊 Top 6 Selling Categories (2025 to date):
- 1. Jewelry – $6,140,295.79
- 2. Electronics – $5,001,219.31
- 3. Antiques & Collectibles – $1,991,292.89
- 4. Toys & Games – $1,525,212.03
- 5. Handbags & Purses – $1,511,880.41
- 6. Clothing – $1,492,194.72
These categories are top performers because they have:
- High demand from buyers
- Strong resale value
- Broad appeal and frequent searches
Items like designer handbags, collectible toys, and used iPads can sell well when they’re listed properly.
💡 Tip: Check out The Building Blocks for Builder Templates master class for help designing an efficient listing workflow.
Clothing: A Strong, Consistent Category
Clothing is the #6 top-selling category among Upright Labs clients, with approximately $1.5 million sold in 2025. Nonprofits often receive regular clothing donations, and clothing can be a steady way to make money and build momentum early on.
Plus, eBay shoppers love used clothing. In fact:
- The word “vintage” is searched over 1,200 times per minute
- 40% of all clothing, shoes, and accessories sold on eBay are secondhand
Why Clothing Performs:
- Year-round demand for apparel is tied to trends and seasons
- Lightweight and affordable to ship
- Simple search for buyers to filter by size, brand, color, and material
- Constant interest in recognizable brands, designer items, and on-trend looks
Listing clothing well does take consistency and attention to detail. Great photos, clear sizing, brand information, and style descriptions all help boost buyer interest.
🎓 Watch our Art & Science of Fashion Resale master class to learn how to spot high-value clothing, shoes, and handbags.
🎁 Download our free Handbag Examination Guide to help you identify premium items with strong resale potential.
Step 4: Become a Top Rated Seller
Earning the Top Rated Seller badge on eBay is one of the most important goals you can aim for in your first 90 days. It shows buyers your store is reliable, professional, and committed to great service. Reaching this status early can help you gain sales faster and hit your goals.
Benefits of Top Rated Seller status:
- Higher search rankings – Your items appear closer to the top, so more shoppers see them
- Trust badge – A special Top Rated Seller icon builds buyer confidence
- Extra protections – Access to eBay seller perks and added support
To qualify, be sure to:
- Ship on time (or early)
- Provide excellent customer service
- Follow eBay’s seller standards carefully
By focusing on these best practices from day one, your store will stand out and your path to ROI will be much shorter.
Step 5: Continue to Drive Sales with eBay’s Built-In Tools
Product Research
This free tool helps you understand what buyers want. You can:
- View top-selling products
- Search by item, keyword, or brand
- Spot trends so you know what to list next
eBay Promotional Tools
Use these features to stand out and sell more:
- Create your own branded eBay store and get access to special marketing tools
- Pay to boost your listings and get more views with eBay ads
- Offer coupons, volume discounts, or run sales
💡 Promotions are great for clearing out seasonal items or moving slow inventory.
You’re Closer Than You Think
eBay and Upright Labs give you the tools and training you need to build a strong online store from the start.
Let’s get started!