How to Price Items When Reselling in Australia

Research Methods

Before pricing any item, check what similar items actually sold for recently. On eBay, search for the item and filter by "Sold listings" — this shows real transaction prices, not aspirational asking prices. On Depop, check recent sold items in similar categories. On Facebook Marketplace, check completed listings in your area. Average the last 5-10 sold prices for a reliable benchmark.

The Pricing Formula

Your minimum viable price should cover: COGS (what you paid) + platform fees (typically 12-15%) + postage cost + packaging cost + your desired profit margin. If you bought an item for $10, expect $7.50 in fees and postage on a $50 sale, and want at least $15 profit, your minimum price is approximately $50. Work backwards from the market price to determine your maximum buy price for sourcing.

Common Pricing Mistakes

• Pricing based on RRP: What an item cost new is irrelevant — only the secondhand market price matters
• Forgetting postage: On a $30 item, $12 in postage wipes out a huge chunk of margin
• Not accounting for all fees: eBay takes 12-15%, Depop takes ~13%. Factor this in before listing.
• Emotional pricing: Don't price based on what you think it's worth — price based on what buyers actually pay

See our guides on eBay fees and COGS tracking for the numbers that feed into your pricing decisions.