Answering your most asked questions

Answering the most asked questions from the eBay reselling community.
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Back from Burnout Mel
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Mitchell ACT 2911
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Hi! My name is Mel - Back from Burnout! And if you’re wanting to learn how to sell online and how I run a successful small business then this is DEFINITELY the place for you! My goal is to inspire and motivate you and I hope you enjoy watching my videos to learn more about how I make money selling online.

[@RobinL4715]

You have overcome so many challenges and came out stronger and more successful! Your documentation here on YT is an inspiration for all us women trying to be successful in business and in life. I love watching your vlogs. Thanks Mel.

[@backfromburnout]

@@RobinL4715 thank you ♥️

[@vintagecasual7185]

Re desk hight for photos. Have you ever considered a sit / stand desk - they’re motorised and at the push of a button it’ll to go to the hight you’ve set. It’ll allow you to get the perfect working hight for photos . You can get them in different lengths and they’re a godsend. Take a look at them 👍

[@backfromburnout]

@@vintagecasual7185 I can’t sit and work unless it’s for a computer task like listing or video editing.

[@lisaa6099]

Your work ethic and speed is impressive. Makes me feel pathetic but also motivated me to get a few listings done. Thanks for the vidoe. I love what sold especially books even though I don’t sell books ha ha. The books sold and my favourite videos. Followed by personal videos like this which you haven’t done in ages. So thank you for doing the video today. Good luck with everything

[@wsparks335]

Thank you Mel for sharing your knowledge this way. I am a fledgling reseller (120 listings) and I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you 😊

[@backfromburnout]

@@wsparks335 that’s awesome! Keep going and always keep learning!

[@adelesmith1768]

It is so good to see and hear you so confident, healthy and above all happy. Your humour is a wee blessing thrown in. I can see such a difference in you. You are going from strength to strength. Keep looking after yourself and those closest to you. Welldone Mel. X

[@marymeine3612]

Great job Mel!! You are such an inspiration! You work so hard and it is paying off big time. I love watching your videos and reading the comments from your followers. 50,000 viewers is right around the corner. Keep up the great work!

[@backfromburnout]

@@marymeine3612 thank you!

[@RaeMurrells]

You are such an inspiration Mel. I have been watching you for several years now and have seen your growth not just in your store but personally as well. You should be extremely proud and so pleased that you are acknowledging your success, growth and self worth. Keep doing what your doing!!! ❤

[@GLOBEGAMING]

Loving the constant content hope all is well.

[@backfromburnout]

@@GLOBEGAMING thank you! I’m trying my best to stay consistent and just to keep “doing”

[@judyh001]

Wow - this was an AWESOME video! Love your energy! I've been watching you for many years and it is just amazing how far you've come. When I saw the thumbnail photo for the video, my first thought or answer to the question of what your greatest achievement over the last 4 years has been -- "YOU". The answer isn't your business, your homelife, your relationships, your finances ... those are all of the things that have benefited from the growth in yourself. Very proud of you and everything you've accomplished. Love watching your videos and to me, this is the best video you've ever uploaded.

[@Puckette1984]

Yes Mel, manifest!! You're amazing, have loved watching you grow over the past couple of years & overcome some really tough times. We sell anything & everything but when we move will be restructuring to media, toys & books (LOVE books & hubby sees how good they can be!). Always learn so much from you. We recently held a stall at a 6hr market stall to clear out the low hanging fruit that wasnt selling on eBay. We kept telling ourselves we're not in the storage business (sound familiar? lol) and we even dropped EVERYTHING to $1 for the last 2 hours. Anything that didnt sell was donated to the small local charity shop. People were happy to get a bargain, we made good money from being busy & got to give back as well. Win win ❤ Keep at it Mel, you've got this! 💪💪

[@karmenmrak]

With this frequency of videos it’s so beautiful to watch life unfold - all hurts, sweat, tears & rewards❤❤

[@backfromburnout]

@@karmenmrak thank you

[@sherryfreeman5338]

You have been such an inspiration to so many of us! Thank you for that! After I watch you videos, I can't wait to get to work on my eBay business (I sell books...Not on your scale yet!). Keep on keeping on, Mel!!

[@suewilkinson910]

I love listening to you. Such positive determination and hard work is so inspiring. I’m a long time internet seller through my own shop. But about 8 years ago I suddenly lost all my energy. Hypothyroid and perimenopause walloped me. It’s been an almost impossible struggle since. Although I have my HRT sorted, my thyroid continues to nail me to a chair and make me feel miserable. It’s not responding to the medication. So yes, build up as large a financial buffer as you can. Consider an insurance policy that is designed to pay you your salary if you get injured or sick. Or get a quote for one and pay it into an ISA or something for yourself. I was like you. I never sat down. Never stopped. I didn’t expect to break so I didn’t plan for it. Big mistake.

[@Nicole-zv7ee]

Mel, please do a "listing" vlog, showing us how you list. Thank you.

[@Niamh07421]

I am a mystery/crime thriller reader- read many Brit authors and of course American- have read some Australian-New Zealand and South African authors too- But because of you I have learned about many more Australian authors- I see them during your pick and packs- write the book and authors names down- have found many of them at our huge book sale the last two spring events-- and a few at our library- thanks for showing us all your pick and packs- (also have picked up so many Aussie cook books) thank you so much (during the summer I read about 2 to 3 a week and I read every day on my bike-so I go through a lot of books - if the shipping wasn't so high to the states you would be my #1 go to)

[@abelvargas9551]

More than 1000 listing is actually crazy ❤ so proud of you mel, i wish you only good sells 💕✨

[@joanprince733]

Hi Mel. Yet another amazing video. I sit glued to all your videos. You ARE worth it. Go for it girl. Just wish I had all your get up and go. I'll be 77 on the 15th of this month and beginning to feel it.

[@betterbarbie8665]

You are wonderful, Love your content. I don't sell books but love watching you ship is fascinating with all your systems. You have a wealth of knowledge and you always give all these tips and tricks that any reseller can benefit from. Thank you for all the sharing you do.

[@SharronLouiseCruddas]

So pleased to hear your plans for a UK trip.....Go in the summer months when Car Boot and Yard Sales are in full bloom xxx

[@lidsman2221]

I absolutely love packing videos! They bring me such a sense of relaxation, and I really enjoy discovering what others are reading and getting inspired for my own reading list. If possible, I’d be thrilled if you could share two packing videos a week. Thank you so much for the wonderful video! I also love they are super long.

[@decorandmore3120]

Nothing tops the special moments like wedding, babies but for me was traveling in the 80s oversees

[@backfromburnout]

@@decorandmore3120 this question was for the last four years though. Travelling solo was also a big thing I was proud of.

[@DawnNobles]

I was so excited to see a new video today from you today. I am so very proud of you keeping consistent t with You tube🎉💃👍🙏 Also I am looking forward to the video you spoke about making with respect to Tom. A day in his world in his business/ Waterhouse. Also it would be nice to see a few after hours, how you manage this big job and your family/ life. Take care! Dawn

[@porky481]

well done Mel, another great video, it's brilliant you invite us to come on your journey and see you happy and sad (a lot would have edited the tears out), all your many friends over here would welcome you to the U.K. as I keep saying an inspiration to us all, 2025 the year of the Mel, you go girl

[@liannehill748]

Still happy to pick you up as promised from Heathrow as only 45 minutes down the M3 in Winchester when you do make it to the UK and work around your itinerary x

[@backfromburnout]

I knew you wouldn’t forget I said I would come to UK Lianne ♥️

[@Meekachii]

You’ve been doing amazing so far this year. I love watching all the videos and I know you’ll continue to do great!!!

[@gaylewallace5860]

Hi Mel, really enjoyed this video. You answered questions that I didn’t even know I wanted the answers to but it was very informative and thoroughly enjoyable.

[@tinawiththelakeexchange2093]

I think everyone needs a hobby or activity outside of reselling, I don’t sew as much as I use to but enjoy my time at quilt retreats sewing with friends!

[@backfromburnout]

@@tinawiththelakeexchange2093 I still see my friends and family, take road trips with Thom, enjoy eating out at cafes and restaurants, going for walks. If I had an interest in learning a specific hobby or sport then I would definitely learn it. My entire hobby in life is basically self learning. I thrive off learning new things.

[@WhatEmmaDidNextUK]

I’m one of your UK fans that has been following for years and I am so proud of how far you’ve come - not particularly the business although it’s been amazing to watch that, but as a 45 yr old with ADHD I love the self growth! I’ve been doing some of the same the last two years and have come a way but I’ve still got a lot to go - I have a HUGE death pile of all sorts of stuff and I honestly try to channel you when I’m working (although executive dysfunction has kicked my a$$ in January). Loving seeing you every other day and long may all of it continue! 💜💜

[@backfromburnout]

Thank you for following me for so long! I promised UK I would come and I will keep my promise!

[@jirehscloset7263]

You go girl! So proud of you! You are an inspiration to us all!

[@BronwynHowes-rm7lz]

Congratulation on everything you have achieved, Mel. This video is a wonderful insight into you and your business. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your business and personal stories. So glad you have such a positive personal mindset - I have no doubt you ARE equal to anyone else! It WILL be a wonderful year for you for sure. Is there anything you might have changed or done differently if you had the opportunity to move your warehouse again? It's remarkable to think just how low and seemingly broken you were in your moving videos compared to now. Well done!

[@adickison97]

So much good information!! Cant wait for that stock take video 😊 and Tom’s process too!

[@WiffleBreakers]

This video was excellent! Thank you for sharing - you're crushing it. Keep going!

[@KTTreasures]

Proud of you and to know you!

[@nancywilbur3463]

You go girl! Great attitude! Keep reaching for the stars!

[@alexshewrote]

You are doing so well and are such an inspiration to everyone!!! Not only in running and growing a successful business but in life!!! ❤❤❤

[@IndyCure]

Look forward to those upcoming videos! I love watching you go to book fairs! I wish Lifeline would do them here in Adelaide.

[@mrststreasures9628]

Great video, GF!! We love you here in the Treasure House and Mr T's Book Shop ☺️

[@OohAahCrochet]

Survival!! Gurl, you're on top of the wave! Just keep swimming.

[@misslashayresells3853]

Wow, I didn't realize you had a total of 22 cages. With that said, 5 cages in gives you a good idea of how long & what manpower & man hours it will take to get these processed & listed on a regular basis. And just as important, how quickly you are in the profit with all things considered. I would imagine you need to build a well oiled machine to pull it off more than once.

[@beckyboopz1]

Love the question and answer video!!! Looking forward to the stock take and Thom’s pick and pack, too. Thanks!

[@sharylsimeone]

Well done! So so proud of you! WTG!

[@lovekimberleyday9232]

Mel ur amazing and an inspiration to any reseller well done love ur videos 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💕😃

[@janellefrohloff2239]

❤❤❤❤❤ Great video. Love your ability to recognise your self worth and building your mindfulness.

[@susanlewis1953]

Thanks Mel - enlightening video. Far more to life than paying the bills - definitely. Thanks Sue 💪

[@NicNac_Reselling]

Omg Mel - I got a little emosh at 31 mins. What an amazing feeling for you tho ‘bring it on world’ ❤ love you xx

[@travisadkins3422]

You are doing a great job I have learned some things that have helped me in reselling.

[@handoko2020]

Those shelving you have can be height adjusted. Buy more shelves, but not build complete set, just use the shelves, to have the correct height for your books, this way you can put the books vertically, and of course you have to put those tall books separate from the normal size ones.

[@backfromburnout]

I could but I’d be worried about the weight

[@Nicole-zv7ee]

Mel, do you feel comfortable telling us what it costs for you, to buy all of those cages? Maybe you could answer that question on your next Q & A. I really enjoyed watching this Q & A. Hopefully you will do more. Thank you.

[@backfromburnout]

They are cheap. The books work out to be cents.

[@racnc1]

Hey Mel always enjoy your videos. You said they keep printing money. Hers a tip sell all you books and buy the best printer money can buy….😁😁😁. Just kidding like seeing all your hard work. Hope it encourages more people that hard work pays off. Thank you.

[@paulavery883]

Such openness & sharing. Very good viewing. Thks

[@denisefleming3919]

Always an inspiration. Thank you! Great vid

[@bijoubug6535]

Have you considered looking directly at the lens more often? It really helps to engage your audience and make them feel like you're talking straight to them. Love all the videos - they help me get motivated to do my listings, pictures, etc. Thank you.

[@backfromburnout]

I try my best but my ADHD brain struggles to focus like that while I’m concentrating on what I’m saying (while also thinking of the 10 other things going through my brain at the same time ha ha)

[@bijoubug6535]

@@backfromburnout - Thank you for your answer and not taking my comment as a criticism - you keep doing you - love your channel!

[@tracygarrett3952]

​@@backfromburnout I've never noticed you not looking at us when you're just talking. When you're working, I expect to see different angles.

[@gloriaprimeau7318]

Love everything you do . Great video❤

[@Annalorraine2x]

I love learning also.

[@Annalorraine2x]

Can i come work for you!

[@ianbullock5621]

Hi Mel, Great to see you back on the rails and steaming forward at full speed. A question for you, At what point in the business to you envisage bringing staff on board?

[@SheilaDogs]

So happy for you. 😊❤❤

[@carolneitzel]

Def would like to see Tom's pick'n pack. I think it would be very interesting.

[@lovemytreasure]

Mel, you are amazing ❤ I have watched ALL your videos and seen how much you’ve grown in your business, your videos, and personally. I have no doubts you will make 2025 the best year yet. 😊

[@LucyVMakes]

You would be so welcome over in the UK! I hope you get the chance to visit soon! 🇬🇧

[@euyagoh]

Yes! Tom's Pick and Pack

[@bobhale8325]

Inspriational answers. You offer a lot off good advide even when it is not given as advice, just your experience.

[@denisewolfe-botha4204]

Mel, i am absolutely on your page. I started 2025 saying... "I am kicking 2024 in the but, not looking back. i am focused, looking forward and 2025 is going to be MY YEAR ! about me, and my needs this year. so on your page !!!

[@JudyKeller-my4wc]

I am soooooo very happy for you and you should be very proud!!!

[@jellen7332]

For anyone: You can use tissue paper or piece of paper over ring light helps to soften the light

[@tracygarrett3952]

Sounds like a fire hazard.

[@Cicero7593]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it right? You’re doing great. Appreciate this q & a and appreciate you Mel!

[@sam-iu5dy]

Yay! Canberra book fair! Can't wait 😊

[@FlipsterDoofus]

You da best and all power to you!

[@BiBi_Aussiesales]

Go girl!

[@PeriwinkleDreams]

If s a treasure hunt!! Always fun 😂❤

[@brianhenry2385]

Enjoyed the Q & A video! 🙂

[@carlcarl7269]

MEL, your amazing!!!

[@Jennaweeks61]

Great video thank you for sharing, I enjoy all your videos!!!😊❤

[@handoko2020]

international sales is GST free - thus you don't want to pay GST on those too. On your sales report, you need to sum those international sales, then the remaining of your sales is local sales with GST. One thing I'm not sure as I'm not second hand seller, I heard you can actually claim credit for your purchases of those books to resell even no proper receipt. Please correct me if I"m wrong.

[@backfromburnout]

Yes you can claim certain amounts for buying inventory without receipts (example from Facebook). Each person should ask their own accountant how they would like them to manage that.

[@Lori.G.]

How do you decide which shelf your books go on that you are listing? You are doing a great job ❤

[@RenaeV-z8o]

Great video Mel, where do you buy your rolls of snickered numbers from please?

[@backfromburnout]

Temu!

[@travisdeuel]

Great video Mel!

[@elsiecreek3040]

Capable - (34mins), great inspiring word!

[@Nana_Tink]

Great idea to do these type of videos, love it. You don't have to answer my comments, give me a heart and we are good. I know how hard it is to keep up, don't know how you do it all. When I grow up I want to be just like you😂❤❤

[@YasmeenKhan]

looking forward to learning about the stocktake. do you use a barcode scanner or some kind of system like that? I guess I'll find out!

[@karmenmrak]

27:22 thank you Thom!!!🎉

[@nickythethriftygramma]

If you're here watching Mel's videos then you know she's one of the hardest working resellers out there. She's a hard worker, kind, funny, and REAL. If you don't follow her, this is the time to hit that subscribe button above⤴ Let's help her get to 50k 😊 Thanks Mel for taking the time to answer our questions!

[@Nicole-zv7ee]

Question for the community: If we mail an item in a box, does the box have to be unmarked, without any other company logos on it? Meaning, if I have some boxes from WalMart and other retailers, can I then reuse those boxes for items that I sell on Ebay?

[@GiselaBise]

I reuse boxes as much as I can, Amazon, Walmart, etc. Also some of my neighbors save theirs for me, plus bubble wrap and air pillows. Anything that cuts down on expenses is good😊

[@Nicole-zv7ee]

@@GiselaBise Awesome, thank you for that feedback!

[@kathrynconard2905]

Do you ever schedule your listings on eBay? It might help you hit your daily goal without actually listing every single day

[@backfromburnout]

Yes I’ve done scheduled listings and still sometimes do.

[@janemarsh4134]

Impressive. Ty. Good job. Yes to you!!

[@kiani730]

Hi Mel, if you are on a roll with your listings, do you schedule listings for later days in the week so they are consistently coming out?

[@anthonythomasexperience]

You are a Warrior Woman 😊

[@rinkuhero]

one question i have after becoming vaguely familiar with your channel and content (i first found you on the old daily refinement podcast) is that, as a book seller in the US, and looking at your store, it feels like book sellers in australia have an easier time than book sellers in the US do, the prices on ebay seem to be much higher, and the demand for books also seems to be higher (perhaps people read more there). do you know if this is the case? like would you say that being a book seller is generally easier in australia than in other places? not that you'd have any direct experience trying both, i just mean your impression, like do you know of any ebay book sellers in the US (not huge companies, i mean small teams or single individuals like you) who are doing as well as you are? i ask because i do list a lot of books, but the idea of 75k+ a year in sales seems like a dream to me, at most i get like 20k a year in sales, and that's with 1000 books listed. so i wonder what i'm doing wrong here, or if i'm not doing anything wrong and books are just harder to sell in the US, or if i just need to list more books (i tend to list about 10 a day, but many are lower-priced books that may be only a 3-5 dollar profit after ebay fees, which feels like the majority of books; i almost never see books that are worth like 30 dollars up, i do occasionally find them, but they're very rare).

[@backfromburnout]

@@rinkuhero Amazon isn’t as big here to compete with so our eBay market is strong. We also have a lot less platforms to sell on here in Australia. I do know American book sellers on eBay though who do amazing sales. You just have to find the right books that are less saturated. I personally don’t believe listing 10 a day is enough for a full time seller, especially in only books.

[@rinkuhero]

@@backfromburnout hmm, alright, i'll try increasing it and see how it goes

[@madebykarmolina]

Very inspiring !

[@tracygarrett3952]

Hey Mel. How will you keep track of which books were from the cages to determine if you'll do it again?

[@Nancycraft22]

Q & A… YES!!

[@tdsportscards]

You guys are almost, and I say almost to the point of buying a medium box truck

[@backfromburnout]

Thom has a truck. What we would really like is a van for weekend sourcing trips for when it’s raining. Thom’s Ute (pick up truck if American lol) Is open to the weather so although it’s a great car to travel in, it’s not ideal for our sourcing.

[@misslashayresells3853]

Mel, are these new cages or a part of the ones you started sorting for Tom about 6-8 months ago?

[@mrststreasures9628]

What Not is A LOT of work and is a big hit or miss.

[@dibailey540]

Mel! You forgot to answer the question about adding a staff member! :)

[@backfromburnout]

Ha ha I did!!! And that’s the one I get asked most!!! LOL. Next one!!

[@backfromburnout]

I might be procrastinating on that one 🤣🤣🤣

[@nathanjamesbaker]

I like your Australian accent.

[@dbpresells]

I've always been curious about your ink. Specifically, what does the 527 mean if not too personal?

[@Eric-i2g8u]

Your special❤😂🎉

[@Nicole-zv7ee]

Mel, curious, why are you no longer a clothing reseller?

[@susanshaffer1467]

Do you need to consider hiring support staff?

[@sandrageach5955]

👏