The $15,000 Mistake: Lessons for Resellers

The $15,000 Mistake: Lessons for Resellers

Running a successful resale business isn’t just about finding killer deals on designer pieces—it’s about mastering your money mindset. Learning how to manage and grow your money is the foundation of financial success. Trust me, I’ve been there. Here’s the story of a $15,000 mistake that taught me some of the hardest, most valuable lessons in my reselling career.


How I Blew $15,000 on Nothing

When I first quit my corporate job, I was on top of the world. I had saved $30,000 to take the leap into full-time reselling, and I couldn’t wait to start living life on my own terms. Naturally, I celebrated.

  • Daily brunches with friends (even if it was just coffee and bagels from a truck).
  • Weekly shopping trips for "essentials" (which somehow meant activewear and beauty products).
  • $6 lattes at my favorite coffee shop in LA.
  • Luxury hair treatments, including $150 haircuts and Brazilian blowouts.
  • Trips to Mexico City and Vegas with friends.

On paper, my reselling business was doing great. I had free time, consistent sales, and a steady stream of inventory. But one day, I checked my account balance and realized I was down to $10,000. What happened?

Here’s a shocking reality: Spending just $30 a day adds up to over $11,000 a year. Let that sink in.


The Wake-Up Call

After an emotional meltdown, I realized I needed to face the truth: I had spent that money all on my own. My boyfriend, a financial genius in his own right, helped me go through my account line by line. Every latte, shopping trip, and unnecessary expense added up to a $15,000 hole in my finances.

The scariest part? I didn’t even notice it happening. Like many people, I had been conditioned to live paycheck to paycheck. When I made the switch to reselling full-time, I didn’t adjust my habits.


The Recovery Plan

This mistake forced me to reevaluate my relationship with money. I learned that money isn’t just a tool to buy things—it’s a tool to buy freedom. With the help of budgeting, financial education, and a lot of discipline, I managed to turn things around.

I started to view every dollar I spent as an employee. Each one had a job: to go out, work hard, and bring back more dollars. This simple mindset shift changed the way I approached my reselling business.

  • Reinvest Profits: Instead of spending my earnings, I reinvested them into higher-value inventory.
  • Track Every Dollar: Budgeting became a non-negotiable habit.
  • Define My WHY: I focused on what I was working towards—freedom, flexibility, and building a business I love.

What If I Had Invested $15,000 Into Reselling?

As resellers, we are investors. We buy undervalued items, improve their presentation, and sell them for a profit. So, what if I had used that $15,000 to grow my business instead?

With my average annual return of doubling my inventory investment, I could have turned that $15,000 into $30,000 in profits. That money could have been reinvested again, creating a snowball effect of growth and financial stability.

This is the power of smart investments. Every dollar you spend on quality inventory has the potential to grow your business exponentially.


Essential Books That Changed My Money Mindset

Here are four books that helped me change my financial habits and grow my reselling business:

  • Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

This classic teaches you how to make your money work for you. One of its key lessons is: “It’s not about how much money you make but how much you keep.” For resellers, this means reinvesting profits wisely instead of splurging.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Richard Kiyosaki 

  • The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is the king of efficiency. His book is packed with strategies to maximize productivity and minimize effort. If you’re dreaming of leaving your 9-5 job for reselling, this book will inspire you to take the leap.

The 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
  • This book explores how recognizing and leveraging unique opportunities can lead to extraordinary success. As a reseller, identifying undervalued items is your version of seizing opportunities.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear

Building good financial habits is the key to long-term success. This book breaks down how small, consistent changes can lead to massive results over time.

Atomic Habits by James Clear


    Lessons for Resellers: How to Avoid the $15,000 Mistake

    1. Track Your Spending: Small expenses add up fast. Use budgeting tools to stay on top of your finances.
    2. Reinvest Wisely: Don’t let your profits sit idle—put them back into quality inventory to grow your business.
    3. Learn Continuously: Investing in your education is one of the best ways to scale your reselling business.
    4. Define Your WHY: Knowing your purpose keeps you focused and motivated.

    In Conclusion

    This $15,000 mistake was a hard lesson, but it taught me the value of financial discipline and strategic investments. As resellers, we have the power to turn small investments into significant profits. By changing your mindset and adopting smarter money habits, you can avoid costly mistakes and build a thriving business.

    Start today. Track your spending, reinvest your profits, and focus on growth. And remember: every dollar you invest in your business is a step closer to freedom.

     

    Double Your Profits Without Doubling Your Work

    What if you could double your income without putting in extra hours? It’s not magic, and it’s not luck—it’s about using smart, actionable strategies that actually work. Imagine finally streamlining your processes, optimizing your time, and making your business work for you.

    Here’s the thing: Resellers everywhere are already doing this. Even in challenging economic times, my clients are seeing massive results—some doubling their profits without working more. And now, you can, too.

    Want to know their secret? I’m sharing it in my FREE More Money, Less Work Masterclass. This isn’t just another webinar; it’s a step-by-step guide to the top 3 mistakes holding your business back—and exactly how to fix them.

    🚨 Don’t miss out! This free class is packed with real insights that can transform your business. If you’re serious about leveling up and growing your income, you need to sign up today.

    👉 Ready to learn the strategies that lead to success? Take the FREE More Money, Less Work Masterclass now!

     

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    4 comments

    Wow loved it!!

    Fer

    Hands down!!! One of your best lessons thus far (Girl, you know there’s not much you can do wrong in my eyes…simpatico). The money is almost ALWAYS there…But, as the old saying goes, “You can’t have your cake…

    Bonni

    Wow!! Great Article I’m definitely that girl with a $6 dollar coffee per day habit which I know has to end. It really does add up not counting eating out everyday etc… Love the article thank you for the book recommendations…

    Tania Gonzalez

    LOVED IT!!

    Yo

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