HOW TO START A RESALE BUSINESS WHEN YOUR SPOUSE IS UNSUPPORTIVE

Having a supportive significant other when you undertake a large goal is, unfortunately, a privilege that many don’t have.

While one option is always to drop them off at the nearest Goodwill and leave them there, this may not be a feasible option for many. Nor would it work as I’m pretty sure Goodwill is anti spouse donation.

So, what do you do in situations when your partner or spouse is adamantly against you reselling?

Here are 10 steps or approaches you can consider when you have a significant other that doesn’t want you to go into the reselling business.

1. DECIDE ON A LOCATION

Since reselling can take up a lot of space depending on how much inventory you will have.

Deciding on a mutually beneficial space is something you definitely want to discuss with your partner prior to starting. There’s nothing like coming home to a ton of clothes or items strewn everywhere if you can’t stand clutter.

There are ways around keeping the items you source out of your home, you can always opt to store them in the garage or if you can afford it, look into getting a storage facility.

2. GET ON A BUDGET

If you and your spouse share bank accounts, discuss a realistic monthly budget that you can agree upon. One of the biggest issues with many couples is the fear of not having enough money to live off of per month, if this is your spouse’s issue then it is a valid one.

Luckily, reselling is something you could do with as little as $20 per month if you know where to shop. Check out my article about where to source here if you’re looking for ideas.

3. GET SUPPORT

While your spouse may not support you right off the bat there are others that will, so seek them out. You can find support in family and friends or join online groups like my Facebook community for thrifters and resellers.

This is a great way to gain and keep some momentum if you aren’t getting the support you need at home and once you do it’s a great way to keep a pulse on the reselling community.

4. TELL THEM WHY THEIR SUPPORT IS NEEDED

If this is something that is truly important to you, let your significant other know why. Sometimes all they need is to understand that this is an endeavor close to your heart and that you really need their support to succeed.

5. GO OVER THE FIGURES

Unfortunately, there are times a spouse may not be able to see the true benefit of reselling and what it could mean for your future. Explain that this could be an extremely profitable endeavor that could benefit your family.

If you haven’t started yet, show them some successful resellers on YouTube, or if you’ve already started selling and are making a profit, show them your own numbers or projected profits.

This could really help boost their support once they see the true benefit of reselling.

6. ASK THEM

Many times if someone is unsupportive they have a reason, valid or not, but your partner is adamant about you not reselling and has no valid reason behind it, ask them to support you regardless.

Even if it’s with their silence.

If there is a deeper issue such as jealousy or abuse seek help for those issues ASAP.

7. SET BUSINESS HOURS

Reselling can be a time guzzler if you let it, so don’t.

If you have a ton of other responsibilities make sure you set specific hours for reselling so nothing else falls by the wayside.

This may be one of your partners main concerns, so establish boundaries and use the contract below to ensure you stick to them.

Ultimately, if you decide to resell you will inevitably have to give up doing something else during that time because that’s just the way life works.

8. DISCUSS YOUR GOALS

Let your partner in on your business goals, your projected sells and the various methods you plan to use to grow your business over time.

Knowing that you have a solid plan, are serious and in it for the long haul may push them a little in the direction of being more supportive.

9. SET A REVALUATE DATE

Have a date that if reselling turns out not to be as fun or profitable as you had hoped that you will stop selling.

This could be one year or it could be two, but knowing that you are going to reevaluate if reselling is working for you both at a later date may make your partner a little more comfortable with you delving into the world of reselling.

10. ADDRESS THEIR ISSUES

Ask your spouse why they are against you reselling and attempt to address those issues in an effort give them a little more comfort about you starting.

Consider the fact that they may have very valid reasons as to why they don’t want you to resell.

Perhaps they want to wait until you get a larger space if your home is on the smaller side or they want to make sure you are really all in first if you have a habit of starting and stopping things or maybe they don’t want items from the thrift store coming into the house because of bugs.

Sit down and have a genuine, nonjudgemental conversation and really be open to their concerns. You can attempt to address any concerns they may have, that way you can ultimately make a well informed decision about starting a resale business.