30 Facebook Marketplace sellers turning side hustles into gold

Many people have used Facebook Marketplace to buy or sell everyday items, but few actually make a career out of it. We take a look at some of Qld’s top online traders and their secrets to success.

Luxe.it.Fwd owner Miranda Gillespie is reaping the rewards of a successful online business.

Imagine starting up a side-hustle then watching it become so successful you walk away from your chosen profession.

That happened to Luxe.it. Fwd owner Miranda Gillespie, who turned a side hustle selling designer luxury handbags online into her main income.

Becoming a seller of high-end fashion accessories was the last thing on the Clayfield resident’s mind when she worked as a lawyer.

But by this year she was earning enough to have quit her day job and was now turning over $6 million a year.

“The idea came when I was looking for a Chanel handbag and it set the wheels in motion,” she said.

“It started a side hustle and after working insane hours on the side and in the evenings I left the law firm behind in 2017 and never looked back.

“We operate in the premium space with brands like Louis Vuitton, Channel, St Laurent and Dior.

“I’ve definitely kept some bags for myself along the way.”

Ms Gillespie said Marketplace was a good launching pad for her businesses.

“It was a marketing avenue and a way of getting the business name out there,” she said.

“Marketplace is a useful tool to establish a successful business from as there are no overheads.

“However, we found there were also many aspirational shoppers around (on that platform) and there were a lot of scammers.

“I recommend also having your own website too.

“Platforms like Facebook and eBay are great too. In six months all our products were listed on there.

“When we list a product which is daily it’s not unseen to sell it within 10 minutes.

“We had a $20,000 Hermes Birkin come up and that sold in 20 minutes.

“There are also lot of active buy/sell groups in the Facebook space we also used to build clientele.

“Now, we have an office in the Valley and pop-up stores in Indooroopilly and in Sydney at Queen Victoria Buildings and 16 staff.”

She sourced products from everyday people who had a designer handbags tucked inside their wardrobe “collecting dust.”

“We give potential customers a quote online and our stock comes from all around Australia,” she said.

“We also do jewelry and watches but demand isn’t as high and we also tried shoes.

“Women love luxury handbags. Prices start from $500 and go as high as $65,000 for a Birkin.”

Despite setbacks, her advice for people looking to venture out on their own is take the chance but be aware of the risks.

“It’s absolutely worth it to take a leap of faith,” she said.

“But try and get the company established before leaving your full-time job.

“I also recommend don’t rest your business success on someone else’s laurels because they can take it away overnight.

“We used Instagram once to heavily promote our new arrivals,” she said.

“We lost 20,000 followers overnight because it randomly wiped it.

“It was a hard lesson for us to learn.”

Here’s a list of 30 people who have turned their Marketplace side hustle into a steady income.

1. Luxe.it. Fwd

This baggage and designer luggage has branded itself as Australia’s most trusted re-seller which turns unwanted luxury items into cash. The page has 12K likes and 14K followers. It says it’s time to clean out your closet and turn your unwanted luxury bags with brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton into quick cash. Luxe.it. Forward is a quick and easy way to make cash and sells most bags within 48 hours. Buyers are offered free courier pick up, cleaning, photography and a listing. A testimonial from Lisa says, “my bag sold so quickly, right when I needed a bit of extra cash in my pocket! The quoting process was so easy and even had a courier pick up my bag for free. They handled everything and I got the payout.” People are encouraged to fill out the free quote form online. It has a five star rating and boasts 106 online reviews. Read more.

2. Flea Market Flipper

Rob Stephenson uses Marketplace to buy into a massive profit with one simple tweak. He cleans the products then resells them on eBay. “It’s work – no denying that. But it’s still a simple business model. Find deals that are undervalued and bring them to a market that values them again,” he said in the comments section on his website Flea Market Flipper. Rob caught the flipping bug way back when he was a kid. He came from a large family so his parents were always getting second-hand clothes and toys from yard sales and thrift stores. His first flip was on eBay in 1996. Rob said it was a chair that started it all. We saw it on the side of the road during one of our evening walks, and went back to pick it up. It needed a small repair (a piece of wood underneath was cracked so I repaired it), but once I repaired it and made it sturdy again, we sold it on Facebook Marketplace for $50. He then upgrades his items to sale to the next level this time selling something like an electric bike. In 2016 (right when baby number three was due) his job was cutting insurance and he and his wife Melissa were faced with the decision to go full-time or find another job. “We jumped into flipping full-time and haven’t looked back,” he said. They turned their side hustle into a full-time, six-figure business. And in 2015, they launched Flea Market Flipper, an online course dedicated to teaching others how to flip their way to financial freedom too. For more information visit @fleamarketflipper. Now he teaches others online via courses and a podcast.

3. Matt Diedrich

Matt started buying and selling second-hand goods and fixing them up to sell at a higher price,

Matt Diedrich.

He launched his business via Marketplace selling furniture items just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. His Gold Coast business has made him thousands especially using he brought ones on eBay and Marketplace. To build a side hustle he said anyone could make $500 a week flipping furniture. He brought a van to save on delivery which he bundled it into his price. A regular flip was $50 to $150 from things like bedside tables making a $100 profit. He sources his goods from thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets and then on sells them. He sells video games, DVDs, clothes and shoes. Surprisingly selling TV series can be lucrative when he brought Ice Road Truckers for $20 and sold on for $400.To learn how to do it yourself visit his You Tube videos at The Aussie Flipper. Matt said one of the benefits is saving on overheads. The ability to go onto a platform which is free and advertise for no cost and time into learning a category you have the opportunity to make money without any overheads.” “Home gyms like a bench press is lucrative because it’s a need,” he said. Matt now does it full-time and has an employee too. He recommends people get started by selling goods around their house, taking photos of them then posting it up online.

4. Melissa Ellis sells books on eBay @backfromburnout

Melissa Ellis has made a successful career thanks to her side hustle. The mum of four children and also a full-time seller of second-hand books. She also started a YouTube channel called Back from Burnout tracing her business adventures as a fulltime eBay reseller and teaching others how to launch their own business from home.

Backfromburnout’s Melissa Ellis.

5. Coomera man sells entire life on Facebook Marketplace

An ingenious idea which invited people “to step into my shoes” for the price of $2.2 million of Marketplace made Steven Tol a household name. He has sold everything including his trucking business, his four-bedroom house and a near new MG full electric car, a BT50 current model and an AV Caravan stored in the garage. The quirky idea was launched when he wanted to exchange his comfortable life in lieu of travel and adventure. “No gimmicks — a genuine sale for someone who wants a great life, big home [that’s 900 square metres], large master [bedroom] with spa bath,” his advertisement read. “Near new luxury carpets, walk in wardrobe, bedrooms with built-ins, living area. Downstairs is an office, music [and] gym room, huge living area, full entertainment [system], pool table room, BBQ with huge bar with beer taps. Plenty of room for a pool. Fantastic opportunity for the right family to enjoy a great life as home business earning a good income.” He built his business in 10 years but said in the ad, ”easy [to] run on your phone. Pretty well anyone could step in, it would take me half a day to teach them.

6. Gen Z CEO

The Brisbane-based wheeler and dealer Andrew used TikTok to show people how to make money via Facebook Marketplace. He sells worn out goods and restores them to life using clever techniques like an upholstery clean. He posts an ad online, offers free delivery and negotiates a price selling it cheap. His page read: Hey you’re probably looking to get more out of life. More money? More ownership? More happiness and fulfillment? I’m here to show you what you can get, and how you can get it. Subscribe to form the snowball of change. Let’s do this together.

7. Velia Forchetti D’Arienzo

You can pick up a fantastic fascinator for the races from this Brisbane-based seller.

Velia joined Facebook in 2008 and kicked-off her business on Marketplace during COVID and made about $5K then never looked back. Velia sells clothes, furniture and clothing labels like Sheike and Country Road. Prices start from $5. Velia said she sold a lot in COVID which was an opportunity for her to declutter. She takes photos of the goods and then places them online to sell. Velia also gives a lot of used goods to charity too. Velia said she has only ever had two difficult customers. Boasting a highly-rated Marketplace badge from recycling her goods, she currently has around 20 plus active listings. Velia’s strengths include pricing, friendliness and item description.

8. Amber Marie Reilly

Products for sale on this Marketplace page vary from hats, stickers, candles, car stickers, car signs, earrings and tumblers, hand knitted shawls and bonnets to Libbey glasses. The 16oz glasses are in stock and start from A$22. They’ll throw in a glass straw for an extra $2. There’s plentiful designs available and also appear on the website which are linked to their Instagram page or on TikTok Bambi’s vinyl & creations. Amber joined Facebook in 2009 and has a four-star rating.

9. My Tribe Boots

You can dress to impress and play dirty with six colour coded My Tribe Boots. Although this is a fairly new business model it launched on 4 September 2023 on Shopify and Marketplace. It brought to life the concept of selling an upmarket gum boot for $219 a pair. It has secured 977 likes and 1K followers thus far. Anna Allison’s ruffled socks and cleaning products have proved to be a popular on sell. The Polish shoemaker learnt the tricks of the trade from her grandfather. She has revolutionised the traditional rubber rain boot by injecting it with a contemporary twist transcending boundaries. The brand is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, utilising eco-friendly materials and leading the charge toward a more conscious fashion industry. The lightweight and compact design of the boots allows for effortless portability, seamlessly fitting into a handbag, backpack or suitcase alongside other cherished essentials. Its impenetrable waterproof feature guarantees feet remain impeccably dry and comfortable whatever the weather.

10. Jayda Elliott

Fashionistas will love this woman’s Marketplace listing on selling clothing brands like Kookai, Angel Biba, Runaway, Sheike, Gingham & Heels, Amarosso and many more from size six to 14. Jayda sells women’s clothing from Brisbane for cheap prices. Clothing items for sale include formal dresses, underwear and straps for bras. Buyers are invited to send in their size for pictures. As well as regular sizes there’s plus sizes from 16-18 going up to size 22. Everything is negotiable and prices start from $5. There’s generous bulk discounts too. You can pick up your item and try it on in Kallangur. Jayda joined Facebook in 2010 and has 880 followers. Reviews say Jayda’s strengths are pricing, friendliness, item description, punctuality and communication.

11. Salvo Sorbello

If you’re looking for wooden furniture then this is the place for you. There’s timber slabs which make ideal bars, benches, shelves, dining tables, coffee tables and side tables. The Brisbane-based trader joined Facebook in 2008. The slabs vary from 1000mm wide to 60mm thick. Prices start from $45 per slab. Posts and slabs vary from blue gum, iron bark, Blackbutt - rose gum, mango wood, Deodar, bunya pine, kauri, white mahogany, red ironbark, Australian Teak, Paulwonia. camphor laurel,

Salvo Sorbello

Cadagi, Scribbly gum, grey gum and Cypress pine. Salvo can deliver for a fee or you can pick up from Warner.

Salvo Sorbello 2

12. Coco Thurlow

With a healthy following of 2500, you can find almost any kind of dwarf fruit tree here.

Most types only grow to one or two meters high and still produce normal size fruit for your family to enjoy. Mini-fruit plants include: Apple, Avocado, Banana, Bay Leaf, Blackberry, Blueberry, Boysenberry and Brazil Cherry Bush. Try tastes from Cassava Cherry Chilli, Coconut Coffee to Cumquat Custard Apple and Curry Leaf Finger Lime. Other species include Fig Ginger, Galangal Ginger, Ginger Native, Grapefruit Herbs, various Kaffir Lime, Lemon Lemonade, Lime, Loganberry, Lychee Macadamia, and Mandarin Lime to Berry Miracle. Prices start at $35 and creep up depending on the size. Coco has a credible four plus stars. She joined Facebook in 2012.

Coco Thurlow

13. Susan Antoinette

This Marketplace seller offers new unisex perfumes from A$150. Fragrances vary from Serge Lutens Nuit De Cellophane Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml to Blue Agava & Cacao Cologne a discontinued line from $250. You can pick up Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne Spray 100ml from $230 to Byredo Rose of No Man‘s Land Eau De Parfum 100ml for $300. All prices are negotiable. Items can be posted for $20 or you can pick them up from Victoria Point. Susan has a four star rating. She joined Facebook in 2007.

Susan Antoinette

14. Farhad Roohi

Peeps looking for second hand whitegoods can stock up here for fridges, washing machines and dryers with a warranty up to two months. Prices start from A$200. All units are tested and ensured they are in working condition. Farhad has a four and a half star rating. He joined Facebook in 2010.

Farhad Roohi

15. Richard Ng

This Marketplace seller trades in raised garden beds starting from A$15. Richard sells planters, planter boxes and privacy screens. He joined Facebook in 2008 and has a 4.8 rating with 1,965 followers. The condition of his products are new. You can specify your requirements like adding painting and staining. The seller custom builds goods to your size requirements. The timber features rust proof screws. A minimum purchase applies for some locations.

Richard Ng 2

16. Michael Fovakis

If instant coffee isn’t getting you going in the morning then you might need to get into contact with The Espresso Doctor. They can help you make the perfect Latte in-house. The business has operated for 20 years.

Michael Fovakis

Mr Fovakis said marketplace was a substitute for The Trading Post.

“It an effective marketing tool because it is far reaching.

“We have showroom in Fortitude Valley which is open to the public Monday to Friday to test it before taking away.”

Michael has 20 plus active listings. His strengths are pricing, item description and punctuality. His seller rating is three stars. In addition to marketplace, Michael is also a member of Bulimba, Balmoral and Hawthorne Facebook Community Group. Michael joined Facebook in 2013. His newest item comprises wega mini coffee machines which come with repair, parts and labour.

17. Nicole Machen

If it’s furniture you’re after then this lass has it all from tallboys, dressers and lowboys, to television cabinets and buffet units. Her lovingly restored up-styled furniture can be explored at the showroom in Sunnybank.

Nicole Machen

Nicole offers free local delivery to customers in areas from Logan to Ipswich and the Redlands. Nicole has 2.4K likes and 3.5K followers. She has a 4.5 star rating to some 944 followers. Her pitch to revamp old, tired furniture to life is working. Her prices range from $250 to $390 based off final locations.

18. Ammie DU Wearing nails

This Marketplace trader is nail bitingly good. Prices range from five dollars to $25.

Her nails are handmade and reusable. You can pick up your goods from Toowong. Most of the nails are medium-sized. The Brisbane-based beauty queen joined Facebook in 2021.

Ammie DU

19. Zoe Thwaites

Open up your third eye by investing in these crystal candles made out of 100 percent soy wax from A$20.

The candles are available at $20 each or two for $35. Scents available include pink sugar, Bamboo and white lily plus black raspberry and vanilla also Champagne and strawberries. Zoe’s products include soy melts, personalised key rings and tote bags. Zoe has a four star rating and joined Facebook in 2009. People can pick up their items from Cleveland.

Zoe Thwaites 2

20. Love to dream Swaddles

The swaddles will keep your baby safe and sound wrapped in a bundle of joy.

Sizes vary from small to medium and large. Styles differ from the winter warmer range to summer light. They’re priced at $15 each or the operator is happy to do a negotiated bundle price. You can pick up your item from The Gap.

21. A J Adams

This Sunshine Coast business sells Balinese-style furniture and a range of home goods.

One item listed was a Pagoda-style mirror in a classic Chinoiserie-inspired design. Artisans have meticulously hand carved each piece from solid mahogany timber to create an intricate faux bamboo fretwork on top of a solid frame. It’s finished in a semi-gloss lacquer. Her solid wood furniture has quite the following.

22. 42 Divine Signs

This business specialises in acrylic signage, laser cutting and is an engraving service.

The business is based in Mt Gravatt East and specialises in acrylic. They can make multi-layered business signage, QR codes, bar/wedding drink menus, social media signs, keychains price list, fridge planners, LED stand signs, godparent proposals, card holders and decorations. Prices depend on the size, colour and quantity. You can check out their Etsy store to see products, otherwise message them for a quote. Marketplace seller Natalie Caird also has a line of resin products for sale like cheese boards and charcuterie. You can add some beautiful, functioning artwork into your home with this one of a kind resin cheeseboard. The unique designs are poured over acacia wood making it a stunning piece for your kitchen or as a housewarming or wedding gift. It’s a perfect cheese board for serving up treats for any occasion. These boards can be laser engraved with a personal message as a gift for an extra charge. There’s limited stock. The height is 36cm, width 16cm and they’re two cm thick. People are encouraged not to cut directly on the resin as it’s only for decoration purposes. You can clean it with a micro-fibre cloth. Other products include coasters, signage and Natalie joined Facebook in 2008. Everything is made to order. They post Australia wide using Australia Post.

23. Israt Zarin

This Indian fashion house sells silk Saree’s, bedsheets and sells ready-made three-piece embroidered Pakistani Selwar Kamiz Collection.

Prices start from A$45. You can purchase an unstitched running blouse piece with it. Postage is provided at an extra cost. Fabric details range from Pure Lawn Fabric, Lawn Embroidered shirt, a Chiffon Printed Dupatta or plain Selwar. Stock includes Kurti Salwar Kameez and Palazzo Leggings.

Saree

24. Amy Thomson

Amy Thomson.

This Marketplace seller stocks pants, shirt dresses, earrings and colourful printed bold clothing garments.

Her main item includes Alemais designer inspired ladies Soleil Maxi Dress. Her dresses sell for A$95. Her pattern printed dress is an absolute show stopper. Sizes vary from small, medium, large and extra-large. The fabric is a blended fibre and 65 per cent linen and 35 per cent polyester. The dresses are nice and airy just in time for Summer. The shoestring strap dress has pockets and an elastic back. They are very comfortable to wear. You can pick them up in Warner Brisbane or they can be posted anywhere in Australia for an additional $10. Amy doesn’t accept exchanges or refunds. Check out her other Alemais-inspired clothing and accessories to get the complete look with the jewellery she also stocks. Amy joined Facebook in 2023.

25. Donna M Mac

This Marketplace extraordinaire sells stunning furniture and currently has around 20 plus listings. She has a rating of four stars. Donna’s strengths are pricing, friendliness and item description. Her refurbished furniture, accessories and clothes are high quality goods. Prices range from A$10 to $700. Donna joined Facebook in 2008. The Marketplace seller has lovingly restored a range of goods including a 1972 BURGESS solid timber sideboard dresser refurbished in premium porters paint (aniseed) and has a clear coat of polyurethane. All drawers slide well and measure approximately length 1720 and width 440. You can pick up your purchased items from Nundah.

26. Danielle Winter

This Marketplace seller lives in Ipswich. She sells handmade girls dresses with a Bluey theme. Her items are 100 percent cotton. The colours are pink and peach. Her dresses are from size two to six. They make great gifts. She also has a Xmas season design. You can pick up the goods at Bundamba. Other designs include Frozen, Grinch and Christmas designs available in sizes zero to six.

27. Bobbi-Jo

This lady has hundreds of listings with products ranging from t-shirts to water bottles plus candles and cups. Prices range from $15 to a car for $7500. She is a highly-rated Marketplace seller. Her strengths are pricing, friendliness and item description.

28. Heidi Flaxman

Your paw pal can enjoy refuge from the summer heat with a paw-shaped dog pool from this stockist in Chapel Hill. The new pools are super cute, top quality, are durable and are priced from A$110.

They’re UV resistant, chew resistant and come in a range of colours including blue, white, sand or grey. The dog pools made in the USA sell for $185. You can pick up yours from Chapel Hill. You can also purchase a small deck for them to sunbathe on. If your dog has a birthday coming up why not purchase one of her peanut butter or pumpkin cakes for $52?

29. Sera Lueth

Sera cleverly launched a type of service delivery business 16 weeks ago on the Gold Coast via Marketplace called I’ll run your errand from as little as A$20. She has gained a five star rating in the process of setting it up too. Sera says “nothing illegal. Everything is considered within reason. Nothing gross or super heavy. I’m in Paradise Point. I’m friendly, fast and reliable. Cash up front but sometimes will allow pay ID etc, depending on situation. Thanks for reading.

30. Ying Wang

Born from the burbs and making a presence on local Facebook community groups this fashion guru sells everything from Country Road to Dissh and is jam-packed with leading brands for shoes and women’s clothing depicting seasonal trends. Ying has a shop setup under her house and has all the goods arranged in sizes. Ying also sells succulents too. She has 442 followers on Marketplace and a four star plus rating.