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Death Pile Guide

The death pile: unlisted inventory haunting your space. Every reseller has one. Here's how to conquer it and prevent it from growing.

What is a Death Pile?

Inventory you've purchased but haven't listed. It sits there, taking up space, representing money you've spent but can't recover until it's listed and sold.

Attack Strategies

The 10-Item Challenge

List 10 items from the pile every day before doing ANYTHING else. Non-negotiable. 10 items × 30 days = 300 listings.

Batch Processing

  • Prep day: Steam, photograph, measure everything
  • Listing day: Write all descriptions, upload photos
  • Don't mix tasks—batching is faster

Triage Method

  • A-pile: High value, list immediately
  • B-pile: Good items, list this week
  • C-pile: Lower value, quick list or bundle
  • D-pile: Donate or bulk lot—not worth listing

💡 Be Honest: Some items will never be worth the time to list. Donate them, take the tax deduction, and move on.

Prevention
  • List before sourcing: No sourcing trips until current inventory is listed
  • Same-day listing: Anything you buy gets listed that day
  • Storage limits: When space is full, STOP buying
  • Buy less, list more: Sourcing is fun; listing makes money
  • Weekly inventory check: Count unlisted items, set listing goals
Workspace Setup
  • Photo station: Permanent setup = faster photos
  • Prep area: Steamer, measuring tape, tags ready
  • Supplies stocked: Never stop listing because you ran out of mailers
  • Flow design: Items move: source → prep → photo → list → stored
Motivation Tips
  • Track progress: Check off items as listed, see the pile shrink
  • Celebrate wins: Every 50 or 100 items listed = reward yourself
  • Accountability: Share goals with other resellers, check in weekly
  • Music/podcasts: Make listing time enjoyable
  • Timer method: List for 25 min, break for 5 (Pomodoro)
Nuclear Option

If your death pile is MASSIVE and you're overwhelmed:

  • Bulk lot it: Sell as "reseller lot" to another seller
  • Consign: Let someone else list it (split profit)
  • Donate: Get the tax deduction, clear the space
  • Whatnot/Live sale: Move volume fast with auctions

⚠️ Sunk Cost Fallacy: Just because you paid for it doesn't mean you should spend more time on it. Sometimes cutting losses is the smart move.