Hiring Help: When and How to Outsource Reselling Tasks

Knowing When to Hire Help and Delegate Reselling Tasks

If you’ve been running your reselling business solo and are eyeing that next level of growth, you might be wondering if it’s time to hire help. From my own experience, deciding to bring someone on board can be daunting but rewarding. Here’s how to know when you’re ready and which tasks to delegate first.

When is the Right Time to Hire Help?

For most resellers, the decision to hire help comes when they hit a growth ceiling. If you’re grossing around $5,000 a month in sales but find yourself running out of time to list new items, it might be time to bring someone in. Typically, I find discussions around hiring come into play when you find yourself working over 60 hours a week and still can't keep up.

Consider your pain points: Are you losing money because you can't list inventory fast enough? Are customer service issues slipping through the cracks? These are clear indicators that you need help. Remember, time is money, and if outsourcing a task allows you to focus on higher-level strategic work, it's worth considering.

Which Tasks Should You Delegate First?

Start by evaluating your daily tasks and identifying those that are routine but time-consuming. Here’s a breakdown of what I recommend:

• Photography and Styling: If you’re spending more than 10 hours a week on photography, it might be time to hire a part-time photographer. Typically, you can expect to pay $15-$25 per hour depending on your location.
• Listing Creation: Use tools like ListingGenie to speed up this process, and consider hiring a virtual assistant (VA) for about $10-$15 an hour to manage listings across platforms.
• Shipping and Handling: Delegate this task to a local part-time worker if you're spending more than 15 hours weekly on packing and shipping. Expect to pay around $12-$18 per hour.
• Customer Service: If customer inquiries are overwhelming, a VA can help. They can manage emails, returns, and dispute resolutions.

Financial Considerations

Before hiring, ensure your business can support the added cost. As a rule of thumb, your payroll expenses should not exceed 30% of your monthly revenue. So, if you're making $5,000 a month, aim to keep your help under $1,500 a month. Be prepared for fluctuations in sales, especially during non-peak seasons.

Legal and Tax Considerations

Hiring help introduces new complexities with taxes and legal matters. Ensure you're familiar with contractor versus employee distinctions, as this affects how you handle taxes. Consult with a tax professional to understand your obligations, such as withholding taxes and providing necessary paperwork like 1099 forms for contractors by year-end.

Overcoming Challenges

Hiring help isn’t without its challenges. Finding reliable workers can be tough. Start by asking for referrals within your network, and don’t hesitate to conduct multiple rounds of interviews to ensure a good fit. Be clear about the duties and expectations — vague job descriptions lead to misunderstandings.

Actionable Next Steps

• Evaluate Your Workload: Track your time for a week to identify time-consuming tasks.
• Set a Budget: Determine how much you can realistically spend on help without jeopardizing your business.
• Start Small: Consider hiring for a single task initially, like photography or listing management, to test the waters.
• Leverage Tools: Use tools like ListingGenie to maximize efficiency before hiring.
• Seek Professional Advice: Book a session with a tax advisor to understand your responsibilities.

FAQs

• How do I determine which tasks to delegate first? Start with time-consuming, repetitive tasks that don’t directly generate revenue, such as photography and listing management.
• What if my sales fluctuate? Consider hiring on a part-time or contract basis to keep costs flexible and adjust your workforce during slower months.
• How can I find reliable help? Use your network for referrals and conduct thorough interviews. Platforms like Upwork or local community groups can also be valuable resources.
• Do I need to provide benefits to my hires? This depends on whether they are contractors or employees. Generally, contractors do not receive benefits, but check local laws.
• How much time and money will hiring save me? This varies, but many find that hiring even a few hours a week frees up significant time for sourcing and strategy, potentially increasing sales by up to 20%.