Summer can be a tough season for online sellers. Shoppers are outdoors, vacations disrupt buying patterns, and engagement dips across platforms. But for many resellers, tools powered by AI and automation are helping them weather the “summer slump” and stay profitable.
According to eBay’s 2024 Small Business Report, 42% of U.S.-based resellers see a dip in revenue between June and August. To maintain sales velocity, more sellers are leaning on tech solutions to keep listings active, competitive, and visible.
Combatting the Summer Slowdown
“Summer tends to be the most unpredictable quarter,” says Michael Chierchio, founder of Sidekick Tools. “Buyers get distracted, and sellers burn out from trying to manage every detail manually.”
Tools like Sidekick allow sellers to automate:
- Seasonal markdowns based on calendar triggers
- Cross-platform relisting of slow-moving inventory
- Optimized pricing adjustments tied to supply-and-demand patterns
These automated workflows are designed to help sellers stay visible without overextending themselves—a crucial balance during slower seasons.
How AI is Personalizing the Reselling Game
Generic, static listings don’t cut it anymore. Today’s buyers want tailored experiences and fast responses. AI helps resellers adapt by:
- Auto-generating descriptions with tone matching
- Analyzing buyer intent to suggest promotions
- Recommending bundle options based on past purchase data
A report from McKinsey found that businesses using AI to personalize content and pricing saw a 10–15% boost in customer satisfaction and a 20% increase in repeat purchases. This can be especially helpful for sellers juggling hundreds of listings across platforms.
“The smartest sellers aren’t just working harder—they’re building systems that work for them,” Chierchio explains. “AI helps you understand patterns that would take hours to track manually.”
Saving Time, Reducing Burnout
Many full-time and side-hustle resellers cite time management as their biggest challenge. According to a 2024 survey by Poshmark, over 60% of sellers spend more than 20 hours a week managing listings and logistics. That’s where automation tools become a lifeline.
Platforms like Sidekick Tools, which offer bulk listing edits, crosslisting with one click, and automated inventory syncing, can save users up to 10 hours per week on average.
“The more you automate, the more you can focus on high-value activities like sourcing better inventory, improving your photos, or creating content,” says Chierchio.
Looking Ahead: Technology as a Business Partner
Reselling is no longer just about finding a deal and flipping it. It’s become a data-driven industry where speed, presentation, and pricing matter more than ever. Sellers who embrace AI and automation aren’t just keeping up—they’re outpacing their competition.
As Chierchio sums up, “Success in this space comes down to consistency. If tech can help you stay visible and active—even when life gets busy or sales slow down—then you’re always moving forward.” For sellers aiming to make reselling a reliable income stream, the tools are there. The question is—will you let them work for you?
Written in partnership with Tom White
