Hey resellers š I wanted to share one of my favorite sourcing hacksāusing Microsoft Copilot to analyze auction lots and uncover hidden gems with serious flip potential. Before I used my own custom script in Perplexity, but using Copilot is actually faster and more convenient.
š§ What Copilot Does for Me:
I feed it a link to an auction by opening a tab in the browser (like this university surplus auction), and it helps me:
- š Identify each item (brand, model, specs)
- š° Estimate resale value on eBay or niche platforms
- š Recommend a safe max bid to hit 3Ć ROI after fees
- š¦ Break down shipping costs (parcel vs. pallet)
- š Calculate net profit after eBay fees, managed payments, and logistics
- ā ļø Flag risky or slow-moving lots so I avoid dead inventory
š§Ŗ Example: Lot 102 ā VWR Autoclave
- Resale: DKK 6,000ā8,000
- Max bid: DKK 1,200
- Net profit after shipping & fees: ~DKK 4,000
- Flip potential: ā High
- Why? Strong demand in lab resale, compact enough for pallet shipping, fast turnover
š I Also Get:
- A summary table of all lots with resale value, bid cap, and flip rating
- Risk grades (returns, faults, shipping complexity)
- Days-to-sell estimates based on eBay history
- Suggestions for bundling or local pickup strategies
š” Why It Works:
Copilot doesnāt just scrape dataāit understands resale logic. It knows how to factor in fees, shipping, and market demand. I use it to build my bidding strategy before the auction closes, and itās saved me from overpaying more than once.