Rajan Chidambaram, a University of Virginia student, has turned his weekends into a money-making success story. By spending his free time thrifting for shoes, Rajan has managed to sell more than 7,500 pairs on eBay, using the profits to invest in real estate even before finishing college.
From Thrift Stores to Real Estate Investments
Rajan spends his weekends visiting thrift stores in search of hidden treasures. It’s not unusual for him to drive two hours and visit over 10 different stores in one day. Thanks to his hard work and smart saving habits, Rajan was able to buy a townhome in Charlottesville, Virginia.
He didn’t stop there. He also purchased a 2.5-acre property in the Shenandoah Valley with plans to build luxury cabins to rent out on Airbnb. His dream of becoming a real estate investor is already starting to take shape.
The Heart of His Business
The center of Rajan’s shoe business is a small 10-by-19-foot office unit he rents in Charlottesville’s McIntire Plaza. Packed with shoes and Goodwill bags, the space serves as his mini-warehouse for his growing side hustle.
Rajan shared that his late mother was a big supporter, often cooking meals for him to take back to college every weekend. Her support and his hard work have played big roles in his journey.
He also shared a key tip for selling online: “The key to a good sale is a good price, but also having really crisp pictures and good keywords.” Rajan makes sure to use all 80 characters allowed in an eBay listing title, stuffing it with words like “athletic running shoes” to increase visibility and sales.
Turning Small Deals Into Big Wins
Rajan’s ability to spot a bargain has paid off. Some shoes he bought for just $10 have sold for as much as $250 online. Over time, he has also built strong relationships with some suppliers, meaning he doesn’t always have to rely on weekend thrift hunts to find inventory.
The Next Big Step: Luxury Cabins
Recently, Rajan and his high school friend, Renzo Sanio (now a student at Virginia Tech), bought a piece of land in Front Royal for $37,000. They have already started construction, aiming to turn the land into a site for luxury Airbnb cabins.
The cabins will be built using prefab homes, which are made in a factory and then transported to the site. Prefabricated homes are known for being quicker and cheaper to build than traditional houses, making them a smart choice for young investors like Rajan.
Big Dreams and a Bright Future
Rajan’s story shows that with hard work, smart thinking, and dedication, it’s possible to create real success before even getting a college diploma. By turning weekend thrifting into a full-fledged business, and now stepping into real estate, Rajan is setting himself up for an exciting and bright future.