Are you looking to earn a few hundred dollars at garage sales? You can increase your earnings with diligence and by sourcing the right items. Great garage sale finds won’t always find you; you have to have an eye for them. However, there are some items you should never leave behind. The items on this list can earn you great profits when you flip them.
1. Vintage Furniture
As a garage sale flipper, the word vintage should always catch your attention. Whether on the garage sale description or through sellers, vintage items tend to be worth a pretty penny. Remember that you may be better off selling the furniture you plan to flip locally to avoid high shipping fees. Additionally, you’ll have to become familiar with furniture restoration to avoid additional fees.
2. High-Quality Tools
High-quality tools for homes, cars, plumbing, and more can be lucrative. Many garage sale postings will show pictures of high-quality tools they’re selling or mention it in the description. Pay attention to the tool size, as shipping costs can quickly eat away at your profits.
3. Old Records
Old records, such as those from Michael Jackson and The Beatles, can be a lucrative find at garage sales. The goal is to purchase them for less than $1. Owners will often happily sell you a box of records for less than $1 per record. But be prepared to negotiate pricing. If the owner is unwilling to sell you an entire box, scan popular ones on eBay to help you pick what to buy.
4. Books
At some garage sales, you can find books for less than $1 a piece if you purchase them in bulk. Don’t be afraid to spend $10 to $20 purchasing a whole box. If you notice at least a few popular books, odds are you’ll still turn a profit.
5. Collectible Toys
Collectible toys such as action figures can be worth hundreds. If you notice a box of recognizable action figures, it’s worth purchasing the entire set. eBay can show you which action figures are worth a lot.
6. Art and Picture Frames
If you’re not an artist, it may be hard to believe that some art and picture frames accrue value over time. Scarcity and an artist’s popularity can increase the price of some art pieces. When at a garage sale, look for any interesting art that catches your eye.
7. Jewelry
Gold, silver, rings, and other types of jewelry can be great finds. You’ll need to have a good eye for jewelry, and it’s better to start small. For example, purchase jewelry priced at less than $10 to get familiar with what sells.
8. Sporting Equipment
Golf clubs or gym equipment can be flipped for a good profit. Often, sellers are desperate to sell brand-new equipment because they know they aren’t going to use it and want to avoid clutter. Finding these opportunities is key because you’ll have the opportunity to make a decent profit. If you find sports equipment in great condition but properly priced, you’re better off skipping this purchase. Otherwise, you’ll barely break even.
9. Bicycles
Vintage bikes often have unique parts that are no longer being used and challenging to find. Some bikes can be expensive, but if you find one for a low price and in decent shape, it may be worth purchasing. Pay attention to the tires, chain, and other components. Factors like these will determine the amount you can resell your bike for. For example, a bike with no dents is usually worth more than one with lots of dents and chipped paint.
10. Musical Instruments
Musical instruments like guitars and drums are good to flip for a profit. Consider visiting estate auctions or regular garage sales to find these instruments. Before purchasing, test the instrument to ensure it functions properly.
11. Kitchen Appliances
It’s no secret that many enjoy having a kitchen with various appliances. For flipping purposes, you’ll want to focus on smaller items that can ship easily. Things like dish sets, scoops, and mixers can be great finds to look for at garage sales.
12. Camping Gear
With the warm weather approaching, camping gear is essential for some families. It’s great to flip because it’s often made with durable material, helping you source better quality items. Additionally, since some camping gear is expensive, many are open to pre-owned items.
13. Board Games and Puzzles
Even if you don’t play board games, they’re still a great item to purchase at garage sales. Popular games like Monopoly can easily be worth over $15. This may not sound like much, but you’re making a good profit when you can source board games for $1 or less.
14. Vintage Clothing
Vintage T-shirts or jeans tend to be good to flip because they’re rare. Many are willing to pay over $100 for a t-shirt that was made in the ‘80s or ‘90s. Pay attention to the quality of the clothing before you purchase, as this can quickly drop your profits. T-shirts related to NASCAR or music artists tend to be a good find.
15. Retro Electronics
Nostalgia and rare retro electronics can be worth a lot of money. Be sure to test all electronics before purchasing. Some GameBoys, polaroid cameras, and older iPods can be worth hundreds.