I spend a lot of time looking through items listed in local online marketplaces. There are some great deals out there. Sometimes I come across things that are practically being given away because they need repairs. I have often thought, “That’s an easy fix,” or “I could make money off that.” As it turns out, I’m not the only one. Reselling, or flipping, items for a profit has become a popular side hustle in the gig economy. If you know where to find items you can quickly resell, here’s how you could turn them into supplemental income.
Why Reselling Is Profitable
Anytime you find a low-cost supplier for high-demand goods, there is potential for a huge profit margin. Depending on the products you sell, it doesn’t necessarily require a ton of startup capital either. So, if you find your niche market, you could begin seeing profits right away.
However, not everyone is successful when choosing items you can quickly resell. You must be in tune with consumer trends to know what people are buying. Furthermore, you need to know which products offer the biggest return on your investment.
50+ Items You Can Quickly Resell for a Profit
The truth is that you can sell just about anything if you know how to market it. Believe it or not, people are literally turning trash into treasure by selling empty toilet paper rolls online.
So, if you are looking to get into the flipping game, here are 50+ items that are bringing resellers good returns.
Tech and Gadgets
Living in the digital age means that high-tech gadgets and products are in high demand. And, by association, so are the accessories that go with them. With a growing market, these are some of the easiest items you can quickly resell for a profit.
- phone cases
- phone tripods
- wireless charging stations
- screen protectors
- wearable devices
- microphones
- Bluetooth earphones
- TWS earphones
- drones
- watches (smart and vintage)
- website domains
- ink cartridges
Car Accessories
Since we spend so much time in transit, many people want to have comfort and convenience in their vehicles as well. Therefore, people buy accessories to equip them with the necessary functions and compatible tech. With the right supplier and quality merchandise, car accessories could be very good for your bank account.
- LED lights
- USB chargers
- rear cameras
- car phone holders
- seat covers
- interior organizers
- air fresheners
- wireless vacuums
Home Goods
Over the last two years, more people are working remotely and spending time at home. So, it makes sense that they want to improve the spaces around them. From home decor items to smart home appliances, finding a source for low-cost home goods to flip is a great way to supplement your income.
- smart home items (plugs, temperature sensors, bulbs, wall switches, wireless chargers)
- kitchen utensils and appliances
- furniture
- area rugs
- vintage picture frames
- vintage electronics
- collectibles
- vintage cabinet knobs
- shower heads
- hands-free soap dispensers
- toothbrush holders
- toilet brushes
- candles
- yard equipment
- power tools
Health and Beauty Products
No matter how markets fluctuate, there will always be a steady demand for health and beauty products. And since many of these items are small and lightweight, it saves the reseller on shipping costs which is great for your bottom line.
- reusable water bottles
- yoga mats
- resistance bands
- bicycles
- kerchiefs
- hair pins and clips
- high-end hair products
- nail decor
- makeup jewels
- jewelry
Clothing
If you have an eye for fashion and a nose for sniffing out good deals, clothing could be the perfect product for you. Whether you are a new designer or a thrifter with a head for numbers, reselling clothing is currently one of the hottest online trends.
- second-hand items from name brands
- snow gear
- vintage jerseys
- sports caps and hats
- vintage trucker hats
- concert tees
- fashion with puffy sleeves or classic blue items
- strapless bras
- baby items
- vintage swimwear
- vintage sewing patterns
Entertainment Items
Those who held on to their childhood toys or have accumulated lots of equipment from their hobbies could be in for a big payday. With fewer public entertainment options, people are looking for hobbies, games, and collectibles that bring back the nostalgia of simpler times. And, they are willing to pay good money for it.
- baseball cards
- video games and consoles
- books
- Legos
- board games
- plush toys
- vintage toys
- vinyl records
- cameras and lenses
- sporting goods
Where Do You Find Items You Can Quickly Resell?
Once you have an idea, the next step is to find items to sell. You can start with unwanted items around your house or hand-me-downs from your family and friends. If you still need more inventory, be sure to check out yard sales and estate sales for cheap merchandise. Thrift stores and flea markets can also produce quality items.
The other option is to find good deals online. You can scour clearance sales from retailers, wholesale venders, and online outlet stores for deep discounts.
How Much Can You Expect to Make Reselling?
When it comes to reselling for profit, your earning potential is only limited by your own ambition. Therefore, you need to determine how much time, effort, and capital you want to invest in the venture. And, you should also know what kind of returns you expect from it.
Although most people only see it as a side hustle, others have turned it into a primary source of income. In fact, some resellers claim to make six-figure salaries. However, you have to be realistic. If you are putting in part-time hours, you can probably expect to bring home between $500 and $2,000 each month. But, it’s not unreasonable to double this figure if you find the right product and audience.
What Are the Best Places for Reselling?
The first place people start posting items for resale is local marketplaces like Facebook and Craigslist. However, auction sites like eBay can help you reach a larger audience if you don’t mind shipping the products.
For those who want to earn more than just supplemental income, it’s a good idea to set up your own online shop. Depending on the products you sell, you could host a shop on Amazon, Etsy, Depop, Poshmark, or any other of the popular online marketplaces. Having your own dedicated store will attract more customers and get more eyes on your products.
Tips for Getting Started
As with any new business venture, do your research and know the value and profit margins for the items you are selling. Also, make sure you are up-to-date with the latest tax codes as well.
There is bound to be some trial and error. But, it could prove profitable with the right product and marketing strategy. You’ll need to set clear financial goals you hope to achieve with items that you can quickly resell for a profit. But, as any decent writer will tell you, stick to what you know. And when in doubt, seek expert advice to help you turn your ideas into cold, hard cash.
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Jenny Smedra is an avid world traveler, ESL teacher, former archaeologist, and freelance writer. Choosing a life abroad had strengthened her commitment to finding ways to bring people together across language and cultural barriers. While most of her time is dedicated to either working with children, she also enjoys good friends, good food, and new adventures.