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What are some products I should flip to make money?
Some great products to flip are vintage clothes and accessories. People love the thrill of thrifting, buying vintage clothing, and discovering unique pieces. That’s why the margins and profits of vintage clothes and accessories can be quite large and can reach up to 100% or more. Plus, there are already platforms like Depop, Poshmark, or Etsy to sell these types of products so there’s already an audience you can reach.
So you're excited about the idea of flipping items online, but there's one question you can’t seem to figure out:
What exactly should I flip?
Nobody wants to waste time trying to sell a dud. So to save you time and energy, here are 15 of the best things to flip in 2024.
You'll learn how much profit each item can potentially earn, the best places to source and resell them, plus 4 alternative ways to sell items online.
Aspiring flippers, let’s proceed!
15 best things to flip
1. Vintage clothing & accessories
Old is truly gold, and vintage clothing is a prime example of this. In a report by ThredUp, the vintage market is set to reach $168 billion by 2024, with a notable fraction being vintage clothing.
Estimated profit margin: 50%-100%
Why flipping this can be profitable: People love the thrill of discovering a one-of-a-kind piece, and are willing to pay big bucks for it.
How to sell it: Find clothing suppliers or ource low-priced vintage clothing at thrift stores and garage sales. Then, resell them on platforms like Etsy, Depop and Vinted.
2. Toys & games
Toys are another great item to flip. In 2022, the market value was worth 291.72 billion, and projected to reach $469 billion by 2027!
Estimated profit margin: 30-80%
Why flipping this can be profitable: New toys can sometimes be pricey, so parents like to buy second-hand toys in good condition to save money.
How to sell it: Find toys and games suppliers and source flippable toys from thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. The best toys to focus on are limited edition and rare toys, such as action figures, LEGO sets, and vintage video games. To sell, start on platforms such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
3. Consumer electronics
If tech-savvy, consider consumer electronics. In 2022, households spent an average of $1,481.60 every year on them, according to PIRG.
Estimated profit margin: 20-50%
Why flipping this can be profitable: Profit from second-hand electronics like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles. Craigslist and Facebook are go-to markets for quality electronics. But before you list anything for sale, spend time inspecting your item. Is it functional? Are there any defects? Have you reset it to factory settings? All these questions play a big role in its ability to sell.
How to sell it: There are tons of places to find electronics suppliers and flip consumer electronics, online and in store. Check out places like eBay, Dipli, and even Facebook Marketplace if you want to reach local buyers.
4. Furniture
So long as we need something to sit and lie on, furniture will always be one of the best things to flip. In the US, adults spend an average of 715.6 dollars on furniture per year. Times that by the 128.6 million households in the US, and you realize how huge this market really is.
Estimated profit margin: 50% - 100%
Why flipping this can be profitable: For higher profit, focus on refurbishing or upcycling furniture. Seek easily restorable items and use DIY skills to enhance them. Simple touches like sanding and applying wood oil can greatly improve many pieces.
How to sell it: Find furniture suppliers or sell your furniture through eBay, local consignment shops, or even at flea markets.
5. Books
Books are a goldmine! They're cheap, easy to source, and can fetch a higher price if you land a rare gem.
Estimated profit margin: 30-70%
Why flipping this can be profitable: Focus on first editions or rare books, as they often yield a good profit. You can source them from:
- Secondhand bookstores
- Online marketplaces (e.g. eBay, Abebooks, Amazon)
- Garage sales
- Thrift stores
How to sell it: Find a books supplier you can comfortably work with. If you want to know how much a book currently sells for, you can download the free Book Scouter app. It shows you the current price of a book, so you can decide if it’s worth flipping.
6. Clearance items
The clearance section can be a flipper's heaven. Here, you can often find heavily-discounted items that can be sold for a healthy mark-up online.
Estimated profit margin: 30-100%
Why flipping this can be profitable: You know that the perceived value of the clearance item was once high. Now that you can get it at a steep discount, try to find the same buyers who value that product at its original price. That’s where you can make the biggest profit.
How to sell it: Search for popular branded items in the clearance sections of retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. If profitable after expenses, resell them on Amazon or eBay.
7. Watches
Want to buy your time back? Flip watches. OK, maybe that was a bad joke. In all seriousness, the jewelry and watch market is a big deal. Americans spent over $82.4 billion on these items in 2018.
Estimated profit margin: 20-60%
Why flipping this can be profitable: The great thing about watches is that they hold their value well over time. This allows flippers to resell them for a price that's close to (or even higher than) their initial cost.
How to sell it: To maximize profits, stick to high-end and luxury watches. Start by finding a credible watch supplier to work with. Online marketplaces like Chrono24 and eBay are ideal for both sourcing and selling. Done right, watches can be one of the best things to flip in 2024.
8. Musical Instruments
Remember the joy of playing an instrument as a child? Sadly, many kids outgrow their instruments, and these cherished items end up gathering dust in basements. Big mistake! Instead, why not resell them for some extra cash? You can find them at thrift shops, or online retailers like Reverb and Facebook Marketplace. Guitars and keyboards are popular choices, as they have more demand compared to other instruments.
Estimated profit margin: 20-50%
And if you don't have any instruments at home? No problem.
Why flipping this can be profitable: With the musical instruments market valued at $14.2 billion in 2022, there's more than enough room to profit. Plus if you have a very niche instrument, you can sell it for a higher price as it can be hard to find.
How to sell it: Pay attention to popular brands like Yamaha, Gibson, Fender, and Steinway, as they can fetch a higher price when you resell.
9. Designer handbags and accessories
Designer handbags are one of the best things to flip. Get this: the luxury handbag market was valued at $58.3 billion in 2018, and is forecasted to reach $89.9 billion by 2026. With that kind of money up for grabs, flippers can swoop in and snag a piece of the pie with the right strategy.
Estimated profit margin: 30-60%
Why flipping this can be profitable: People love luxury handbags and accessories and are willing to pay big bucks to get the most coveted brand - even if it’s second hand. Flipping rare bags like Hermes Birkins or bags from Chanel can make you over thousands of dollars.
How to sell it: Source discounted designer items like handbags, sunglasses, or wallets. Poshmark and TheRealReal are popular marketplaces to source designer handbags. You can also use them to gauge the selling price and see whether it's worth the flip.
10. Seasonal items
Anyone can profit from seasonal items, making them one of the best things to flip. The trick is in the timing so you can capitalize on demand and supply.
Estimated profit margin: 20-70%
Why flipping this can be profitable: For great deals, snoop around clearance sections at big retailers like Amazon or eBay. But again, it's all in the timing. Research the best time to snag items at their lowest price to maximize your profits.
How to sell it: Sell it when the demand is very high. One example is buying a camping tent off-season for a discounted price. Then as demand arises, resell them on platforms like Amazon, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace for a high profit.
11. Tools & equipment
Flipping power tools and equipment can be a great idea if you can get your hand on slightly used ones that still work well. These are items that don’t need to be brand new to retain their value.
Estimated profit margin: 20-60%
Why flipping this can be profitable: Power tools can be expensive when purchased new, so many people opt to buy used ones to save money. This opens doors for flippers to profit by reselling branded tools at low prices.
How to sell it: Source power tools from eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Cordless drills and chopping saws, especially when branded, sell pretty well. Popular brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee are worth considering. Before listing tools, test-drive and clean them to avoid any customer issues. If any defects exist, note them in the item's description.
12. Home decor items
It’s no secret that people are looking to spice up their home appearance. Flipping items in the home decor space can be an excellent idea if you can find hard to find items.
Estimated profit margin: 30-60%
Why flipping this can be profitable: According to Statista, the home decor market was worth $114.5 billion in 2020, with 31% of that attributed to online sales. There’s clearly a big market with high profits especially if you can find unique items.
How to sell it: Search for home decor items, such as mirrors, lamps, or decorative pieces, that are unique in style. Thrift stores are always reliable for quality home decor, but don't stop there. You can also find some impressive deals on marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. Always, and I mean always, calculate your potential returns before you source an item. If the numbers make sense, get the ball rolling by reselling them on Facebook Marketplace or Etsy.
13. Board games
Despite our tech-dominated world, board games still hold a special place in many hearts. Fond childhood memories make board games highly desirable items.
Estimated profit margin: 20-80%
Why flipping this can be profitable: In 2020, the board games market was worth a projected 3.13 billion dollars, and with over 35,000 games available, options for flipping are abundant.
How to sell it: Source vintage or classic games on sites like Amazon or eBay or look for a credible home decor supplier. Visit your local thrift store for any bargains. You can also check out board game forums.
14. Sports memorabilia
As any sports fanatic, who hasn’t dreamed of getting a player's signed shirt? Thousands of other fans create high demand for sports memorabilia.
Estimated profit margin: 30-100%
Why flipping this can be profitable: With a market size of $33 billion, there's plenty of money to be made in this niche. Autographed items, game-worn jerseys, and limited edition collectibles from famous athletes can demand high prices.
How to sell it: Quality is crucial here. Only buy from reputable sources to ensure authenticity. Use platforms like eBay or A1 Sporting Memorabilia to both source and sell.
15. Exercise equipment
When hitting the gym isn't an option, people turn to home workouts, which require exercise equipment. If you find effective equipment that produces great results, you can be flipping them for a lot of profit.
Estimated profit margin: 20-50%
Why flipping this can be profitable: Exercise equipment can be extremely expensive. But people do realize that they don’t need to be in perfect condition to work properly. If you can get your hands on used exercise equipment, for example resistance bands, you can be flipping them for lots of money.
How to sell it: You can sell your own equipment, or buy it second-hand on eBay or Facebook Marketplace for cheap. Before reselling, clean and test the equipment to ensure functionality. To maximize sales, target the start of the year when people set health-related New Year's resolutions.
Sourcing the best things to flip will be pointless without a solid strategy. Continue reading below to learn how to hit the ground running once you’re set on an item to sell. For those specifically interested in flipping businesses or setting up an online presence for their flips, understanding how to set up an LLC can provide a structured foundation for your entrepreneurial efforts.
How to flip items (step-by-step)
Now you know the best things to flip, how do you actually sell them? Follow this simple guide to get started right away.
One man's trash is another man’s treasure. So before you reach for your wallet, start with the items in your home. Some of the best things to flip can be sitting in your attic!
Probe your house for any items you can potentially sell. Create a “sale” box where you’ll keep these items in.
If you don’t have anything worth selling, reach out to family and friends to see if they have any items you can potentially sell. Facebook Marketplace also has a 'free stuff' section where you can pick up items for free.
If there are no sale-worthy items in your local area, sourcing them is your next best move.
Always remember the goal: buy low, sell high. This will keep you focused on finding items you can actually make a profit on.
There are many places to find items to flip. Thrift stores and garage sales offer unexpected bargains that you can capitalize on. With a bit of negotiation, you can source quality items for cheap, and widen your profit margins.
Browse online marketplaces, such as:
- eBay
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
- Best Buy
Before listing your items for sale, inspect them carefully. Is the item in good condition? Are there signs of wear and tear that could lower its resale value? Does it need cleaning? Answering these questions will help you maximize your profits when selling online.
The best things to flip will always turn a good profit.
And this means going beyond the cost of the item. There are other factors to consider, like shipping and selling fees. You want to get the whole picture, so you know how much profit you can potentially pocket.
Thankfully, there are platform-specific online calculators that automatically account for these expenses. While they aren't completely accurate, they do offer a better idea of how your numbers could look.
This is when the fun starts. You’re going to choose an online marketplace to list and sell your items online.
Here’s a list of top platforms you can join:
- eBay
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Poshmark
- Depop
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
Start with one platform to get your feet wet. Once you’ve earned some sales and experience, expand to other marketplaces.
A wider audience may attract more eyes to your listing, so you’re more likely to pop a sale.
First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your listing. To succeed in flipping, you need to know how to create listings that attract clicks and drive sales.
So, how can you achieve this?
- Take clear, well-lit photos of your items from multiple angles, and highlight any notable features
- Use relevant keywords in your listing title and description to increase its visibility in search results
- Price your items competitively so that you’re able to make a profit.
- Write accurate and informative descriptions for your items, including the condition, measurements, and any unique features
Each platform is unique, and some rules (and features) won't be applicable to others. Some research can help familiarize yourself with the territory.
So now you’ve earned a sale, what happens next?
If a customer agrees to buy your item, complete the transaction with the platform's payment system. Then it’s time to ship.
Package your item securely, print the shipping label, and send it out promptly. Provide the buyer with tracking information if available.
Then rinse and repeat the entire process, but this time for other items you can get your hands on.
After nailing the flipping process, it's time to turn up the heat. Reinvest some profits by sourcing other items to flip or resell. Using this guide, you won’t run out of ideas on the best things to flip.
Refine your strategies, learn from experience, and expand to more platforms to boost earnings. This is how you transform your side hustle into a full-fledged flipping business.
Alternative ways to sell items for profit
While flipping can be profitable, it’s not the only way to sell items online. Here are four other ways to sell items for a profit.
Dropshipping - This method doesn't require you store (or even see) the item you sell. Instead, when a customer places an order on your website, you buy the item from a third party (usually a wholesaler or manufacturer) who ships it to the customer. The SaleHoo directory can be a valuable resource for beginner dropshippers, as it provides access to a wide range of verified and reliable suppliers.
Print-on-demand - With this model, custom items (like apparel or posters) are produced only after a customer places an order. These items are printed by a third-party supplier, who also handles shipping and fulfillment. This means you don't need to do any heavy lifting, like buying inventory upfront or shipping orders. It has a low barrier to entry and minimal risk.
Wholesaling - This model involves buying an item in bulk (either from a supplier or manufacturer) and reselling them to a retailer (think: Costco). As these items are heavily discounted, your profit margins are usually higher compared to other eCommerce models. However, the same goes for your upfront costs if buying in bulk.
Private labeling - Here, you work with a manufacturer to produce an item, then retail it under your brand name. For example, a water bottle branded “EverFlow” that you sell on your own website. Your branding is what makes your item unique, which allows you to raise the price. The result? Higher profit margins and loyal customers.
eCommerce is an exciting world, filled with endless opportunities to turn your passion into profit. By exploring the other methods available, you gain a clearer idea of how to take your business to the next level.
Final word on the best things to flip
So, the choice is now yours.
You can read this article, and do nothing.
Or…
You can apply what you've learned here to build a profitable flipping business.
Whatever you choose, Salehoo will always be here for you. Every step of the way.
If you’re ready to build an eCommerce business that can reward you with a life of freedom, don’t hesitate to contact our live support team to help kickstart your journey.
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