40+ Easiest Things to Flip for Profit (Best Items to Flip in 2023) (2024)

If you’re looking for a great side hustle, flipping items for extra cash may be the perfect option. Just about anyone can do it, and there are plenty of opportunities. You don’t need a lot of experience or skill; you’ll get better and more profitable as you become familiar with the going rates and the best items to flip for a profit.

Flipping items is possible to do in your spare time, like heading to yard sales or estate sales on a Saturday. You can make it work with just about any schedule.

Also, you can start making money fast! Many side hustles require you to put in a lot of work before seeing any results, but that’s not the case with flipping.

And perhaps best of all, flipping products is a fun way to make money. You’ll get a lot of satisfaction from finding hidden gems.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the best types of items and products to buy and resell. We’ll also talk about where to find them, where to sell them, and some tips for success. You’ll find the easiest things to flip for profit below.

Best Items to Flip for Profit

To succeed as a flipper, you must know which items you’ll have a good chance of reselling for a profit. Of course, some things are better than others, and here you’ll find a list of more than 40 flipping ideas. Of course, a lot of your success will depend on how much you pay for an item.

1. Wood Furniture

For a few reasons, solid wood furniture is one of the best items to flip for profit. First, quality wooden furniture can last for decades, so even if it needs to be refinished, there’s a lot of potential for profit and a strong resale market. Also, finding people’s unwanted, old furniture is pretty easy. If you know what you’re looking for, it’s not that hard to find good quality wood furniture you can flip for a profit.

Related reading: Flipping Furniture for Profit

2. Upholstered Furniture

Likewise, upholstered furniture can also be profitableto flip. The possibilities here are to clean the upholstery and make it look much better or reupholster it. Reupholstering can cost some money, but it may look like a new piece of furniture. If you can do the reupholstering yourself, it becomes much more profitable.

3. Outdoor Furniture

Flipping items like outdoor furniture can also be valuable if you find something in good condition. Many people will not place much value on their used patio furniture, benches, chairs, tables, and other outdoor furniture. They’ll simply get rid of it or sell it for a low price, which provides an opportunity for you.

4. Antiques

Antiques are easily one of the most profitable things to flip. Of course, this is a broad category that includes many different things. The best way to make money flipping antiques is to get familiar with the market and the types of items that sell. You’ll need to know the value of things you buy, and the best way to make some serious cash is to be more knowledgeable than the person selling the item.

5. Collectibles

Flipping items like collectibles is perfect if you want to make a decent profit (assuming you buy them at the right price). This could include antiques, but not all collectibles are antiques. The most valuable collectibles will have a huge market of fans passionate about the item or brand (including baseball cards). High demand can lead to easy sales and big profits.

6. Motorized Items

Dirt bikes, 4-wheelers (quads), ATVs, golf carts, jet skis, snowmobiles, and other motorized items are excellent possibilities for flipping. Sometimes you’ll find people who no longer use these items looking to sell them for very low prices. Maybe they are moving, replaced it with a newer model, or simply don’t use it. Regardless of the reason, you can benefit. Flipping higher-value items like this is an ideal way to make some serious cash quickly.

7. Appliances

Selling used appliances for cash can lead to significant profit, although it’s not always easy. You can often get used appliances for great prices because most people simply want to get rid of them when they’re no longer needed. People usually don’t want the hassle of moving oversized items for sale, like appliances. If you’re willing to deal with the hassle and have a truck or trailer to move the appliance, there’s an excellent opportunity for profit.

Another nice perk is that you can help people who can’t afford a new appliance. Rather than letting a usable appliance go to waste, you’re repurposing it and providing a buyer with an affordable solution.

Appliances are also among the best things to fix and sell. If you’re handy, you can find broken appliances for free or cheap, put in a bit of work, and sell them for a nice profit.

8. Records and Record Players

Although technology has moved on, there’s still a demand for vinyl records and record players. You may find them selling for low prices at garage sales, thrift shops, even on online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. These are among the best items you can find pretty easily, and they’re ideal items to flip.

9. Musical Instruments and Equipment

New musical instruments are expensive. There are a lot of families looking for inexpensive instruments for their kids, plus adults who are looking for affordable options for themselves. They’re also commonly found at garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales because many people have musical instruments they’re no longer using.

Aside from instruments, equipment like amps, speakers, and other music gear can be good options for items to flip.

10. Vintage Electronics

Some vintage electronics like Walkmans, cassette players, and VCRs are perfect items to flip. Many people assume these items have no value, so you may find them for low prices. The truth is, some people are willing to pay reasonable amounts for them, so you can quickly flip them for a profit.

11. Technology and Gadgets

Some gadgets maintain their value better than others. For example, used Apple products sell for a premium compared to lower-cost Android products. If you find the right devices and tech-related products, you can make some money. With a simple Google search, you can find just about any used gadget for sale online, so you quickly get a feel for the value of an item.

12. Photography Gear

Cameras and lenses, and even some accessories like tripods, can be worth hundreds of dollars or more. Lenses are among the best things to buy and sell for profit because they’re useful for many years if they’re in good condition.

Vintage photography gear can have value, and even non-vintage used gear holds value. As a result, there’s a substantial market for used photography equipment. It can be an expensive hobby, so you’ll find many photographers are willing to spend a good deal of money on gear.

13. Clothes

Secondhand apparel market is booming. That’s why clothes are among the easiest things to flip for profit, but it depends on the specifics. Brand-name clothing items, designer labels, and vintage clothing will bring the best prices on the secondhand apparel market. Although you may need to dig through many clothes to find the best brands, it’s possible to see them for low prices at garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores.

Also, items with the tags still on can be excellent finds.

14. Shoes and Sneakers

Like branded and vintage clothing, there’s a significant demand for used shoes and sneakers, especially designer brands and vintage sneakers. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for these items, and you might come across some cheap ones at garage sales and thrift stores.

15. Wedding Dresses

New wedding dresses are expensive, and many brides are looking to save some money here. You might find a wedding dress for sale at a low price. Ideally, the dress should be big enough to allow for alterations. It’s easy to make a dress smaller and not easy to make it bigger.

16. Watches

Watches could also fall under clothing or collectibles, but they also justify their own category. Of course, some watches don’t hold any value, but if you find a quality watch from a popular brand, it could be one of the best things to flip for profit.

17. Cufflinks

This is a popular item that you can find for cheap prices at yard sales and thrift stores and quickly sell for a profit.

18. Vintage Eyeglasses

You may come across vintage glasses selling for low prices because it’s easy to think they would have no value. But there are a lot of people willing to pay for these vintage items.

19. Concert T-Shirts

One of the best items to flip, concert t-shirts are great collectibles. Once a tour is over, the shirts won’t be available, so the only way to get one is to buy it second-hand. Popular bands that are no longer around can be perfect for making a significant profit.

20. Bicycles

Bikes can be ideal for buying and reselling. Many are available at garage sales, estate sales, and some thrift stores, and the demand for used bikes makes them easy to flip. Name brands and vintage bikes are the best options, but making money with others is possible. Sometimes, you’ll need to clean it up and maybe do some minor repairs to get it to sell for top dollar.

21. Baby Gear

Parents always look to sell things that have been outgrown or are no longer needed. This means you can find great deals from people who just want to get rid of these items like baby gear. Likewise, other parents will always look to save money by buying used baby items instead of new. Cribs, furniture, pack-and-plays, baby gear, and toys are some of the best items to flip on Facebook Marketplace.

22. Strollers

Although strollers could fit into the previous category, this justifies singling out strollers. Name brand strollers are among the best things to flip for profit. They’re high priced, which encourages many parents to look for a used one to save money.

23. Sporting Goods & Equipment

You’ll find sporting goods for sale at many garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores. Some of them have value if they are in good shape and you can get it at the right price.

24. Sports Jerseys

Sports fans love to have jerseys for their favorite teams and players. Vintage jerseys are also extremely popular.

25. Sports Memorabilia

Aside from jerseys, other sports memorabilia can also be worth flipping.

26. Vintage Sportswear

Vintage sportswear from name brands like Nike and Adidas can sell for much more than what you’ll pay at a yard sale.

27. Exercise Equipment

Treadmills, stationary bikes, ellipticals, benches, weights, and other exercise equipment can be ideal items to flip. It’s not hard to find, but quality items still have some value. On the other hand, you may discover underpriced exercise equipment that people are looking to get rid of.

28. Collectible Toys

Have you ever gone into a used or vintage toy store and been depressed by the value of all the toys you used to own? Many collectible toys are valuable items worth good money. They’re worth even more if you happen to find them in the original packaging, which is rare.

29. Lego Sets

I had no idea how valuable Legos are until my nephew started playing with them. Even used Lego sets sell for high prices. Despite their value, there are a lot of people that don’t know they’re worth anything. You may find underpriced Lego sets are yard sales from people looking to unload them.

30. Vintage Board Games

If they’re in decent condition, an old board game can be an excellent item for flipping. Many people have board games sitting around in their basem*nt or a closet, so it’s possible to find them at yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores.

31. Video Games and Consoles

You may be surprised at the market for old video game consoles and games. The vintage video games and systems can be collectible items, bringing an excellent selling price. They’re easily among the best items to flip for profit.

Despite this, many people assume they have no value and practically give them away at yard sales. If you can get your hands on cheap consoles and games, they are among the best things to flip on Facebook Marketplace.

32. Cars and Vehicles

It’s definitely a bigger item and will take more effort than flipping a pair of sneakers, but cars and other vehicles can be among the best things to flip. You’ll need to know the value of the vehicle you’re buying, but that’s pretty easy with a small amount of research. If you sell a few cars, you’ll see your profits add up quickly.

33. Car Parts

If you’re knowledgeable about cars, you can get cheap parts at a junkyard and resell them online for a nice profit. This is an easy side hustle for a person with the proper knowledge.

34. Yard Equipment

You may be able to find things like lawnmowers and leaf blowers for very cheap or even free. However, they may need repair, and many people would choose to buy a new one instead of fixing the one they already have.

You may be able to find someone to do the repairs for cheap, or if you know what you’re doing, you can do it yourself. You can also make money with things like metal rakes and other non-motorized yard tools. Clean the item to make it look much more presentable and bring a higher price.

35. Power Tools

There’s a great demand and availability for used power tools. People often sell them to declutter, when they’re moving, or when they buy a newer model. Other people buy used power tools when they need one for a specific job or want to save some money compared to buying new ones.

36. Book Sets

In general, selling used individual books won’t make you a ton of money. But the best possibility is to sell books in a set or series (think Harry Potter and other popular collections). If you see these books for sale individually at garage sales or thrift shops, you can probably get them for very cheap. Keep them until you put together a complete set, and then you can flip the set for profit.

37. Picture Frames

Picture frames are an item commonly found at yard sales. Many people have more of them than they need, but the right frame can have excellent resale value. Depending on the item you buy, you might want to put a small amount of time fixing it up and making it look new.

38. Rugs

Decorative rugs are also ideal items to flip. When people are done with them, they generally want to get rid of them, and you may find a great deal. The same rug could be the perfect piece for someone else.

39. Vintage Lamps

Lamps are easy to find at garage sales, auctions, and flea markets. Not all lamps will have much resale value, but you may find vintage lamps that could fetch a premium.

40. Vintage Dinnerware

Vintage plates and dinnerware sets are great items to find at yard sales and flea markets. They can be easily resold for a decent profit when you find the right buyer.

41. Commercial Equipment

Big, commercial equipment is perfect for flipping. This includes freezers, ovens, and all kinds of equipment that businesses need. Typically, you’ll need a truck to move these items, but you can make a lot of money if you’re willing to put in some effort. They’re among the best items to flip if you want to maximize your income.

42. Clearance Items

Buying things second-hand isn’t the only option for flipping. You can also purchase new items and resell them (sometimes called retail arbitrage or online arbitrage). To make a profit from retail stores, you’ll need to find great deals. Clearance sales can be an excellent resource.

Where to Find the Best Things to Flip for Profit

There are a lot of great places to find the best items to flip for profit, including:

• In your house, basem*nt, garage, or shed
• From friends or family cleaning out their homes
• Yard sales, garage sales, rummage sales, and church sales
• Thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village, Savers, ReStore, St. Vincent DePaul, and community stores)
• Flea markets
• Auctions
• Estate sales
• Junkyards
• Stuff people are throwing away (check the sidewalks on trash day)
• Online (eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp, Letgo, Facebook Marketplace and more)

Where to Resell Items for a Profit

Fortunately, several websites and online marketplaces make it a lot easier to sell your stuff. But, of course, you can also sell items locally without using the internet.

• Facebook Marketplace –you can move a lot of items quickly thanks to great exposure.
• Local yard sale Facebook Groups – many towns and cities have local groups where you can sell items locally (be sure you follow the rules of the group).
• Craigslist – a great free option that provides good exposure.
• eBay – can sometimes bring higher prices, but you’ll also have fees and shipping costs to flip items online.
• Poshmark – for selling clothes.
• Yard sale – if you have a lot of things to sell, a yard sale or garage sale is a good option for moving many items quickly.

For a more detailed look at the options, see my list of selling apps and a comparison of Poshmark vs. eBay vs. Mercari.

How to Flip Items for Profit

By now, you know that buying and reselling can be a great way to start making extra money. But how can you get started?

Start by Selling Things from Around Your House – The risk-free way to start flipping items is to simply sell some things you no longer use or need. Not only will you get rid of some clutter, but you can gain experience selling without the need to risk any money.

Invest the Money You Make – The money you make from selling your items can buy things to flip. Since you’re using the money you’ve already made, you’re not at risk of losing anything.

Focus on Something that You Know – While this article covers the best things to flip for profit, that doesn’t mean you should try to buy and sell all these items. Ideally, you can find a few types of items that you’re already familiar with. That way, you know when you’re getting a good deal and will have a better chance of early success. Alternatively, if you’re not familiar with any of the types of items on the list, pick one that interests you and start to become familiar with it. Then, browse Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay to understand typical prices. That way, when you’re out at a yard sale or flea market, you’ll have a better idea of what you might be able to sell it for.

Start Small and Work Your Way Up – At first, your goal should be to make a profit, even if you’re buying and selling inexpensive items. However, as you get some experience, smaller profits may not be worth your time, so you’ll want to work your way up to more expensive items, which give you the chance to make more money.

Consider Getting a Truck – One of the best ways to increase your profit margin as a flipper is to have a truck so you can move bigger items. As you start making more money, you might want to invest in an inexpensive used truck that could open up many new opportunities for you.

Tips for Successful Reselling

Here are a few quick tips to help you have success as a flipper.

1. Know What It’s Worth Before Buying

The biggest key to success is knowing what something is worth before buying it. If you don’t know at least a ballpark value, you’re just guessing. You can succeed with some individual items this way, but not consistently.

Of course, you’ll get better at this with more experience. It can also be beneficial to always have your phone on you. If you come across something interesting at a yard sale or flea market, you can look it up on a few different online platforms or apps to see what it’s selling for.

And don’t forget that you can negotiate the price when you’re buying. If you’re not sure about an item, see if you can get it for a better price. The more you can save when buying, the more profit you’ll have when you sell it.

2. Be Willing to Walk Away

If you can’t buy it at the right price, be willing to walk away. In some cases, the person selling the item will come down on their price when you’re willing to walk away. And if they don’t, you’ll avoid overpaying for an item.

3. Multiply Your Results

If you find a great item you know you can flip for a profit, ask the seller if they have more. It’s one of the easiest ways to increase your profit by selling more of the best things, and you might be surprised at how often it works.

Likewise, when you’re selling an item for a good profit, you may want to ask the buyer if they would have a use for more of the same or similar things. If so, you can go out and try to find more with confidence that you have an easy sale. This is often most effective with commercial equipment or collectibles.

4. Clean Up the Items

The appearance and condition will have a big impact on the price you get for used items. Simply cleaning up the item can make a huge difference and add some extra value. Depending on the item and the condition, you may want to do some minor things like touch up the paint.

5. Take Good Photos

For items you’re selling online, photos are critical. You don’t have to be a professional photographer, but just making a few small changes can drastically improve the quality of your photos.

First, make sure to take photos in good light. Poor lighting and dark photos are a common problem. I prefer natural light, but flash or a simple home photo studio can work for small items.

Second, pay attention to the background. Keep the backgrounds simple to avoid distractions.

Third, take a lot of photographs and from all angles. Include multiple photos in your listing. Buyers often want to see all sides of the item to know that there are no major flaws.

6. Create a Detailed Listing

When you’re creating a listing to sell an item online, be as detailed as possible. Be honest about any damage or imperfections with the item. Most people buying used items won’t expect it to be perfect, and if you’re upfront and honest, they’ll be more likely to trust your listing. Try to answer questions that you can anticipate.

7. Answer Questions

Even though you want to anticipate questions that buyers are likely to ask and address them in your listing, you’ll still get other questions. So take time to answer questions if you want people to trust you as a seller.

8. Have Shipping Supplies on Hand

If you’re selling items online and shipping them to buyers, it’s helpful to have some standard shipping supplies on hand and ready to use. Boxes of different sizes, quality shipping tape, and clear poly bags are all things that you may use a lot.

What is the Best Website to Sell Your Items?

There are a lot of different websites and apps you can use for reselling. Which one is best will be influenced by the item you’re selling and the audience you’re trying to reach. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are great for selling items locally. You’ll get a lot of exposure to people in your area but virtually no exposure to people outside your area. You’ll also need to be willing to meet up with people in person to make the sale.
• eBay and Mercari are great for selling items online to people outside of your local area. Your things will get exposure to more potential buyers, but those people can also buy from other sellers located around the world. You’ll have to ship your items, but this might be more convenient than meeting people in person.
• Specialty sites/apps like Poshmark are great when you have the right things to sell. You may be able to sell clothes for higher prices at Poshmark than you would be able to sell them for on other online platforms. This is only relevant when you have the right products. The broader marketplaces allow you to sell just about anything.

How Can I Take This from Side Hustle to Full-Time Income?

The best way to increase your income is to focus on flipping higher-priced items. If you want to make thousands of dollars per month, it’s pretty challenging if you’re only making a few dollars per item. However, you can make a much higher total profit with your flipping side hustle with just a few higher-priced items.

Fortunately, some items allow you to make higher profits, but there are some obstacles that you’ll need to overcome.

First, you may need a little more money to invest in buying the items you’ll flip.

Second, you’ll need to be familiar with the items you’re buying. And third, you may need to be willing to do some things others aren’t willing to do (like transporting a large item, for example).

The best things to flip, like appliances, motorized items, and commercial equipment, can lead to a significant profit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to a few common questions.

Final Thoughts on the Best Items to Flip for Profit

Flipping items is one of the best ways to earn extra income because anyone can learn to do it, it doesn’t require a significant investment, you can start making money quickly, and the income potential is high.

If this is the right opportunity for you, be sure to look for the best items to flip for profit that were covered in this article, and you’ll be well on your way to making money as a flipper.

READ NEXT: How to Make Money by Selling Your Stuff