Flipping items can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. While some items may require a bit of work to resell, it’s worth it. If you pick the best items to flip, you can make a good amount of money.
All the extra cash you make from flipping can add up more quickly than you’d think. So before we cover the best items to flip for extra money, here’s why you should consider flipping as a side hustle!
Why it’s a great idea to flip items
You might wonder if it’s worth your time to start flipping for money. After all, there are a lot of ways to make money; why flip items? It’s a good business for a few reasons.
First, it can be easy to do; you just need to find the best items to resell, fix them up, and resell for a profit. Obviously, if you’re learning how to start a business with no money, that can take some time, as well.
Next, when you pick the right items, it’s good money.
Last, it’s a pretty flexible side gig. You can work whatever hours you want, selling as much or as little as you like.
Let’s take a look at what to sell (from household items to sell for quick cash and more) and also where to sell items.
32 Of the best items to flip
Want to know how to get started? Here’s the list of 32 best things to flip for a profit.
1. Chairs or sofas
Flipping furniture like chairs or sofas is a fantastic idea. You can sometimes find a chair or sofa with good bones and reupholster it or just clean it really well.
Check Facebook Marketplace, yard sales, and thrift stores for pieces to flip. Sometimes, people will even give you furniture for free if you haul it away for them!
2. Tables
Tables are also some of the easiest items to flip. Make sure to examine the table for any structural problems, like legs that are loose. Then, polish it up and take good photos to list it.
You could even upcycle tables by painting them or put on a cool resin top and sell it for even more money!
3. Antiques are some of the best items to flip
Antiques can be worth a lot, depending on a few factors like age, condition, and the type of item. You can shop thrift stores or estate sales for unique pieces. Try to get something for a price below its value so you can target its resale value cleverly and make a profit.
4. Desks
Other furniture items that are easy to clean up and resell are desks. Desks that are made from good quality materials and are still in decent condition are a big-ticket item and one of the best things to flip.
5. Any type of furniture that is wood, metal, or wicker
Furniture that is made from one of these materials can sell well. A reason for this is that they’re generally in style and very durable. Similar to tables, these items are easy to restore to make them look nicer.
For instance, you can spray paint old wicker chairs to bring them back to life and charge more money for them. Also, finding creative ways to upcycle these pieces can help you sell them faster.
6. Cars
Cars require a lot of know-how, but they can be profitable. You need to know how to thoroughly check a car to make sure it functions correctly, as well as how to fix it up.
You’ll also need to know about various models and their usual prices to know if you’re getting a deal or not when you initially buy. The car depreciation rate is considerable, but you can flip them for profit if you do it right.
7. Regular bicycles
Bicycles are practical and convenient for everyone to have, but many people want to buy one for a low price. You can easily find bikes that need some new paint or a bit of maintenance and resell them.
8. Houses (The best items to flip for the most profit)
Flipping a house is somewhat complicated, and there’s a lot involved. But basically, you’ll need to purchase a home for a low price that needs some work.
Then, you fix the house and get it in good enough shape to sell for more than you paid for it. If you are good at home maintenance and design, this could be a good option.
9. Gym and workout equipment
These are big-ticket items that are perfect for flipping. Just make sure it’s in good condition and up to all safety standards before you resell it.
Since some of these items are heavy and bulky, some people may sell them cheaply or give them away in order to get rid of them faster, which means a bigger profit for you!
10. Electronics (Some of the best items to flip)
Things like cell phones, consoles, tablets, and other electronics can usually make you some money from reselling.
For instance, classic iPods that have high storage capacity, such as those with 120GB to 160GB, are still bringing in quite a chunk of cash!
You can get started by searching your own home or garage for old electronics that got stuffed away. These can be some of the best items to flip for extra cash.
11. Luxury handbags (Some of the most lucrative items to flip)
Do you know designers and how to spot a real design item from a fake? Then, you might be able to sell designer handbags for cash.
Sometimes, you can score some of these for lower prices in consignment stores or online. Then, clean it up like new to resell.
However, keep in mind handbags are not great long-term investments but can be a good item to flip for cash.
12. Name brand clothes
If you can find clothes in good condition that are made by sought-after brands, you could make some cash. Look for items that wear well over time and things made from high-quality materials such as cotton, wool, or cashmere.
At times, you can luck out and find name-brand items in thrift shops and at Goodwill cheap.
Sometimes, you can even shop sales at retail stores and resell items for profit on sites such as Poshmark! Check blow-out sales and try to use coupons, too, for the best deals.
13. Shoes
If you can find good quality shoes from expensive designer brands that are undervalued, buy them and resell them for a profit. Be on the lookout for anything rare or unique.
Another option is to buy old shoes and upcycle them into customized pieces and charge big money for them!
For instance, you can bling them out like this beautiful pair of high heels and charge over $100 a pair! If you’re artistic, try out some money making crafts ideas and paint designs on them!
Sometimes, people will sell their collections for slightly less than they are worth, which is a great time to snap up a bargain.
14. Cookware
Dishes, pots and pans, glassware, and coffee mugs – you can probably find many of these at garage sales. After some cleaning and maintenance, you can list them for sale for a bit more than you bought them for.
Keep an eye out for vintage cookware because these items bring in much more money than standard items do.
15. Household appliances
Appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers are among the best things to flip. They’re necessities but quite expensive, so sometimes, people are happy to pay for a used model in good condition.
16. Blogs
Not one of the easiest items to flip, but if you’re willing to invest some time and learn, you can make a good amount of money flipping blogs. Many people don’t even know this is an option, and you can make thousands of dollars a month in some cases.
17. Old board games
Board games are a fun idea and one of the best items to flip. Old board games probably sound like something that wouldn’t bring in much money, but you can sometimes make a big profit depending on the board game.
18. Books
Books are an old stand-by that was more popular years ago. However, you can still make money selling books. You just need to check out what types of book are most popular and start there e.g. textbooks and workbooks. Find books in thrift shops and yard sales and sell them on sites such as Amazon.
19. Laptops
You can make some cash flipping laptops. You’ll need some tech knowledge to do this correctly, though. If you learn how to factory reset them or even figure out how to fix them, you can buy them super cheap and make a big profit.
20. RVs or campers
Flipping RVs and campers takes a lot of work and the ability to spot a good deal. But if you have some home repair and maintenance skills, you can apply them to this. Use YouTube for inspiration and advice.
21. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
Buying an ATV for cheap, fixing it up, and reselling it can be a pretty lucrative deal. Just keep an eye out for anything on sale or undervalued. Check locally on Facebook Marketplace or possibly Craigslist to find them used.
22. Dirt bikes
Similar to other outdoor gear, check out ads in the newspaper and on sites like eBay for dirt bikes for a good price. Then, resell after maintenance.
23. Baby gear e.g. cribs, strollers, etc.
People are always looking for expensive baby items for lower prices. Check out garage sales for things in good condition that you can clean up and resell. Look for high-quality brands such as UPPAbaby, Valco Baby, and Graco to make more per item.
24. Jewelry
Jewelry is by far one of the best things to flip. There are so many different types of jewelry you can buy and sell for profit.
For example, you can find costume jewelry cheap at yard sales and thrift shops and sell it on sites like Etsy.
Sometimes, you will find vintage or name-brand jewelry and can really make bank. Of course, gold and silver are very profitable, too, but they may be harder to find at a low price.
After you find some jewelry, take the time to clean it up and take great photos for reselling. You can even start by decluttering your life, including your jewelry box, for items to sell!
25. Musical instruments
If you can find guitars, keyboards, drums, or other instruments for sale, see if you can resell them for a profit. It’s a fun hobby and a way to make some cash.
Like most things, if you find popular brands such as Fender, Gibson, Yahama, etc., you will earn more for those items.
26. Power tools
People need power tools for home repairs and DIY projects, but buying them new can be extremely expensive. This is why there’s a huge market for good quality second hand tools.
Yard sales and Facebook Marketplace are excellent places to pick up a bargain. Always check the tool for damage before purchasing.
27. Toys
Start by selling any toys that you may have from your childhood. Rare and limited edition toys sell really well. Action figures and LEGO sets are also popular in the second-hand market.
eBay is a valuable resource if you want to be a toy flipper. Use the search function to find toys that sell well and make a good profit.
28. Video games
Creating video game bundles is an excellent way to make money. Find bargains on sites such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay, then group together games in the same category or age bracket.
Use real images when selling your items instead of stock ones. These will appeal more to potential buyers. eBay and Amazon are great game reselling sites.
29. Sports memorabilia
Sports fans are always on the lookout for items to add to their collection. You can make a good profit from things that are in demand, such as:
- Autographed products
- Ticket stubs
- Sports cards
- Championship rings
- Shirts/jerseys
30. Vintage clothes
Buying and selling vintage clothes online can turn into a profitable business. Start by sourcing niche garments from thrift shops or auctions and check that there are no stains or irreparable damage before purchasing. Do some research into the label and style of the piece to help you price the item correctly.
Use online marketplaces such as ASOS Marketplace, Vinted, and Mercari to sell your vintage clothes and make money.
31. Wedding dresses
Flipping wedding dresses is a satisfying item to resell. Not only can you make some good cash, but you will also help make a bride’s dream come true. End-of-line, discontinued, or ex-display dresses are great to flip because the cost is often considerably lower than brand-new gowns.
If you’re crafty, you can enhance a dress by adding buttons or a belt to make the item more unique and appealing. Use a reputable site such as Nearly Newlywed or Rowely to list your dress. Take into account their selling fees to ensure you still make a profit on your item.
32. Photography gear
Photographers who are just starting out often don’t have the funds for brand-new equipment, so they shop second-hand instead.
Even used photography gear isn’t cheap, so you will need funds upfront, but you can still make a good profit if you buy at the right price and add a margin. Lenses, cameras, and tripods are usually in demand.
Expert tip: Increase exposure of your items online with keywords and free shipping
The more people that see your flipped item, the quicker you will sell it. So it’s a good idea to always use keywords in your item’s title, description and tag. This will allow more people to see it, increasing your views.
Not sure what keywords to use? Think about the words that you would use to find your item online. Another great place to find information on keywords is the insights area on Facebook Marketplace.
Yet another way to get your product seen is to share your listing with online communities or groups that may be interested in what you have to sell.
Additionally, free shipping is an attractive offer for buyers. It can help your listing stand out from others and make people feel like they are getting good value.
Giving free shipping doesn’t have to mean eating into your profit. Simply build it into your list price, so the total price covers the item and the delivery charge. Don’t forget to state local pick up as a delivery option for people that live close to you.
Where to sell items
Another great perk to flipping is there are plenty of online platforms and apps to sell your items. Here are the best places to sell items for profit!
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is ideal for finding buyers that live in your area. All you need is a Facebook account to get started.
It’s an excellent way to begin if you are pretty comfortable with Facebook; you might even find some deals for things to buy and resell.
ThredUp
Used clothing is one of the easiest things to flip. ThredUp will provide you with a bag to pack your used items into. Then you simply send it off, and they will pay you depending on what things they’re able to sell.
Get paid in cash or by ThredUp credit. And it’s free, so there’s that.
Amazon
The Amazon site is vast, and they have a well-organized system for sellers. You can sell various things on Amazon, so it’s a great place to get started if you’re new to flipping items.
eBay
eBay is a good place to begin selling items because you can sell almost anything, including books, toys, clothes, and furniture. If you want a one-stop shop for selling your items, this is it.
OfferUp
OfferUp is a unique and easy way to sell items. OfferUp is an app, and it’s pretty simple to set things up. Household items are pretty popular, so you can quickly look around at what you have at home and sell some things right away.
Etsy
Etsy is a site that almost everyone has heard of. Although you can find many things, Etsy specializes in unique and crafty items like jewelry, clothes, art, and decor. It’s a great place to sell original items.
Now that you’ve made some money, are you wondering what to do with the savings you may have? It’s essential to have a plan for any profit that you make. Here are a few ideas on what you can do with your extra cash:
If you dream of owning a home, use the money you make from flipping items to help you with how to save up for a house. Down payments are a pretty big cost, and most people need to save up thousands.
A good amount is 20% of the home cost, though you can sometimes do 10% or even less depending on the type of mortgage you qualify for.
Use the money for an investment opportunity
If there’s an investment you’d like to get started with but you need more cash, this could be your big break. Whether it’s real estate or investing with index funds, you can invest using side income to take a bigger risk.
Save some money to buy more items to flip (invest back into your business)
You’ll also need to keep some of your funds for buying more items. At first, a lot of your money may go directly back to your business.
Still, over time, you’ll get better at flipping, find out what the easiest items to flip are, and be able to charge competitive rates.
What products are easiest to flip?
The best items to flip (and the easiest) are ones that are desirable and worth a decent amount of money so that you can make a profit on them. Branded items, seasonal products, and limited edition items do particularly well in the flipping market. Examples include clothing, shoes, antiques, furniture and decorative items,
Discounted items are also great for flipping, especially once they return to their original price. You can make a good profit while still keeping the item lower than the average price and for a relatively small amount of effort.
How do you buy and flip items for profit?
The key to a successful flipping side hustle is having a solid plan. Use our step-by-step guide to start flipping like a boss!
Use a large box to collect and store your flipped items
Having everything that you want to sell in one place makes the process of listing and selling anything much easier. As you’re collecting things to flip, check the condition and clean each item as you go to save time later on.
Take clear pictures of each object
The best pictures of objects are taken in natural light against a plain background. You don’t need to invest in a professional camera or hire a photographer to take a good picture, especially because this will have a negative impact on your profit margins.
List your items to sell
Selling your items on more than one platform will increase your chances of a sale. As you grow your flipping business, you will start to see which items sell best on which platform. You can easily list products for sale from apps on your phone, which means you don’t even have to log in to your laptop!
Ship them out as soon as they are sold
Here comes the exciting part. You’ve made a sale! Now it’s time to send your item off to its new home and start seeing money come in.
The process is totally addictive. Pack and post the product as soon as possible so you can move on to the next one.
Repeat the process
Once you’ve emptied your box of flippable items, it’s time to start finding more. There are so many sources to find hidden treasures. The more you source and sell, the easier you will find the process.
Is flipping items still profitable?
Absolutely, flipping items can be very profitable! All you need is a good eye for a bargain and knowledge of what people like to buy.
There is no limit to how much you earn, and it won’t take up all of your spare time, making it the perfect side hustle. Some people even earn a full-time income by flipping items every day!
Here are our top tips to make money from your flipped stuff.
Source $0 items
The most profitable items are ones that cost you nothing! Do you have any unused, unwanted gifts at home? These make ideal items to flip for a 100% profit.
Keep an eye on your local Facebook Marketplace for free objects you can collect, upcycle and resell.
Browse thrift stores and flea markets
Thrift shops and flea markets are arguably the best places for flippers to find second-hand goods that can be flipped for a decent profit. Increase your chances of making money by searching for things that will sell well and are in good condition.
Price it right
This will ultimately be determined by the item you’re flipping and how much you paid for it.
Do your research to find out the value of what you’re selling and price it competitively to increase your chances of a sale. If you want to attract higher prices, flip unusual or rare items.
Factor in selling fees and shipping costs (if applicable) to your price to ensure you have a clear picture of how much money you will make when it sells.
How much can you make when you flip items?
How much you make when you flip items definitely depends on what you’re selling, how many items you sell, and what you charge. So there’s no clear-cut answer for this.
However, you can likely make between $500 to $3,000 each month. Any way you look at it, that’s plenty of cash to help you do a lot of things financially.
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Get started with these best items to flip and make cash fast!
Flipping items is something that you can do if you have many things to sell or are great at spotting a deal. It’s one of the most profitable side hustles because you can start with the easiest items to flip and move on to bigger items as you earn more money.
It’s a great way to make cash fast, and it can be turned into a full-time business if you like it that much! So get started today and learn exactly how to build your business with our free course!