The Ultimate List: Best Items to Resell for Profit - The Income Spot (2024)

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Do you know the best items to resell for a profit? There are a variety of items you own in your closet or garage that you can buy low and sell high to earn extra cash.

What are the best things to buy low and sell high?

There are so many items being sold at thrift shops, yard sales, auction sites, online sites, and on clearance racks at department stores that you could potentially sell yourself.

The best items to resell for profit are often by visiting popular stores for clearance or discount items and selling them. It’s called retail arbitrage.

But that doesn’t mean every product will necessarily bring you the same type of revenue. You want to make sure the products you’re selling are in demand.

Further, you want to make sure you’re able to sell at a price point that will help you realize a decent profit.

And finally, there are always shipping costs and listing fees to consider, not to mention your time dedicated to this side gig.

How much does it cost to flip items?

The nice thing about flipping items is that you can start small without a lot of capital.

A few things I have flipped cost me under $25.00 and others have cost over $200.00. I have flipped camera lenses, bicycles, plant pots, concert tickets, and various sporting goods. The best items to resell for profit could be ones that you purchase for low and then turn around and sell them.

There is nothing like experience when it comes to buying at the right price or in other words buying low and selling high.

1. Books are the Best Items to Resell on Amazon

Probably the simplest and best items to resell for profit are books being bought used and flipped for profit. It’s pretty much how sellers on Amazon got started in the e-Commerce biz.

The good news is that there’s a seemingly endless supply of books out there that can be found in a variety of different places, including library sales, garage sales, thrift stores, and in clearance sections at department stores.

If you can find vintage novels or first-edition books, you stand to make a bigger profit. And if you can manage to put together book sets, you can make even more money. Then you can simply list the books you’ve picked up on places like Amazon, eBay, BookScouter, or Cash4Books.

Top Suggestions for Books as Best Items to Resell for Profit

1. Look for books that are in short supply but in high demand. Books that are popular in particular niche markets and rare or out-of-print books may fall under this category.
2. Look for books that have recently been adapted into films or television programs. Following the release of the adaptation, the demand for these books frequently increases.
3. Try to find books that are in good shape. Even if they are in high demand, damaged books may be challenging to sell.

Check out Cash4Books.net for selling your used books and textbooks. Shipping is FREE!
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2. Tickets are one of the Best Items to Resell for Profit

A huge opportunity that many people miss is reselling tickets online for a profit. It is one of the best side hustle ideasavailable online!

Reselling tickets is quick, easy, and predictable. Most people who start can flip a $500 investment into $800-$1,200 within the first month.

With just a bit of research, you can learn what tickets are going to sell out and you can buy them ahead of time and flip them for profit.

One of the best things about this flipping business is that it is FULLY online.

No need to store stuff in your house or apartment, all you do is download your PDF tickets and then upload and list them for sale.

This is why it is one of the fastest-growing side hustle ideas. The hotter the event, the more profit you can pocket!

Top Suggestions for Ticket Flipping as Best Items to Resell for Profit

1. Look for events that are in high demand but have limited availability. This could include concerts, sporting events, or theater shows that are selling out quickly.
2. Keep an eye on the secondary ticket market, such as sites like StubHub or Vivid Seats, to see which events are selling at a premium. You can then try to purchase tickets at face value and resell them at a markup.
3. Look for events that are likely to have a sellout crowd, such as popular music festivals or playoff games. These events are likely to have a high demand for tickets, even after the initial on-sale.

Please note that flipping tickets for profit can be illegal in some states and countries, you should make sure you are familiar with your local laws and regulations before doing this. And also it is not guaranteed that you will make a profit from flipping tickets, it might also lead to loss.

Ticket Flipping Ideas: Cheap Items to Resell – See how it works!

Here are the 3 main steps:

1. Buy Tickets on Ticket Master
2. Upload those PDF Tickets to StubHub
3. Sell them for a higher price than you paid.

All you need to do now is find popular concerts or games, buy some tickets, and then flip them!

But how do you know for sure that your tickets will sell for a profit?

You can learn how to pick profitable tickets to flip by watching this FREE explanation video from ticket-selling experts at Ticketflipping.

In this training you’ll learn the “3 Secrets” you can use to find, buy, and sell the hottest tickets.

Ticketflippingis a ticket reselling groupthat helps ordinary people create a consistent online income by providing training, tools, and expert-selected ticket broker predictions.

3. Sporting Goods are some of the best things to buy and sell

There are plenty of second-hand sporting goods stores out there where people go to trade in their old equipment in exchange for something else. These stores are turning a profit with this business model, so there’s no reason why you can’t too.

Considering how expensive sporting equipment can be, many consumers are willing to get something gently used in order to get a discount, and you can capitalize on this demand. Just make sure that the equipment you buy is in relatively good condition and free of any unsightly stains that might be tough to get out.

Top Suggestions for Sporting Goods as Best Items to Resell for Profit

1. Research popular and in-demand items: Keeping an eye on the latest trends in the sporting goods industry and identifying what is currently in high demand can help you make choices regarding what goods to sell and stock.
2. Look for items that are hard to find: Carrying items that are hard to find in your local area, or that are only available at a premium price elsewhere, can help you attract customers who are looking for those specific products.
3. Offer customization: Offering customization services, such as embroidery or screen printing, on items like team jerseys, hats, and bags can help you to increase your profit margin by charging extra for the service.

4. Video Game Consoles – Can be the Most Profitable Resale Items

Video games aren’t just for kids. In fact, you’ll probably find just as many adults enjoying their time spent playing video games as children. Given this, video games are in high demand and are always being searched for by gaming enthusiasts.

That’s great news for you because there are always used video game consoles (and games) to be found, both on online venues like eBay as well as thrift shops.

Most Popular Video Game Consoles as Best Items to Resell for Profit

1. Nintendo Switch – This popular console has consistently been in high demand since its release in 2017, making it a great option for reselling for profit.
2. Sony PlayStation 5 – The latest PlayStation console was released in 2020, and has been in high demand due to its advanced technology and exclusive game titles.
3. Microsoft Xbox Series X – Similar to the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X was also released in 2020 and has been in high demand.
4. Retro consoles – Consoles from previous generations, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) or the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), can be highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a high price when resold.
5. Limited edition consoles – Special edition or limited run consoles, such as the Nintendo GameCube with a transparent case or the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro with a custom design, can be highly valuable to collectors and can fetch a high price when resold.

It’s important to note that the reselling market is always changing, so it’s best to stay updated on the latest trends and releases in the video game industry in order to make the most profit.

5. Toys

Toys are easy to sell online and are good wholesale items to resell.

Parents are always looking for toys that are no longer being sold in stores to please their little ones, and they typically look online for such items.

Whether you search your local thrift store for toys, or garage sales, or search through online clearance stores like eBay or Amazon. The best place to look for toys to sell.

Alternatively, check out clearance items in places like Target or Walmart, or your favorite big box store. Also considering buying toys wholesale and then selling them.

Top suggestions for purchasing toys wholesale:

Toys are some of the best items to resell for profit. One of the best recommendations when looking to purchase toys wholesale is to research reputable online merchants who focus on doing so. By doing this, you can help ensure that you’re buying toys of high quality at reasonable prices. Additionally, it’s crucial to be aware of any applicable shipping fees and to fully comprehend their return policy in case you need to send anything back. The quality of the retailer’s goods and services can be determined by reading customer reviews of the stores.

6. Furniture Made of Solid Wood

Have you heard of making money flipping furniture? Good-quality chairs and tables carry a high resale value, especially if they’re made of solid wood.

Many of the pieces that are sold in furniture stores these days are either hollow or are made with sub-par wood material.

Any items made of solid wood carry a much higher price tag.

As such, consumers are often willing to buy solid wood pieces. You can find thrift store items at just about any thrift store. And if you sand them down and restain them, you can make them look like new and demand a higher resale price.

Find the Best Items to Resell for Profit with Top Amazon Seller Tools:

Read our post about FBA Amazon tools

7. Picture Frames

Frames for photos are always popular consumer items. And the more embellished, larger, and older frames tend to be the most valuable.

When looking for photo frames to flip for a profit, look for ones that are in relatively good condition. If necessary, you may want to touch them up.

Also, look for frames that already come with photos in them, as the frames themselves may be worth a pretty penny.

Just keep in mind that smaller frames will be easier to ship than larger ones.

8. Electronics remain some of the Best Items to Resell for Profit

Aside from video game consoles, other electronics are usually quite popular in the resale realm.

Consumers are always on the lookout for things like cameras, stereos, CD and DVD players, and even VHS players.

You’ll even find people looking to get their hands on classic Walkmans and portable CD players, which are selling for a mint on places like eBay.

These are the best electronics to resell

1. Smartphones – High-end smartphones, such as the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy, can fetch a high price when resold, especially if they are in good condition and unlocked.
2. Laptops – High-end laptops, such as those from Apple, Dell, and Lenovo, can be resold for a good profit, especially if they are in good condition and have high-end specifications.
3. Tablets – High-end tablets, such as the iPad Pro, can fetch a good price when resold, especially if they are in good condition and have high-end specifications.
4. Cameras – High-end digital cameras, such as those from Canon, Nikon, and Sony, can fetch a good price when resold, especially if they are in good condition and have high-end specifications.
5. Smartwatches – High-end smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, can fetch a good price when resold, especially if they are in good condition and have high-end specifications.

9. Pyrex Cookware and Bakeware

There’s a big demand for classic Pyrex cookware and bakeware, so if you can find any of these vintage items, you can make a good dollar when you sell online. You might have to do a little digging to find these pieces, but when you do, you should have no problem selling them quickly and for a decent profit. You may be able to buy low and sell high vintage Pyrex too!

10. Watches remain the best items to resell for profit

Finding used watches and fixing them up can be a great way to make some extra cash on the side.

All you need to do is polish them up and add a new battery if necessary to bring them back up to par. Just make sure that they still work before you buy anything.

Here’s a list of the best watches to sell

• Rolex watches, particularly vintage models, can command high prices on the resell market.
• Omega watches, particularly vintage models and those with unique or limited edition features, can also be profitable resell items.
• Patek Philippe watches are considered some of the most luxurious and sought-after watches in the world, making them a profitable resell option.
• Audemars Piguet watches, particularly limited edition models, can fetch high prices on the resell market.
• Panerai watches have dedicated following and limited production numbers, making them a profitable resell option.
• Tag Heuer watches are considered a luxury brand and can be profitable to resell, especially vintage models or limited edition releases.
• IWC watches are considered high-end watches and can fetch high prices on the resell market.
• Breitling watches are known for their precision and craftsmanship, making them a profitable resell option.
• Tudor watches, particularly vintage models, can be profitable to resell.
• Vacheron Constantin watches are considered some of the finest watches in the world and can fetch high prices on the resell market.

WatchBox is a great place to also sell your watches.

Take a look at this flipping watches video:

11. Brand Name Clothing – Are the Best Items to Resell for Profit

Everyone appreciates a well-known name in the world of fashion, and many people are willing to pay top dollar for such items. Poshmark and Mercari are sites that are known as a marketplace for selling clothing.

You should be able to find plenty of items with brand names on them from thrift stores and on clearance racks. While you might have to do plenty of digging to find something decent, it could be worth your while.

And if you’re able to find something that still has a tag on it, your profits can be even bigger.

Take a look at our posts for selling clothing for a profit.

Here are top suggestions for clothing that is well sought after

12. Antique Goods

There’s something about antiques that makes them highly appealing and attractive to people. Perhaps its the fact that antique items are no longer manufactured today, and this allure has people mesmerized. There’s certainly something nostalgic about antique goods.

Either way, many antiques – regardless of the type of items they are – tend to hold value, so you can realize decent profits if you’re able to find old products at thrift shops or garage sales.

13. Old Sewing Patterns

Remember shopping at the local fabric store with your mom while she picked out a handful of patterns to sew your next new outfit? Well, these vintage sewing patterns are still in demand these days, especially those that are at least 20 years old. You might be able to snag a few at yard sales for a couple of bucks, after which you can flip them at as much as five times the price!

Suggestions for what type of old sewing patterns to sell:

• Vintage sewing patterns from the 1920s to the 1960s can be profitable to resell as they are highly sought after by collectors and vintage clothing enthusiasts.
• Rare and unique patterns from high-end designers such as Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, and Balenciaga can fetch high prices on the resell market.
• Out-of-print patterns from well-known companies such as Vogue and Butterick can be profitable to resell.
• Patterns for vintage lingerie and nightwear can be profitable to resell as they are popular among vintage clothing enthusiasts.
• Patterns for vintage children’s clothing can be profitable to resell as they are popular among vintage clothing enthusiasts and parents looking for unique clothing options for their children.
• Patterns for vintage men’s clothing can be profitable to resell, as they are popular among vintage clothing enthusiasts and those interested in historical costumes.
• Patterns for vintage wedding gowns and bridal wear can be profitable to resell as they are popular among brides and those interested in historical costumes.
• Sewing patterns for vintage home decor such as draperies and bedspreads can be profitable to resell as they are popular among vintage home decor enthusiasts.
• Patterns for vintage dolls and doll clothing can be profitable to resell as they are popular among doll collectors and hobbyists.
• Patterns for vintage costumes and theatrical wear can be the best items to resell for profit as they are popular among performers, costume designers, and historical reenactors.

14. Tools

Take a look around your garage or shed and see if there are any tools lying around that haven’t been used in eons. You might think they’re worthless, but you’d be surprised at how many people would be interested. Sometimes they’ll use them as a whole tool, while other tools might be used for parts.

Otherwise, check out used and auction sites like eBay and free online classified sites like CraigsList for any tools that you think might be worth more than what they’ve been listed for. You can make a little extra cash selling common tools like hammers, saws, screwdrivers, or even powered tools like weed whackers and chainsaws.

Suggestions for types of tools as best items to return a profit:

• Professional-grade power tools from brands such as DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch can be profitable to resell as they are highly durable and sought-after by contractors and DIY enthusiasts.
• Vintage and antique hand tools such as planes, saws, and chisels can be profitable to resell as they are popular among woodworkers and collectors.
• Specialized tools such as automotive diagnostic equipment, welding equipment, and metalworking machinery can be profitable to resell as they are highly sought-after by professionals in those fields.
• Collectible and limited edition tools such as custom knives, limited edition multitools and other speciality tools can be profitable to resell.
• Construction equipment such as scaffolding, ladders, and heavy machinery can be profitable to resell as they are in high demand for construction and renovation projects.
• Industrial equipment such as pumps, generators, and compressors can be profitable to resell as they are in high demand for industrial and commercial projects.
• Quality gardening tools such as pruning saws, hedge trimmers, and cultivators can be profitable to resell as they are sought after by landscapers and gardening enthusiasts.
• Safety equipment such as hard hats, respirators, and safety goggles can be profitable to resell as they are essential for many types of work and DIY projects.
• Electronic measuring tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and laser levels can be profitable to resell as they are highly accurate and sought after by technicians and engineers.
• Professional kitchen equipment such as commercial-grade kitchen appliances, heavy-duty cookware, and specialized kitchen tools can be profitable to resell.

15. Bikes

People are always selling bikes. Often they were a novelty purchase that ends up sitting and collecting dust. You can find bargains on craigslist, garage sales, or Facebook Marketplace and turn and flip them at pretty nice profits.

Suggestions for types of bikes that return high profits to sell

• Vintage and antique bikes such as Schwinn, Raleigh, and Bianchi can be profitable to resell as they are popular among collectors and cycling enthusiasts.
• High-end road bikes from brands such as Trek, Specialized, and Giant can be profitable to resell as they are highly sought after by serious cyclists and triathletes.
• Mountain bikes from brands such as Yeti, Santa Cruz, and Ibis can be profitable to resell as they are highly sought after by off-road enthusiasts.
• Electric bikes from brands such as Rad Power Bikes, Super 73, and Juiced Bikes can be profitable to resell as they are becoming increasingly popular for commuting and recreational riding.
• Custom-built bikes from boutique builders can be profitable to resell as they are highly unique and sought after by cycling enthusiasts.
• BMX and freestyle bikes from brands such as Sunday, Redline, and Haro can be profitable to resell as they are popular among BMX riders and freestylers.
• Racing and track bikes from brands such as Cervelo, Pinarello, and Colnago can be profitable to resell as they are highly sought after by competitive cyclists.
• Cruiser and beach cruiser bikes from brands such as Electra, Schwinn, and Huffy can be profitable to resell as they are popular for leisure and recreational riding.
• Tandem bikes from brands such as Co-Motion, Santana, and Burley can be profitable to resell as they are popular among couples, families, and recreational riders.
• Folding bikes from brands such as Brompton, Tern, and Dahon can be profitable to resell as they are popular among urban commuters, travelers, and recreational riders.

Where to buy items to resell for profit

• Craigslist –Check out the free section. Believe it or not, you can find many things to flip. Often, people just don’t want to bother selling something so they just give it away. Aside from the free section, you can buy items and resell them. Tools, electronics, toys, furniture, and event tickets are popular things that can be bought and resold.
• Wholesale- Check out wholesale companies such asDollardays and find items you can buy in bulk and then sell individually.
• Amazon – Amazon has many sellers that are competing for your business. Search for low-priced items to resell.
• Flea Markets-You can find a variety of products at flea markets. Spend some time just going to these markets, documenting prices, and comparing them to prices you can sell online. You will quickly learn what products are in demand.
• Going Out of Business – When companies go out of business, you can often get large discounts. Take advantage of these sales.
• JCPenney / Kohls / TjMaxx-Often you can find bargains up to 90% off. For deep discounts, be sure to take advantage of their after-holiday clearance sales.
• Thrift Stores-Thrift store flipping is one of the best ways to turn a profit. You can find all kinds of products from sporting goods to electronics, to household items.
• Garage/Estate Sales –Don’t forget about those garage and estate sales. Get there early and find plenty of cheap items.
• Online arbitrage –Find products on discount websites and resell on Amazon. I have used Ben’s Bargains to find arbitrage products.

Now that you know which types of items might make a good source for buying and flipping, there are a few things you should know before you begin your side business in order to make sure it’s as profitable as it can be.

Check online first before buying in-store. If you’re looking for products in stores, make sure to compare how much a particular item is selling for on places like eBay or Amazon before you head to the cashier.

The price that’s listed on eBay will usually be rather accurate as far as what you can expect to sell your goods for (if in comparable condition).

Look for defects. If you’re buying used goods, odds are they won’t be in the same condition that they would be if you had bought them brand new. As such, make sure you assess each item very closely before buying and look for any markings that could affect what you could sell them for.

If there are any defects, make sure they’re fixable before you commit to buying.

Buy in higher-end stores. Clearance sections are always the best spots to look when shopping in stores.

Clearance items in a higher-end store will likely be of much better quality. Therefore, you can command higher selling prices than clearance items in a place like Walmart.

Shop on advertised deal days. Many stores designate one day every so often when they offer deals and discounts to shoppers.

Be sure to sign up for e-newsletters so you can stay in the loop about these upcoming deals and get even more of a discount when you buy. The lower the price tag, the bigger your profit margin.

Factor in shipping costs. If you are including shipping in your sale price, be sure to calculate how much these charges will be, as they will directly influence your profits.

Usually, larger, heavier items are pretty expensive to ship, so you might want to stick with smaller, lightweight items, at least when you’re first starting out.

Sure, you can always make a few extra dollars to help cover the cost of groceries, the electrical bill, or a monthly dinner out by flipping average products for a profit. As we’ve already mentioned, there are tons of items that you can easily find – even in your own home – that you can flip for cash.

We hope this ultimate list of Best Items to Resell for Profit brings you good luck! Let us know if you have found some amazing side hustle to sell for profit that we have missed.

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