Whether you’re digging through your attic or scrolling through a selling app, you might wonder: what are the best items to flip for profit? Flipping won’t make you rich overnight, but it can earn you real cash if you know what to spot. Whether you want a side hustle or extra money for a hobby, flipping is easier than ever. Thanks to online marketplaces, you can start with just a little cash and a keen eye. You don’t need tons of experience to turn small finds into money. So, what should you look for?
Here’s a clear guide to the best things to flip for profit, with tips from real people and practical advice to help you get going—no hype, just straightforward ideas.
Best Items to Flip for Profit
Flipping starts with picking the right product. Think of it as a mix of bargain hunting, basic repair (sometimes), and seeing value where others don’t. Here’s a breakdown of categories and examples that consistently put money in people’s pockets.
Electronics and Gadgets
Tech moves fast, but some brands barely lose value. Used iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Samsung Galaxy phones are prized for staying power. A well-kept MacBook can sell for over $1,000, while older iPhones regularly fetch a few hundred.
Other brands and even dusty gadgets like Nintendo consoles find buyers—parts and nostalgia go a long way. Use eBay, Craigslist, and Swappa to research going rates and move your items quickly. Broken screens? Those can sell for parts, too.
Collectibles and Vintage Items
From Pokemon cards to 80s action figures and vintage band tees, collectibles never go out of style. Trading cards, old video games, and even that faded Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy you found in a box can fetch surprising sums.
Vintage toys and retro clothing appeal to collectors and trendy shoppers alike. Always check authenticity marks and do a little price sleuthing. With rare finds, professional authentication can add real value.
Sports Memorabilia
Sports fans don’t mess around. Cards, autographs, championship rings, ticket stubs, vintage hats, jerseys, and bobbleheads always get attention on eBay. Buyers look for unique gifts or to relive past glories. Bonus: off-season is a smart time to scout deals before prices rise again.
Furniture and Home Décor
Old dressers, quirky chairs, or upcycled finds from the curb have profit potential. Vintage and mid-century styles are hot. Garage and estate sales, thrift stores, and even roadside freebies are goldmines. A weekend of sanding or a coat of chalk paint can turn sad furniture into bestsellers.
Seasonal home décor like Christmas ornaments, vintage Halloween items, or even unusual lamps also sell—especially on Facebook Marketplace.
Designer Apparel, Shoes, and Accessories
Everybody loves a deal on high-end brands. Look for gently-used designer clothing and accessories—Coach, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Michael Kors always move on platforms like Poshmark or The RealReal. Verify authenticity (serial numbers, labels, stitching) and focus on current styles or classic pieces.
Clearance Items
Retail clearance racks hide profit in plain sight. Limited editions, seasonal goods, and trendy brands often get marked down just enough to make flipping worth it. Amazon reselling is big here—buy at a steep discount, ship to an Amazon warehouse, and cash out when someone buys. Apps like BrickSeek or store websites help you track deals.
Sports and Exercise Equipment
Workout gear is big money for savvy flippers. Home gyms, weight benches, treadmills, or stationary bikes take up space and often get sold cheap. Clean, working bikes, golf clubs, hockey skates, or even skis are quick flips at the right time of year. Local selling apps save on shipping hassles.
Musical Instruments
Guitars, keyboards, and even brass or stringed instruments can be flipped with decent returns. Kids outgrow them, and adults lose interest. If it’s in tune and clean, there’s a buyer. Yard sales and pawn shops are classic spots to source inventory.
Power Tools
Tools don’t come cheap. Many buyers prefer top brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita but even older, well-made tools sell (especially if manuals or cases are included). Check local listings after big neighborhood projects wrap up. Most sellers just want them gone.
Baby and Kid Gear
Kids use stuff for such a short window, so parents are always searching for gently-used deals. Good options include strollers, car seats, high chairs, swings, toys, games, and even popular plush toys like Squishmallows. Kidizen is a great website for high-end baby items; general listings work well on Marketplace and Mercari.
Pro tip: Ask grandparents selling their grandkids’ barely-used gear—you’ll usually get great condition at a fair price.
Raw Land
With some cash upfront, flipping parcels of raw land offers surprising profit. Buy from motivated sellers and resell—either for cash or as owner-financed deals. It takes research, but those willing to do the homework can see significant returns.
Limited Edition Sneakers
Shoe resale is huge, mostly thanks to brands like Nike and Adidas intentionally releasing limited runs. Air Jordans, Yeezys, and collaborations can flip overnight for double or triple retail price. Track release calendars and use sneaker apps to source and verify sneakers.
Name Brand Shoes
You don’t have to chase hype to make money on shoes. Gently-used name-brand shoes (Nike, Adidas, Doc Martens, Birkenstock, etc.) resell easily online. Shoes are small, easy to clean, and shippable. Look for solid condition and classic styles—especially at yard sales or thrift stores.
Books
Despite rumors, books aren’t dead. Textbooks and hardcover non-fiction bring top dollar, while first editions and signed copies can be gold. Used bookstores are an option, but Amazon usually gets you the most eyes. Tools like the ScoutIQ app make scouting easy for serious sellers.
Vintage Clothing
Old Levi’s, band shirts, 90s windbreakers, and even grandma’s beaded cardigan are all in demand. Vintage clothing combines nostalgia, style, and sustainability. Depop, eBay, and even Instagram are filled with buyers. Just know, it can be time-intensive if you’re hunting for specific looks or brands.
VHS and Betamax Tapes
Some movies become instant collectibles—especially if sealed or rare. Iconic films like “Top Gun” or “Back to the Future” have sold for thousands. Look for unopened or cult classics at garage sales. Even worn tapes can sell, especially horror, anime, or hard-to-find titles.
Video Games
Sealed 80s and 90s cartridges like Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda can reach six figures, but even common but working retro games fetch a healthy price. Newer games or consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) also see strong resale value when in good condition.
Vehicles
Flipping cars takes a bigger investment, but a few smart buys a year can add up fast. Find undervalued cars, make basic repairs, and resell. Know your state’s legal limits for unlicensed sales first. Good negotiation skills help, as does basic knowledge of how cars work.
Collectible Jewelry
Designer and vintage jewelry from brands like Trifari or Monet sells well—especially Bakelite bracelets or intricate costume pieces. Vintage jewelry stores easily on Etsy and eBay. Selling in lots can boost buyer interest, and lightweight items mean cheap shipping.
Commercial Equipment
Oddball flips like pizza ovens, riding lawnmowers, or insulation blowers can return hefty profits. Most sellers want large items gone fast, and buyers hunt for deals on used models. Local classifieds and auctions are the best hunting grounds. Be ready for heavy lifting.
Rare or Retro T-Shirts
Band shirts, sports jerseys from the 80s or 90s, and rare event tees carry strong nostalgia. These items connect to identity and memories—people happily pay top dollar for unique pieces with history and cool graphics.
Board Games
Vintage and out-of-print board games are in steady demand. People search for childhood favorites or replacements for lost pieces. eBay is the best bet, but garage sales are prime sourcing territory.
Vintage Sets or Collections
Grouping similar vintage items—like pins, action figures, or china—adds value, especially for collectors who want to complete a set fast. Items from major brands like Disney, Barbie, Star Wars, or Tiffany & Co. can reach impressive numbers when offered together.
Scrap Metal
Old appliances, tools, and even fencing can be turned into cash at scrap yards. Copper, brass, and aluminum command the best rates. Many flippers get inventory for free by scoping out Craigslist or asking local businesses. Don’t expect big money quickly, but it adds up for little effort.
Domain Names
No inventory, just digital savvy. Savvy flippers buy domain names for cheap and sell them for hundreds or thousands to businesses or marketers. It’s a numbers game, though—only a small fraction sell after sitting for months or years.
Websites
Buy existing websites, spruce them up (improve traffic or monetization), then sell for a profit. Sites often sell for 20 to 40 times monthly earnings. Platforms like Flippa or Empire Flippers are modern hubs for this side business.
Stocks and Options
If you’re savvy with numbers and risk, buying and selling stocks or options can work like flipping. It’s not for everyone—research is key, and losses are part of the game. Try paper trading with dummy accounts before risking real cash.
Appliances
Washer, dryer, fridge, oven—these clunky appliances are expensive new, so buyers want to save big on used ones. Sellers usually just want them gone. If you have a way to transport them, you can clean up in this niche. Craigslist is appliance central.
Trading Cards
Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and sports cards are the powerhouses here. The pandemic supercharged this market. Rarity, condition, and editions matter most. Some flippers have gone from $100 worth of cards to several grand in a few months.
Fruit
Seasonal produce can turn quick profits. Buy peaches or local fruit direct and sell at roadside stands. Sellers like Shannon Houchin have flipped $300 of peaches into $1,000 weekends. Works well for folks who enjoy face-to-face selling.
Cassette Tapes (1980s/1990s)
Demand comes from both nostalgia and music collectors. Bands like Metallica, Nirvana, and N.W.A fetch top dollar on original tapes. Classic albums, promos, and tour editions are especially valued. You’ll find them cheap at thrift stores, but sealed ones can sell for over $100.
Old Camera Lenses (Manual, Vintage Brands)
Photography buffs pay well for old manual-focus lenses, especially Pentax, Minolta, Canon FD, or Leica. Estate sales and pawn shops hide forgotten gems—sometimes a $20 lens flips for $100 or more. Look for clean optics and minimal wear.
Digital Pet Devices (Giga Pets, Tamagotchis)
If you ever fed a pixel pet, you know the drill. Working Tamagotchis and Giga Pets—especially original or special editions—are collectibles now. Limited runs can land you $50 to $300 per device. Selling them in lots then breaking them up can yield extra profit.
Replica Props from Movies/TV Shows
Replica lightsabers, wands, or other movie props bring in big money from collectors. Discontinued or limited releases get scooped up fast. Facebook groups, eBay, and conventions are hotbeds for deals and buyers.
High-End Dog Gear
Premium harnesses, beds, and carriers from brands like Maxbone or Ruffwear fetch a premium on resale. Pet owners spend freely if they trust the brand and quality. Clean and photograph gear well—buyers expect like-new condition.
Vintage Restaurant Menus & Fast Food Toys
Menus from closed restaurants or vintage airline and cruise liners are quirky but valuable. Combine these with fast food collectibles (Happy Meal toys, promo items) for steady profits in nostalgic circles. Lightweight items make shipping cheap, too.
Retired LEGO Sets (or Rare Mini-Figs)
LEGO is almost its own currency. Retired sets, especially from Star Wars or Harry Potter lines, climb in value fast. Sometimes a $10 thrift store find flips for $100+. Mini-figures can be even more lucrative if rare or discontinued.
Niche Cookware (Le Creuset, Dansk, Descoware)
Colorful, vintage cookware from brands like Le Creuset is always in demand. Retro finishes or limited editions do especially well. People love the mix of function and nostalgia. Look for estate sales, thrift shops, and photograph your finds for best results.
Vintage Hotel Ashtrays or Branded Glassware
Hotel-branded ashtrays and retro drinkware appeal to both collectors and decorators. Airlines, casinos, and airports used to stamp their brand on glassware and accessories—now those items bring $40–$80+ per piece online.
Obsolete Software Boxes (Old Windows, Adobe Suites)
Collectors and tech nerds long for vintage software in its original box. Windows 95, early Adobe, or even pre-internet Mac software can go for hundreds—especially if sealed or complete with manuals.
Where to Sell Your Items
Once you’ve sourced inventory, it’s time to cash out. Here are some favorite platforms, each with its pros and quirks:
- eBay: The classic choice, offering a massive audience. Expect seller fees.
- Facebook Marketplace: Local reach, no selling fees, and cash deals. Good for big or heavy items.
- OfferUp: Local-first app with free in-person transactions.
- Craigslist: Still strong for local sales and big-ticket items.
- Mercari: App-based, simple listing process, nationwide buyers. Flat 10% fee.
- Poshmark: Fashion, shoes, and home goods. Known for style-focused shoppers.
- VarageSale: Local sales with a tighter community vibe.
- Specialty markets: Etsy for vintage, Autotrader for cars, forums for niche collectibles.
Choose based on what you’re selling, how quickly you want to sell, and your comfort with shipping or face-to-face transactions.
Flipping 101
You don’t need cash to start flipping. Your first “inventory” often lurks in your own closets, attic, or garage. Clean out unused gadgets, books, or clothes and list them—consider it training with zero risk.
After that, explore these sources for free inventory:
- Craigslist Free section
- Facebook Marketplace
- Freecycle
- Curbside finds and junkyards
Friends and family are also a good tap for free stuff. Many folks happily pass off things for you to sell; it’s a win-win—they declutter, you profit.
Side note: Junk removal is itself a profitable side hustle. You might even get paid to pick up unwanted items, some of which can be resold.
Flipping isn’t Luck—it’s a Learned Skill.
Flipping isn’t about luck; it’s something you learn. Start with what you have or can find for free. Learn as you go and watch what sells best in your market. Electronics, collectibles, sports gear, and vintage items often sell well, but unique finds matter too.
Pay attention to condition, authenticity, and demand. Use online sites with good photos and honest descriptions. With steady effort, flipping can grow from spare change into a side hustle or even a small business—all while clearing out your space. Enjoy flipping!
