Making extra money doesn’t always mean getting another job. Plenty of people are turning their keen eye for deals into a profitable side business by buying and reselling items – also known as flipping. It’s a simple concept that can lead to serious profits when you know what to look for.
The trick is finding the right items that sell quickly and give you the best return on your investment. From vintage furniture to the latest electronics, there’s a whole world of profitable items just waiting to be flipped. Here are the most profitable items you can start flipping today to pad your wallet.
Furniture
Old dressers, tables, and chairs are gold mines waiting to happen. You can find these at yard sales and thrift stores for cheap, then transform them with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. People love unique furniture pieces with character, and they’re willing to pay good money for them. The best part is that you don’t need special skills to start – just basic tools and some elbow grease.
Video Game Consoles
Gaming systems, especially limited editions or discontinued models, can bring in substantial profits. You can find them at pawn shops, online marketplaces, or from people who don’t know their true value. Clean them up, ensure they’re working properly, and bundle them with popular games to increase their worth. The gaming community is always looking for specific models and willing to pay premium prices.
Name-Brand Clothes
Classic pieces from specific decades or designer brands can fetch high prices. Look for quality materials and unique designs at thrift stores and yard sales. Vintage band t-shirts, leather jackets, and designer pieces are especially valuable. Knowledge of fashion eras and brands is crucial for success in this category.
Designer Handbags
High-end bags from brands like Coach, Michael Kors, and Louis Vuitton can bring impressive returns. Scout for authentic pieces at thrift stores, consignment shops, or online marketplaces where sellers might not know the true value. Clean them up, take professional photos, and list them during peak shopping seasons. Women are always searching for designer bags at better prices.
Books
Textbooks and rare editions can bring unexpected profits. Check thrift stores, library sales, and yard sales for valuable titles. First editions, out-of-print books, and current textbooks are especially profitable. The key is learning which editions and subjects command the highest prices and having a good eye for condition.
Bicycles
Bikes are perfect for flipping because they’re easy to fix and always in demand. Find bikes that need minor repairs like new tires or tune-ups. Many people abandon perfectly good bikes because of simple problems. After basic repairs and cleaning, you can sell them for much more than your total investment.
Phones and Electronics
Last year’s iPhone models still have value. Buy phones with cracked screens, fix them up, and flip them. Just make sure you know how to spot fakes and check if devices are locked. Old stereos, record players, and radios from specific decades are highly sought after. Many people throw these away or sell them cheap because they think they’re outdated.
Vinyl Records
Classic albums and rare pressings can sell for surprising amounts. Check yard sales, flea markets, and thrift stores for valuable records. Many people don’t realize the worth of their old vinyl collections. Research which albums and pressings are most valuable to maximize your profits.
Musical Instruments
Quality instruments hold their value exceptionally well. Search for instruments at estate sales, pawn shops, or from parents whose kids have given up music lessons. Even damaged instruments can be profitable if you know a good repair person. The key is verifying authenticity and condition before buying.
Sports Equipment
Fitness gear and sports equipment can bring great returns, especially during peak seasons. Look for quality items at moving sales or from people giving up their fitness goals. Golf clubs, exercise machines, and brand-name athletic gear are particularly profitable. Timing your sales with New Year’s resolutions or summer outdoor activities can maximize profits.
Car Parts
Specific auto parts, especially for popular or classic models, can bring good profits. Search for parts at salvage yards or buy damaged vehicles to part out. Many people need replacement parts but want to avoid dealer prices. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are particularly valuable.
Children’s Toys
Popular toys, especially discontinued or limited edition items, can bring excellent returns. Look for brand names like LEGO, American Girl, and Disney at yard sales and thrift stores. Many parents sell barely used toys at deep discounts. Seasonal timing and proper cleaning are crucial for maximum profits.
Home Decor
Trendy decorative items, especially vintage or unique pieces, sell quickly. Scout for interesting items at estate sales and flea markets. Items that fit current design trends like mid-century modern or farmhouse styles are particularly profitable. Staging and photography are important for selling these items.
Vintage Signs
Old metal signs, especially advertising ones, can be worth lots. Gas station, soda, and beer signs are particularly valuable. Porcelain enamel signs from the 1920s and 1930s often fetch thousands of dollars at auctions. The condition of a vintage sign greatly impacts its market value. Some rare automotive signs have sold for over $100,000 to passionate collectors.
Watches
Quality timepieces, especially from recognized brands, maintain their value well. Search for watches at pawn shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces. Many people inherit watches without knowing their worth. Authentication and proper cleaning can significantly increase resale value.
Trading Cards
Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, and sports cards can be worth serious money. Learn to spot fakes and know which editions are valuable. The most valuable cards typically come from first editions, feature popular characters or players, and are in near-perfect condition. Limited print runs and tournament-legal cards from early Magic sets maintain particularly high values among serious collectors.
Cameras
Old film cameras are trendy again. Some vintage models sell for hundreds more than you’ll pay at thrift stores. Classic Leica rangefinders from the 1950s and ’60s are especially valuable. Rare limited-edition Polaroid cameras can bring surprising returns when found at yard sales. Japanese brands like Canon and Nikon from the 1970s remain highly desirable for both collectors and photographers who still shoot film.
Antique Glassware
Pyrex bowls, vintage Corningware, and depression glass pieces are collector favorites. Research patterns and marks to spot valuable pieces. Early pink Pyrex pieces from the 1950s are particularly sought after by serious collectors. Depression glass in unusual colors like tangerine or lavender commands premium prices.
15 Smart Money Moves To Make In Your 40s
15 Smart Money Moves To Make In Your 40s
13 Valuable Money Lessons You Learn Growing Up Poor
13 Valuable Money Lessons You Learn Growing Up Poor
21 Odd Laws From Around The World That Still Exist Today
