Guides › Reselling
Where to find items to resell
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Good reselling profit is mostly made when you buy. The trick is knowing where underpriced items turn up and checking what they actually sell for before you pay, right there in the aisle.
The main places to source
| Where | Why it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Your own home | Zero cost, zero risk, perfect for learning | Nothing, except getting attached to things |
| Thrift stores | Huge, constantly changing stock at low prices | Picked-over shelves; go often and learn restock days |
| Yard and garage sales | Sellers want things gone and often take offers | Early birds; bring small bills |
| Estate sales | Whole households, often with quality older items | Crowds on day one; prices often drop on the last day |
| Store clearance | New items, sometimes deeply discounted | Brands that restrict resale; check rules first |
| Facebook Marketplace and local listings | Bundles and "must go today" deals | Scams; meet in public and inspect before paying |
Check sold prices before you buy
On your phone, search eBay for the item and filter to sold items. If it sells regularly for well above what you'd pay after fees and shipping, it's a candidate. If you can't find sales, it may sit for months.
A quick rule many resellers use: only buy if you'd keep several times your cost after fees and shipping. Thin margins disappear fast once returns and slow sellers are counted.
Categories beginners often start with
- Clothing and shoes from known brands, in good condition and common sizes.
- Small electronics and accessories you can test on the spot.
- Kitchen, home, and decor from recognizable brands, especially complete sets.
- Toys, games, and collectibles, especially complete and in original packaging.
- Media like books and video games, which are easy to research by title, though fees are higher in some media categories.
What to skip
- Anything that might be counterfeit. Selling fakes can get your account suspended, even by accident.
- Recalled products. Check recalls at CPSC.gov for things like baby gear and toys.
- Heavy, bulky, or fragile items until you're comfortable with shipping costs and packing.
- "Hot" items everyone is flipping. Prices often crash by the time you list.
- Anything you can't test or verify. If you can't confirm it works, price it as "for parts" or pass.
Keep your receipts
What you paid for inventory affects your profit and your taxes. Keep receipts, or at least log the price and date of every buy. See side hustle taxes.
Quick answers
Where is the best place to find items to resell?
For beginners, your own home first, then thrift stores and yard sales, where prices are low and stock changes constantly. Always check recent sold prices on your phone before you buy.
How do I know if something is worth reselling?
Look up its recent sold prices, then subtract fees, shipping, and what you'd pay for it. If what's left is several times your cost, it's usually worth considering.
Is it legal to resell things I bought at a store?
Generally yes in the US, but some brands and marketplaces restrict reselling certain items, and selling counterfeits is never allowed. Check the marketplace's rules for the brand and category.
Selling on eBay?
See what you'd really keep from a sale
Enter the price, shipping, and what you paid. The calculator subtracts eBay's fees and your costs and shows your profit, plus the lowest price that still breaks even.