15 Easy Items to Flip for Beginners: Your First Profitable Flips in 2026

Your first flip matters more than you think. Not because of the money—you might make $12 or $40—but because it proves the concept works. You buy something cheap, sell it for more, and pocket the difference. Once you see that first profit hit your account, the hesitation disappears and the machine starts running.

The problem? Most beginners pick the wrong items to start with. They see a YouTube video about someone flipping a $3 vintage lamp for $200 and head straight to the thrift store looking for miracles. Then they come home with a pile of random stuff they can’t identify, can’t price, and can’t sell. Two weeks later, it’s all sitting in their garage collecting dust.

That’s not how you build momentum.

The items on this list were selected specifically for first-time flippers. Every single one meets these criteria: easy to find, easy to evaluate (no expertise needed), easy to photograph, easy to ship, and proven demand in 2026. These aren’t lottery tickets—they’re consistent, repeatable money-makers.

You don’t need $500 in startup capital. Grab $20-50, hit a thrift store or garage sale this weekend, and come home with 3-5 of these items. By next week, you’ll have your first sales. If you’re completely new to reselling, our ultimate beginner’s guide to starting a reselling business walks you through the complete setup process.

Before buying anything, run the numbers through our flip profit calculator to make sure the deal actually works after fees and shipping.

How We Evaluated These Items

Every item on this list was scored across five factors:

Each item gets a Difficulty Rating from 1-5 (1 = anyone can do this, 5 = requires significant knowledge). Every item on this list rates 1-3. We also include typical time to sell, best platform, and real dollar examples.

For more in-depth category analysis, check out our complete guide on the best things to flip for profit in 2026.

1. Board Games (Complete)

Difficulty Rating: 1/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-21 days | Best Platform: eBay, Mercari

Board games are the perfect first flip. They’re everywhere, they’re cheap, and buyers pay surprisingly well for complete sets.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($1-4), garage sales ($0.50-2), Goodwill Outlet bins ($0.50/lb). They’re in the toy aisle of every Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Savers location in America.

What to pay: $1-5 per game at thrift stores; $0.25-$2 at garage sales.

What they sell for: $15-60+ depending on the game. Strategy games (Catan, Ticket to Ride, Azul) and discontinued games (HeroQuest, Fireball Island, older editions of Trivial Pursuit) command the highest prices. Even mainstream games like Monopoly special editions sell for $15-25.

The key: Check that all pieces are included. Open the box, verify components against the included checklist (most games have one inside the lid or on the back). A complete game in good condition sells for 3-10x what you’ll pay. An incomplete game is worth almost nothing.

Real example: Bought a complete copy of Settlers of Catan at Goodwill for $3.99. Sold on eBay for $28 + shipping. After fees (~$4.05) and shipping ($7.50 USPS Media Mail doesn’t apply to games—used Priority Flat Rate for $10.20): profit of $10.75. Not life-changing, but it took 8 minutes to list and sold in 5 days.

💡 Pro Tip: Look up unfamiliar game titles on eBay sold listings before buying. Some obscure strategy games sell for $80-150+. Use our eBay sold link generator to check sold prices in seconds.

2. Cast Iron Skillets

Difficulty Rating: 2/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-14 days | Best Platform: eBay, Facebook Marketplace

Cast iron is practically indestructible, which means thrift stores are loaded with it. Even rusty, gunked-up skillets can be restored to like-new condition.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($3-8), estate sales ($2-10), garage sales ($1-5). Check the kitchenware section—cast iron is heavy, so it’s usually on a bottom shelf.

What to pay: $2-8 for modern brands (Lodge); $5-15 for vintage (Griswold, Wagner, unmarked).

What they sell for: Modern Lodge 10" skillet: $20-30. Vintage Griswold #8: $60-150+. Vintage Wagner #5-8: $40-80. Even no-name vintage cast iron with a smooth cooking surface sells for $25-40.

Evaluation cheat sheet: Flip the skillet over. Look for brand markings on the bottom. “Griswold” or “Wagner” = potential big money. Any skillet with a smooth (not pebbly) cooking surface is likely pre-1960s and commands a premium. Modern Lodge has a rougher, pebbly texture.

Real example: Bought a Wagner Ware #8 skillet at an estate sale for $5. It was caked in grease but structurally perfect. Cleaned it with oven cleaner and re-seasoned it (30 minutes of actual work, mostly waiting). Sold on eBay for $65. After fees ($8.91) and shipping ($15.05 Priority Mail): profit of $36.04.

For a full restoration walkthrough, see our guide on how to clean and restore items for resale.

3. Coffee Makers & Espresso Machines

Difficulty Rating: 2/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 5-14 days | Best Platform: eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace

People get coffee makers as gifts, use them for two months, and donate them. Thrift stores always have a wall of them. Mid-range and premium brands sell fast.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($4-12), estate sales ($5-15), Facebook Marketplace (people getting rid of extras: $5-20).

What to pay: $3-12 at thrift. Focus on brands: Keurig, Nespresso, Breville, De’Longhi, Cuisinart. Skip generic Mr. Coffee-type drip machines unless they’re new-in-box.

What they sell for: Keurig K-Cup models: $25-50. Nespresso Vertuo: $50-90. Breville Barista Express: $150-300. De’Longhi espresso machines: $40-120.

How to evaluate: Plug it in at the store if possible (many thrift stores have test outlets). Check that the water reservoir is intact, no cracks, and all removable parts are present. Missing parts (like the K-Cup holder for Keurigs) are cheap to buy on Amazon ($8-12), so minor missing components aren’t deal-breakers.

Real example: Bought a Nespresso VertuoPlus at Goodwill for $8.99. Tested it, worked perfectly, just needed descaling. Listed on Mercari for $65. Sold at $55 after a negotiated offer. After fees ($7.60) and shipping ($13.99 via FedEx): profit of $24.42.

💡 Pro Tip: Espresso machines from premium brands (Breville, De’Longhi, Jura) are high-value targets. A Breville Barista Express that needs a $15 part can still sell for $180+ as “for parts/repair” on eBay. Always check what broken ones sell for before passing.

4. Brand-Name Athletic Clothing

Difficulty Rating: 1/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-21 days | Best Platform: Poshmark, Mercari, eBay

Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, Under Armour, Patagonia. These brands have massive secondhand demand and they’re the easiest items to find at any thrift store.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($3-8), Goodwill Outlet bins ($1-2/lb), garage sales ($1-5), clearance racks at department stores for retail arbitrage.

What to pay: $3-8 per piece at thrift stores. Lululemon is the crown jewel—look for it mixed in with regular athletic wear.

What they sell for: Nike Dri-Fit shirts: $15-25. Lululemon leggings: $35-65. Patagonia fleeces: $40-80. Adidas track jackets: $20-40. Under Armour hoodies: $18-30.

What makes it easy: You don’t need fashion expertise. Just look for the brand label, check for stains/holes, and confirm the size. If it’s a recognizable brand in good condition, it sells.

Real example: Bought a Lululemon Align tank top at Savers for $5.99. Perfect condition, still had size dot inside. Listed on Poshmark for $42. Sold at full price within 4 days. After Poshmark’s 20% fee ($8.40): profit of $27.61.

Check the brand resale value index before shopping to know exactly which athletic brands give you the best return. For a deeper category dive, see our guide on what to sell to make money as a beginner.

5. Textbooks

Difficulty Rating: 1/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 3-14 days (seasonal) | Best Platform: eBay, Amazon

Textbooks are one of the fastest flips in reselling, especially during back-to-school season (August-September and January). Even outside those peak windows, STEM and business textbooks sell year-round.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($1-4), library sales ($0.50-2), college move-out events (free-$2), estate sales ($1-3).

What to pay: $0.50-5 per book.

What they sell for: Recent edition college textbooks: $25-120+. Lab manuals: $15-40. NCLEX/MCAT/LSAT prep books: $20-60. Even older editions of popular textbooks sell for $15-30.

How to evaluate: Scan the ISBN barcode with the Amazon Seller app, eBay app, or a book-scanning app. It takes 3 seconds to see what it’s selling for. The edition matters—current and one-edition-back sell well. Three editions old is usually worthless.

Real example: Found a Campbell Biology 12th Edition at a library sale for $2. Current retail: $180. Sold on eBay for $72. After fees ($9.84) and shipping ($5.50 USPS Media Mail): profit of $54.66.

💡 Pro Tip: USPS Media Mail is your best friend for books. It costs $3.49-$6 for most books regardless of weight. That’s a huge shipping advantage over other item categories. Learn more in our shipping guide for resellers.

6. Vintage Pyrex

Difficulty Rating: 2/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-21 days | Best Platform: eBay, Mercari

Pyrex has a massive collector community, and thrift stores are one of the last places to find pieces at reasonable prices. The colored and patterned mixing bowls from the 1950s-1980s command serious money.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($2-8), estate sales ($3-15), garage sales ($1-5), Goodwill Outlet bins.

What to pay: $2-8 per piece at thrift stores.

What they sell for: Primary Colors mixing bowl set (complete): $80-150+. Butterprint (“Amish”) pieces: $25-60 each. Pyrex Starburst casserole dish with lid: $40-80. Even common Pyrex clear baking dishes sell for $8-15.

What to look for: Colored mixing bowls (not just clear), patterns on the outside, matching lids. The most valuable patterns include Butterprint, Gooseberry, Lucky in Love, Pink Daisy, and any promotional patterns. Look for chips—chipped pieces lose 50-70% of their value.

Real example: Bought a set of 3 Pyrex Primary Colors nesting bowls at an estate sale for $12 total. No chips, vibrant colors. Listed the set on eBay for $95. Sold within 10 days at $85 (accepted offer). After fees ($11.56) and shipping ($18.50 Priority Mail—they’re heavy): profit of $42.94.

Use the condition grade impact calculator to see how chips, fading, and wear affect Pyrex values.

7. LEGO Sets

Difficulty Rating: 2/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 3-14 days | Best Platform: eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace

LEGO has one of the most consistent resale markets in existence. Complete sets, retired sets, and even bulk loose LEGO by the pound all sell reliably.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($3-10 per set or bulk bag), garage sales ($2-10), estate sales, and clearance at Target/Walmart for retail arbitrage.

What to pay: $3-10 at thrift (complete boxed sets are goldmines). Bulk LEGO bags: $3-8 per pound at thrift.

What they sell for: Retired Star Wars sets: $50-500+. Architecture sets: $40-120. City/Creator sets: $25-80. Bulk LEGO: $8-12/lb on eBay. Even incomplete sets sell—LEGO fans buy them to merge with their collections.

How to evaluate: Look for retired sets—Google the set number (printed on the box) and check eBay sold listings. Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Architecture themes consistently hold the highest value. Sealed/unopened sets are worth 2-5x what open complete sets sell for.

Real example: Found a LEGO Creator Expert Bonsai Tree (#10281) complete with instructions at a garage sale for $8. Retail was $49.99, it’s since been retired. Sold on eBay for $55. After fees ($7.59) and shipping ($11.50): profit of $27.91.

💡 Pro Tip: Check local Facebook Marketplace for parents selling kids’ LEGO collections. You can often buy 10-20 lbs of mixed LEGO for $30-50, sort it, identify sets, and sell individual sets for 3-5x what you paid. See our guide on sourcing inventory for reselling for more sourcing channels.

8. Name-Brand Shoes

Difficulty Rating: 2/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-21 days | Best Platform: eBay, Poshmark, Mercari

Shoes are one of the best categories for beginners because they’re easy to evaluate (brand + condition + size = price), easy to photograph, and ship in a standard box.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($5-12), Goodwill Outlet bins ($1-3), Nike/Adidas outlet clearance racks, estate sales.

What to pay: $4-12 at thrift stores. Focus on: Nike (especially Air Max, Dunks, Jordans), Adidas (Ultraboost, Stan Smith), New Balance (550, 990 series), Brooks, HOKA, Birkenstock.

What they sell for: Nike Air Max 90 (good condition): $45-75. Birkenstock Arizona: $35-60. Brooks Ghost used: $30-50. Jordan retros (depends on model): $60-200+. HOKA Clifton/Bondi used: $40-65.

What to check: Sole wear (buyers want tread left), no major creasing or toe box damage, clean uppers, and no unpleasant odor. A quick clean with shoe wipes and new laces can add $10-15 to the sale price.

Real example: Bought a pair of Nike Air Force 1 Lows at a thrift store for $7.99. White, men’s size 11, moderate wear but no major flaws. Cleaned with Jason Markk, replaced laces ($3). Listed on eBay for $48. Sold for $42 (accepted offer). After fees ($5.87) and shipping ($12.50): profit of $12.64.

Use the retail arbitrage sourcing checklist when shopping clearance racks at outlet stores for brand-new shoes at flip-worthy prices.

9. Small Kitchen Electronics

Difficulty Rating: 2/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 5-10 days | Best Platform: eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace

Instant Pots, air fryers, food processors, stand mixers, blenders. These are perpetually donated, perpetually in demand.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($5-15), estate sales ($5-20), Facebook Marketplace ($10-25).

What to pay: $4-15 at thrift. KitchenAid stand mixers are the holy grail—they run $15-25 at thrift stores when you find them.

What they sell for: KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer: $120-250 (depending on model/color). Vitamix blenders: $80-180. Instant Pot (6-qt): $25-45. Ninja Foodi air fryer: $35-60. Cuisinart food processor: $30-55.

How to evaluate: Test it if possible. Check for missing parts—blender lids, food processor blades, mixer attachments. Missing a paddle attachment for a KitchenAid? Not a deal-breaker—buyers can replace those cheaply. Missing the bowl? That’s harder (bowls cost $40+).

Real example: Found a KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer in Empire Red at Goodwill for $19.99. Tested, worked perfectly. All attachments included. Listed on eBay for $175. Sold at $160 (accepted offer). After fees ($21.52) and shipping ($22.00 FedEx Ground): profit of $96.48.

💡 Pro Tip: KitchenAid mixers in unusual colors (Pistachio, Aqua Sky, Cranberry) sell for $20-50 more than standard black/white/silver. Color matters to KitchenAid buyers.

10. Sporting Goods

Difficulty Rating: 2/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-21 days | Best Platform: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari

Golf clubs, tennis rackets, baseball gloves, yoga mats, dumbbells, camping gear. Sporting goods are bulkier than some categories but offer strong margins.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($3-15), garage sales ($2-10), estate sales, Play It Again Sports (for below-market deals on specific items), Facebook Marketplace.

What to pay: Golf clubs: $3-10 per club at thrift. Tennis rackets: $3-8. Baseball gloves: $3-10. Dumbbells: $0.25-0.50/lb at garage sales.

What they sell for: Titleist drivers: $50-150. Wilson tennis rackets: $25-55. Rawlings Heart of the Hide gloves: $80-150. Adjustable dumbbells (Bowflex): $100-200. Yeti coolers: $80-180.

Best strategy: Focus on premium brands in each sport. In golf: Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping. In tennis: Wilson, Babolat, Head. In baseball: Rawlings, Wilson A2000. Brand recognition makes selling easy—you don’t need to be a golfer to know Titleist clubs are valuable.

Real example: Bought a Callaway Mavrik driver at a garage sale for $12 (the seller didn’t golf anymore). Good condition, minor wear on the face. Sold on eBay for $95. After fees ($12.89) and shipping ($16.00): profit of $54.11.

For seasonal pricing insights on sporting goods, use the best time to list calendar—golf clubs peak in spring, skiing gear in fall, and fitness equipment every January.

11. Video Game Controllers & Accessories

Difficulty Rating: 1/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 3-10 days | Best Platform: eBay, Mercari

Controllers are one of the fastest-selling items in reselling. They’re small, easy to ship, and gamers constantly need replacement controllers. Wireless controllers for current-gen systems fly off the shelves.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($2-6), garage sales ($1-5), pawn shops ($5-10), Goodwill Outlet bins ($1-2).

What to pay: $2-8 per controller at thrift. PS5 DualSense: $8-15 at thrift (sells for $40-55). Xbox Series wireless: $8-12 at thrift (sells for $35-50). Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: $10-15 at thrift (sells for $40-55).

What they sell for: PS5 DualSense (working): $40-55. Xbox Series controller: $35-50. Nintendo Switch Pro: $40-55. Retro controllers (N64, GameCube, SNES): $20-45 each. Even non-working controllers sell for $10-15 “for parts.”

How to evaluate: Check physical buttons (press every button, toggle the sticks). Check for stick drift on joysticks by opening the settings menu if possible. Cosmetic scratches barely affect value—functionality is everything.

Real example: Bought 3 PS5 DualSense controllers at a garage sale for $5 each ($15 total). All worked perfectly. Sold each on Mercari for $45. After fees ($6.22 each) and shipping ($5.50 each): profit of $28.28 each, $84.84 total.

12. Hardcover Non-Fiction Books (Specific Niches)

Difficulty Rating: 1/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-30 days | Best Platform: eBay, Amazon

Not all books are worth flipping, but specific niches consistently sell: business/investing, cookbooks from celebrity chefs, self-help bestsellers, art/photography coffee table books, and niche hobby guides.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($1-3), library sales ($0.50-2), estate sales ($1-3), Little Free Libraries (free—take one, leave one).

What to pay: $0.50-3 per book.

What they sell for: Dave Ramsey/finance books: $8-20. Pioneer Woman/Ina Garten cookbooks: $12-30. Photography coffee table books: $15-50+. Vintage craft/hobby books: $10-40. Business bestsellers (hardcover first editions): $15-45.

How to evaluate: Check the ISBN on Amazon or eBay. Focus on books with a sales rank under 500,000 on Amazon—that means consistent sales. Ignore romance novels, mass-market paperbacks, and outdated reference books.

Real example: Found “Atomic Habits” by James Clear in hardcover at a thrift store for $2. Perfect condition with dust jacket. Sold on eBay for $14. After fees ($2.16) and shipping ($3.49 Media Mail): profit of $6.35.

💡 Pro Tip: Library sales are a goldmine. Most libraries do quarterly sales where hardcovers are $1-2 each or “fill a bag for $5.” Arrive early, head straight for the business, cooking, and coffee table book sections. Read our thrift store flipping guide for more sourcing tips.

13. Vintage Band & Graphic T-Shirts

Difficulty Rating: 3/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-30 days | Best Platform: eBay, Depop, Grailed

This category has a slightly higher difficulty rating because valuations vary widely and knowledge helps—but recognizable band tees and pop culture graphics are still very approachable for beginners.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($2-5), Goodwill Outlet bins ($1-2), estate sales ($1-3).

What to pay: $2-5 per shirt at thrift.

What they sell for: 90s/2000s rock band tees (Nirvana, Metallica, AC/DC): $25-80+. Vintage sports tees (90s NBA, NFL with old logos): $20-50. Harley-Davidson tees: $20-45. Movie/TV graphic tees (Star Wars, vintage Disney): $15-40. Tie-dye and bootleg vintage: $15-35.

What to look for: Single-stitch stitching (indicates pre-1990s, adds significant value). Tags: Hanes Beefy-T, Screen Stars, Fruit of the Loom vintage tags. Faded, soft, “worn-in” feel is actually a positive for vintage tees. Check for holes, stains, and cracking on the graphic print.

Real example: Found a 1998 Metallica Reload tour tee at Goodwill for $3.99. Single-stitch, faded black, great vintage condition. Sold on eBay for $55 + shipping. After fees ($7.59) and shipping ($5.50 First Class): profit of $37.92.

Use the listing title optimizer for vintage tees—keywords like “vintage,” “single stitch,” era dates, tour names, and band names significantly boost search visibility and final sale prices.

14. Power Tools (Cordless)

Difficulty Rating: 3/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 3-10 days | Best Platform: eBay, Facebook Marketplace

Cordless power tools from premium brands sell fast and command strong prices. This category rates slightly higher in difficulty because you need to test them and evaluate battery condition.

Where to find them: Estate sales ($10-30), garage sales ($5-20), pawn shops ($15-30), Facebook Marketplace ($10-25).

What to pay: $5-25 for individual tools. Focus on: DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch. Skip Ryobi and Black & Decker—the margins are too thin.

What they sell for: DeWalt 20V drill (with battery/charger): $60-100. Milwaukee M18 impact driver: $70-130. Makita combo kits: $120-250. Even tool bodies alone (no battery) sell for $30-70 because pros already own the batteries.

How to evaluate: Does it power on? Does the chuck spin smoothly? Is the battery holding a charge? Even tools with dead batteries sell well as “bare tool” listings—construction workers and DIYers buy bare tools to use with their existing battery ecosystem.

Real example: Bought a DeWalt 20V MAX drill/driver combo at an estate sale for $20. Both tools worked, batteries held charge. Listed on eBay for $110. Sold for $95 (accepted offer). After fees ($12.89) and shipping ($15.50): profit of $46.61.

💡 Pro Tip: The batteries are often worth more than the tools. A single Milwaukee M18 5.0Ah battery sells for $50-70 on eBay. If you find tools with multiple batteries, consider selling batteries separately for higher total profit. Use the margin vs markup calculator to compare bundled vs. separate pricing.

15. Puzzles (1000+ Pieces, Complete)

Difficulty Rating: 1/5 | Avg. Time to Sell: 7-21 days | Best Platform: eBay, Mercari

This might be the most overlooked beginner flip. Jigsaw puzzles—especially 1000-piece and above—have a dedicated buyer base and they cost almost nothing at thrift stores.

Where to find them: Thrift stores ($1-3), garage sales ($0.50-2), estate sales ($1-2), library sales ($0.50-1).

What to pay: $1-3 per puzzle.

What they sell for: Ravensburger 1000-piece: $15-30. White Mountain puzzles: $12-25. Springbok vintage puzzles: $20-50. Charles Wysocki: $15-35. Wasgij puzzles: $18-30. Any 2000+ piece puzzle: $20-45.

The completeness challenge: The biggest risk is missing pieces. Some resellers weigh the puzzle (compare to known weight for that puzzle) or count pieces. A simpler approach: look for puzzles that are sealed or have “all pieces verified” written on the box by the previous owner. If you’re unsure, note “pieces not counted” in your listing—honest listings still sell, just at slightly lower prices.

Real example: Bought 5 Ravensburger 1000-piece puzzles at a garage sale for $1 each ($5 total). All were complete (seller had verified). Listed each on Mercari for $22. Sold all 5 within 3 weeks. After fees ($3.04 each) and shipping ($5.50 each): profit of $13.46 each, $67.30 total.

💡 Pro Tip: Puzzles are a great example of why volume matters. The per-item profit is modest ($10-15), but when you can buy them for $1 and sell 20 per month, that’s $200-300 in nearly effortless profit. Learn more about building volume in our guide on making your first $1,000 reselling.

Quick Reference Table: All 15 Items Compared

Before committing to any purchase, plug the numbers into the ROI calculator to make sure the profit margin works after platform fees, shipping, and your time.

Your First Weekend Action Plan

Here’s exactly what to do this weekend:

1. Pick 3-4 categories from this list that interest you
2. Hit 2-3 thrift stores with a $30 budget
3. Check sold prices on every item before buying (use the eBay app or our eBay sold link generator)
4. Buy 5-8 items that show clear profit after fees
5. List everything within 24 hours—don’t let it sit
6. Price competitively—use our fee calculator to know your exact take-home
7. Ship within 1 day of each sale

That’s it. No complicated business plan. No huge investment. Just buy low, sell high, and learn as you go. Within 2-3 weekends, you’ll know which categories work best for your area and your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to start flipping items?

You can start with as little as $20-30. Many of the items on this list cost $1-5 at thrift stores and garage sales. Start small, reinvest your profits into more inventory, and scale gradually. There’s no need to spend hundreds before you’ve proven the model works. Check out our beginner reselling guide for a full startup budget breakdown.

What’s the easiest item on this list for a complete beginner?

Board games and puzzles are the easiest starting point. They require zero expertise to evaluate (just verify completeness), they’re cheap ($1-3), they’re everywhere, and they sell consistently. Video game controllers are a close second—if it powers on and the buttons work, it sells.

Where is the best place to find items to flip?

Thrift stores are the most reliable and beginner-friendly sourcing spot. Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers, and Value Village carry all 15 categories on this list. Garage sales and estate sales offer lower prices but are less predictable. For a complete sourcing breakdown by channel, read our inventory sourcing guide.

Which platform should I sell on first?

Start with Mercari or eBay. Mercari is the simplest listing process—you can go from zero to first listing in under 10 minutes. eBay has the largest buyer base and works for virtually every category. For clothing specifically, add Poshmark. Use our platform fee comparison to see which platform keeps the most money in your pocket.

How do I know if an item is worth buying before I buy it?

Check sold prices, not listed prices. On eBay, filter by “Sold Items” to see actual sale prices. On Mercari, filter by “Sold.” If the item sells for 3x+ what you’d pay, and you can ship it for under 15% of the sale price, it’s likely a good buy. Our flip profit calculator does this math instantly.

How long does it take to sell items?

Most items on this list sell within 7-21 days when priced competitively. Electronics and controllers sell fastest (3-10 days). Clothing and niche items take longer (14-30 days). If an item hasn’t sold in 30 days, lower the price by 10-15% or relist with better photos and a stronger title.

Do I need to pay taxes on flipping income?

Yes, flipping income is taxable. In the U.S., platforms like eBay and Mercari report earnings over $600/year to the IRS via a 1099-K form. However, you can deduct expenses: inventory costs, shipping supplies, platform fees, mileage to source items, and more. Read our reseller tax deductions guide for the full breakdown.

How do I handle items that don’t sell?

First, reduce the price. If it still doesn’t sell after 30 days at a lower price, relist with new photos and a better title. If it still sits, cut your losses—donate it (tax deduction!) or lot it with similar items. The key is not to let unsold inventory pile up. See our guide on avoiding the death pile.

Is flipping items really profitable in 2026?

Absolutely, if you focus on the right items and manage your costs. The average profit per item on this list ranges from $10-80+. If you flip 15-20 items per month at an average profit of $20, that’s $300-400/month as a casual side hustle. Full-time resellers who scale to hundreds of items per month routinely earn $3,000-8,000+. Use the ROI calculator to verify profitability on every purchase.

Should I specialize in one category or sell everything?

Start broad, then specialize. Try 4-5 categories from this list for your first month. Track which ones give you the best ROI and fastest sell-through. After 30 days, double down on your top 2-3 categories. Specialization lets you build expertise, spot deals faster, and serve repeat buyers—but you need data first, not assumptions.

Start Your First Flip Today

Every reseller making $500, $2,000, or $10,000 a month started exactly where you are right now—with zero sales and zero experience. The only difference between them and someone who talked about reselling but never did it is they listed their first item.

Pick one item from this list. Go find it this weekend. List it. Sell it. Then do it again.

Before you head out, try Underpriced—the app gives you 10 free AI deal analyses. Snap a photo of any item at a thrift store or garage sale, and you’ll get instant profit projections, comparable sold prices, and platform recommendations. It takes 10 seconds and eliminates the guesswork that tanks most beginners’ first attempts.

Your first profitable flip is one weekend away. Go make it happen.