Flipping items online has become one of the most reliable ways to earn extra income and many sellers scale it into a thriving business. The concept is simple: buy products at a lower price and sell them at a higher one. But success depends on knowing the best items to flip. Certain products consistently sell fast and deliver strong margins, while others carry risks such as oversaturation, low desirability, or high shipping costs.
This guide breaks down the best items to flip for profit, why flipping works, practical selling tips, challenges to watch for, and how Vendoo can help you grow your flipping business.
Flipping works because it leverages inefficiencies in pricing and availability. Many people undervalue items when donating, selling at yard sales, or clearing out storage. Many people simply don’t have the time to sell things online. Resellers who recognize market demand can purchase these items at low cost and resell them for profit.
Online marketplaces make this even easier. Platforms like eBay have global reach, while Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist tap into local buyers who want quick pick-ups. Niche marketplaces like Poshmark and Depop cater to specific categories, such as clothing and vintage, where resale demand is high.
Research and timing are central to success. Product trends and seasonal fluctuations affect demand, and markets can become flooded with certain categories. Successful flippers know when to list, what to list, where to list, and when to diversify.
Some items consistently deliver higher returns because they are in demand, easy to source, or offer excellent resale margins. Below, we break down 35 of the best items to flip for profit, covering why each product is worth considering, where it sells best, what type of profit you can expect, and practical tips to maximize success.
This list is designed to help you focus on categories that are proven, reliable, and scalable for both new and experienced flippers.
Sneakers have one of the strongest resale markets thanks to hype culture, limited releases, and constant demand. Collectors and casual buyers alike pay premiums for popular brands and collaborations.
Hoka is a top-selling sneaker brand online.
Photo courtesy of Fashion Phile
Luxury handbags are timeless investments that rarely lose value. In fact, many increase in value over time. When authenticated and cared for, they can generate significant resale profits.
Some vintage dresses from FourLimes on Poshmark.
In the resale world, vintage refers to anything that is at least twenty years old. Vintage clothing is sought after globally. Trends cycle back quickly, and vintage styles are more popular than ever. Nostalgia, sustainability, and uniqueness make vintage clothing highly popular.
Photo Source: Field & Stream
DIY culture and home renovation projects keep power tools in demand. Many buyers prefer quality used tools over expensive new ones, especially when they’re only needed for a specific project.
Pictured are gaming consoles, including an Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PS5. Photo by NBC.
Gaming consoles (and also games), especially hard-to-find models, attract buyers of all ages.
Photo Source: New Atlas
Smartphones retain value because upgrades happen so often. Even older models have strong resale demand in secondary markets. Everyone needs a phone!
💡Tip: Use listing videos to show that phones are working and unlocked.
Image of luxury watches by IFL watches.
Watches appeal to collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and professionals. Limited editions and luxury brands often appreciate in value.
The rising focus on health, sustainability, and commuting keeps bikes in high demand. Seasonal trends make them a reliable category. Bikes are easy to find at yard sales and thrift stores and can yield a great profit.
Photo Source: Motherly
Parents constantly search for affordable, gently used baby items. Since babies outgrow things quickly, demand never slows down.
Photo from the DIY Furniture Makeover Facebook Group.
Furniture is one of the most versatile categories to flip. With a little cleaning or light refinishing, secondhand pieces can sell for high margins.
Funko Pops are one of the most popular collectible toys across resale marketplaces.
Toys like LEGO sets, action figures, and Funko Pops often gain value over time. Collectors pay premiums for complete sets and rare editions.
👀 Did you know that Whatnot, the largest live selling app in the world, was originally founded as a place to sell Funko Pops and other toys?
Fun fact: Elvis Presley’s piano sold on eBay for $375,190 in 2017.
Instruments are expensive to buy new, so used options are popular. Brands like Fender and Yamaha hold value well.
Reliable laptops are always in demand for school, work, and gaming. Refurbished or gently used models resell quickly.
💡Tip: Don’t forget about laptop accessories like chargers, mouses, and cases, which are always in demand.
When it comes to camping gear, Coleman is the most popular brand.
Outdoor recreation is growing in popularity, and secondhand camping gear is affordable compared to retail.
Jewelry is a great item to flip because it’s very inexpensive in thrift stores. Vintage and unique designs are especially desirable, but even costume jewelry sells well.
Used sports gear is much cheaper than new, making it attractive for families and athletes.
Check out these handmade trees made by Wreath4EverySeason on Etsy!
Holiday items sell well as the season approaches, especially vintage or high-quality decorations.
Check out this 1935 Monopoly board on eBay.
Vintage and out-of-print board games can be surprisingly valuable. Complete sets sell fastest.
Small appliances are easy to flip and resell well if functional. There is no shortage of appliances available at thrift stores!
Outdoor furniture has strong seasonal demand, especially in spring and summer.
Books are often sold at yard sales for pocket change!
Certain genres and rare editions hold excellent resale value. Textbooks are particularly profitable.
💡Tip: Books is one of the only categories on Amazon that is “ungated” for new sellers.
Record collecting is back in style, with rare albums commanding high prices. Vinyl records are commonly found at estate sales.
Everything related to video games sells well online, including consoles, handhelds, and games, of course. New and old, games are always searching for a deal on gaming items.
Anthropologie is known for its stunning decor style.
Unique or stylish decor sells quickly as buyers look for affordable upgrades and accents to decorate their space. Home decor is a top-selling category on most resale marketplaces.
💡Tip: Be sure to use style-based keywords in your decor listing such as “western,” “boho,” “maximalist,” “farmhouse,” and more!
Canon and Nikon cameras and accessories are top sellers on resale apps.
Digital and film cameras both hold value. Collectors and photographers buy secondhand gear often. Vintage cameras are especially sought after on resale marketplaces.
Photo Source: New England Imported Rugs
Pop culture, vintage and handwoven rugs are in high demand for home decor. Rugs are very expensive, and shoppers are always looking for a deal.
Glassware like Pyrex, Fire-King, and vintage barware are hot resale items.
👀 Did you know that Uranium glass glows neon green under UV light? Collectors pay high premiums for rare patterns and flawless pieces!
High-end ergonomic chairs hold value even when used. Office chairs are expensive, and shoppers are always looking for upgrades.
Craft and hobby supplies, such as sewing machines, resell very well. Many are donated to thrift stores by hobbyists who lose interest, while online buyers are eager to scoop them up to start new projects!
💡Tip: If you come across vintage sewing supplies and patterns, be sure to check out resale value as they’re highly sought after!
Photo Source: Bloomingdales
Premium pet products always have strong resale demand. People adore and spoil their fur babies!
Image Source: Peloton
Gym equipment has become a hot resale category since more people exercise at home. More so, people purchase equipment with the goal of exercising at home.
Luxury sunglasses are fashionable and hold resale value. Even mid-tier brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley sell well, especially in trending frame shapes.
You wouldn’t believe how much some rare coins sell for on eBay! 😲
Coin collecting is a long-standing hobby with strong resale markets. There is a market for global currency, especially rare U.S. pennies!
Auto parts can be expensive retail, but used parts resell quickly.
👀 Did you know that automotive is historically the top-selling category on eBay?
Quality kitchenware holds value, especially premium and well-known brands. Cookware is always in demand because people rely on them daily, and new versions can be very expensive.
Here are some tips and tricks to maximize profit when selling online.
Check similar active listings on marketplaces like eBay and Poshmark to verify demand and pricing.
Clean, repair, or authenticate items before resale to maximize value.
Looks matter! Clear, well-lit photos without props or text help listings to rank well in search engines and attract buyers.
Start competitively to attract buyers, then adjust based on demand. Don’t forget to send offers to shoppers who “like” or “favorite” your items.
Use tools like Vendoo to reach wider audiences by listing your items on multiple apps with just a few clicks!
You might also be interested in the article Reselling Platforms: 11 Marketplaces Every Reseller Should Consider
Flipping can be exciting and rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. Some items don’t sell quickly, which leads to frustration. Some marketplaces require a bit of maintenance in sending offers and responding to questions.
Some markets become oversaturated quickly, which drives down profit margins. Certain categories are tricky to resell if items have condition issues, while large or fragile pieces often come with high shipping costs that cut into earnings.
To manage these hurdles, always research market trends before sourcing, inspect items carefully to avoid returns or disputes, and start with products that are easy to store and ship. As you gain experience, you can expand into larger or more complex flips with confidence.
Vendoo is designed for sellers who want to streamline the flipping process. With Vendoo, you can crosslist inventory to multiple marketplaces in just a few clicks, saving time and reaching more buyers.
The software also offers features like inventory management, analytics, photo-editing, background removal, and more. With Vendoo, you can edit listings and relist items in bulk.
You can also automate things like sending offers to likers to increase sales. By automating repetitive tasks, you can focus on sourcing the next profitable item instead of the more tedious, administrative tasks involved with flipping.
Flipping is one of the most flexible and profitable ways to earn income online, especially once you know the best items to flip for profit. By focusing on categories with proven resale demand, pricing strategically, and using the right tools, you can turn a simple side hustle into a reliable revenue stream. Whether you are new to reselling or looking to scale, the key is consistency, research, and smart selling strategies.
Take your flipping to the next level with Vendoo!
Designer handbags, sneakers, and certain electronics tend to have the highest resale margins when sourced at the right price.
Baby gear, books, small electronics, and vintage clothing are beginner-friendly because they are affordable to source and quick to sell.
Check sold and active listings on marketplaces like Poshmark and eBay to gauge demand and resale value. Look for consistent sales, not just one-off high listings.
Thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales, and online liquidation auctions are excellent sources for inventory at low cost.
