When it comes to reselling, buying in bulk is a great way to save time and scale profits. Sourcing items in large quantities cuts your costs, boosts your margins, and saves you significant time in sourcing and listing. Clothing, fitness gear, office supplies, and electronic accessories are just a few examples of items to buy in bulk and resell for profit. Bulk buying allows you to stock consistently and sell efficiently, fueling faster growth.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top products you can purchase in bulk and resell for a profit, tips for getting started, and how to streamline your workflow using tools like Vendoo.
Why Buy in Bulk and Resell?
Buying in bulk offers several key benefits for resellers:
- Lower Per-Unit Costs: Sourcing in large quantities can drive your costs down significantly per item. According to Shopify, average resale margins range from 42% to 90%.
- Higher Margins: With reduced sourcing costs (and less labor hours processing individual items), your profit potential grows.
- Consistent Inventory: Bulk purchases eliminate the inconsistency of thrifting or single-item sourcing. You can maintain steady stock levels and list in batches.
- Trendy, Sustainable Demand: Vintage fashion, sustainable products, and tech gear remain top-sellers per ThredUp’s 2025 Resale Report.
That said, there are challenges associated with bulk orders as well. Bulk buying requires upfront investment, adequate storage space, and diligent inventory management. Poor purchases in bulk can lead to an overwhelming volume of undesirable inventory.
Manage your bulk inventory and multi-quantity listings with ease with Vendoo!
What to Consider Before Getting Started Reselling in Bulk
Before you start bulk reselling, it’s important to evaluate several foundational factors to ensure success.
Budgetting for Resellers
Consider beginning with a modest investment before scaling to larger quantities. This ensures that you don’t overspend and that you can comfortably sell through larger quantities efficiently and profitably.
Storage
This is another critical factor; make sure you have a clean, dry, and organized space to hold larger quantities safely. It’s not just about having the room, but also having an organized and efficient system for storing large quantities.
Market Research
When you’re investing in bulk, you have to be extra careful that you're investing wisely. Use eBay and Shopify Product Research to gauge demand and resale value for the types of items you’re considering.
ROI (Return on Investment)
In addition to your cost of goods, be sure to account for additional expenses, marketplace fees, advertising costs, and more.
Time Investment
Reselling also demands time. While bulk buying can reduce processing time, it can increase intake and administrative tasks. Plan to dedicate adequate time for sourcing, processing, photographing, and listing your products.
Follow Trends
Staying on top of current trends is crucial; in 2025, popular categories include Y2K fashion, tech accessories, and sustainable goods.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
To maximize your efficiency and sales potential, use a tool to crosslist like Vendoo to list items across multiple marketplaces quickly.
Top Items to Buy in Bulk and Resell Online
Ready to source? Here are 15 profitable categories to buy in bulk and resell for a strong return! 💰
1. Clothing and Apparel
Clothing is a top seller on every resale marketplace, including Poshmark, eBay, Depop, Etsy, Shopify, Mercari, and more!
- Source From: Thrift stores, liquidation companies, or wholesalers ($1/$20item).
- Items: Focus on basics like t-shirts, jeans, and sweatshirts, trending styles, and vintage apparel.
- Margins: 50–75%. Example: 20 shirts for $60, resold at $20 each for $400.
- Where to List: Poshmark, eBay, Depop, Vinted, Mercari, Etsy (vintage only)
Clothing remains one of the top items to buy in wholesale and resell, and platforms like Poshmark, eBay, and Depop often rank among the best places to sell clothes online.
2. Handbags
Handbags are top sellers across all online marketplaces, from handmade styles to designer labels to trendy and affordable pieces, as every type of handbag sells online.
- Source From: Wholesalers, liquidation pallets, or fashion distributors ($3–$15/unit).
- Items: Tote bags, crossbody bags, clutches, and trendy Y2K purses.
- Margins: 40–70%. Example: Buy 20 handbags for $200, resell at $35 each for $700.
- Where to List: Poshmark, eBay, Depop, Mercari, Vinted, Vestiaire Collective (designer and luxury), and Etsy (vintage and handmade).
💡Tip: To maximize reach, be sure to use relevant terms like “Shoulder Bag,” “Crossbody,” “Clutch,” “Hobo Bag,” and “Messenger Bag,” in your listings rather than calling everything a “handbag” or “purse.”
3. Toys and Children's Items
Children’s and baby items, including toys, games, and gear, are top sellers across resale marketplaces, as kids grow so quickly that parents are always looking for secondhand deals — making selling kids clothes on Poshmark, for example, a smart opportunity
- Source From: Yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, wholesalers, return liquidation pallets ($1–$5/unit).
- Items: Clothing, gear, toys, games, supplies, collectible figurines.
- Margins: Example: 50 toys for $150, sell at $15 each for $750.
- Where to List: eBay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark Vinted, and more!
4. Seasonal Items
Seasonal items and décor are consistent top-sellers, especially around holidays and special occasions when shoppers are eager to decorate their homes or host themed events.
- Source From: Off-season liquidation sales, wholesalers, yard sales ($0.50–$3/unit).
- Items: Halloween costumes, Christmas decor, seasonal party supplies, etc.
- Margins: 50–100% during peak. Example: 100 masks for $100, resell at $10 each for $1,000.
- Where to List: Everywhere! eBay, Poshmark, Shopify, Depop, Facebook Marketplace, and Etsy (handmade and vintage only)
💡Tip: Stocking Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah seasonal items early means big Q4 profits!
5. Phone Accessories
Phone accessories, like cases, chargers, stickers, and carriers are popular!
- Source From: Alibaba or DHgate ($1–$3/unit).
- Items: Phone cases, chargers, earbuds, grips, and more!
- Margins: Example: 50 phone cases for $100, resell at $15 each for $750.
- Where to List: eBay, Shopify, Poshmark, and Mercari
💡Tip: Be sure to list the phone carrier and model(s) that the accessory is compatible with in your title and description.
6. Collectible Cards
Pokémon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, sports cards like baseball and basketball, Disney Lorcana cards, Digimon cards, and more are popular resale pieces!
- Source From: Pokémon or sports card forums, liquidation sales, garage sales, local Facebook Groups
- Items: Packs, rare cards, sets. Buy at $1–$10; resell for $20–$100 each.
- Margins: Example: 100 cards for $200, sell 10 at $50 each for $500.
- Where to List: Whatnot, eBay, and Mercari.
Collectible cards are highly profitable. We have a full guide on How to Sell Pokemon Cards, in case you're interested.
7. Beauty Products
Beauty products like makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances are always in demand.
- Source From: Wholesalers, beauty distributors, and retail arbitrage from places like T.J. Maxx and Burlington ($2–$50/unit).
- Items: Skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrances
- Margins: 78% average. Example: 50 lip balms for $150, resell at $10 each for $500.
- Where to List: eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, Amazon etc.
💡Tip: Before selling beauty products, be sure to check the marketplaces’ terms of service. For example, most marketplaces do not allow the sale of “swatched,” used, or opened beauty products, and some might require special shipping for aerosols and liquids.
8. Household Essentials
Selling household essentials is extremely lucrative, especially if you can offer competitive pricing on items people use and need regularly.
- Source From: Department stores, wholesale suppliers, ($0.50–$2/unit).
- Items: Detergents, paper goods, soaps, toiletries.
- Margins: Example: 100 soaps for $100, sell at $5 each for $500.
- Where to List: Facebook Marketplace, eBay.
If you’re a couponer, this one is for you!
9. Pet Supplies
One thing about pet owners is that they love their fur babies. Selling anything and everything for pets is a great niche.
- Source From: Pet Edge, Wholesalers, Alibaba ($1–$4/unit).
- Items: Toys, grooming tools, fashion accessories, and pet treats.
👀Did you know that, according to Business Research Insights, the global pet accessories market was valued at approximately USD 23.88 billion in 2024, and is projected to nearly double by 2033?
- Margins: Example: 50 pet toys for $100, resell at $8 each for $400.
- Where to List: eBay, Mercari, Poshmark, Shopify, and more!
💡Tip: Be careful selling pet treats, food, and medicine as they are prohibited on many marketplaces for the safety of animals.
10. Jewelry
Jewelry is a top seller on all marketplaces. From costume pieces and luxury precious stones to handmade creations, there’s a market for jewelry of all kinds online, making reselling jewelry a profitable business idea.
- Source From: Amazon, Alibaba, Temu, Retail arbitrage from places like T.J. Maxx. ($0.50–$5/unit).
- Items: Costume jewelry, handmade pieces, rings, earrings, necklaces, body jewelry, and more.
- Margins: 25–75%. Example: 100 earrings for $50, sell at $10 each for $1,000.
- Where to List: eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, Vinted, Etsy (vintage and handmade only), Vestiaire Collective (designer and luxury only)
11. Books
Selling books in bulk is a very profitable endeavor. Thrift stores are filled with books!
- Source From: Thrift stores, yard sales, rummage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales ($0.50–$2/book).
- Items: Bestsellers, children’s books, niche genres, vintage books.
- Margins: Example: 50 books for $50, resell at $10 each for $500.
- Where to List: eBay, Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, Vinted, etc.
👀 Did you know that anyone can sell books on Amazon? In fact, books are one of the only categories you can sell used on Amazon!
💡Tip: Books qualify for shipping via USPS Media Mail for reduced rates!
12. Office Supplies
Office supplies of all kinds sell well online!
- Source From: Temu, Alibaba, Liquidation Wholesalers, ($0.25–$2/unit).
- Items: Pens, notebooks, folders, planners.
- Margins: Example: 200 pens for $50, sell at $1 each for $200.
- Where to List: eBay, Shopify, Amazon.
Office supplies are overlooked yet steady resale items.
💡Tip: Items in fun colors and patterns sell particularly well.
13. Fitness Gear & Sporting Goods
Weight loss is a booming global industry, and shoppers are constantly searching for fitness gear. Likewise, sporting equipment remains a top-selling category across all online marketplaces. These things are particularly expensive, and shoppers are always seeking a deal!
- Source From: Alibaba, Temu, liquidation sales ($3–$8/unit).
- Items: Resistance bands, yoga mats, water bottles, golf balls, bats, sporting equipment, etc.
- Margins: Example: 30 bands for $150, resell at $20 each for $600.
- Where to List: eBay, Amazon, Poshmark, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace.
Fitness gear’s year-round demand makes it ideal for bulk resale.
14. Home Decor
Home decor is a top-selling category across all major resale marketplaces. People love decorating their spaces!
- Source From: Liquidation pallets, Alibaba, retail arbitrage ($1–$5/unit).
- Items: Wall art, candles, planters, knick knacks, glassware, frames, etc.
- Margins: Example: 50 items for $200, sell at $15 each for $750.
- Where to List: Poshmark, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, Vinted, Mercari, and Etsy (vintage and handmade only)
💡 Tip: When selling decor, it’s especially important to use relevant, trending style and aesthetic terms like “bohemian,” “western,” “retro,” and minimalist.
Challenges of Buying Bulk Items to Resell
While profitable and efficient, bulk reselling comes with challenges, namely in terms of upfront investment. Buying in bulk requires a larger upfront investment than selling individual, inexpensive pieces. Large bulk orders, pallets, and gaylords can cost thousands of dollars.
Beyond the upfront investment, buying in bulk can be risky. Deals can be hard to find, and it is easy to end up sourcing oversaturated items or making impulse purchases of short-lived trends. If you buy hundreds of pieces that do not sell, you risk losing money.
Additional challenges are associated with storing and organizing items in bulk. One needs to be meticulously organized to maintain large inventory quantities and stock levels across marketplaces. One must also be very organized to be able to store and locate large quantities efficiently.
Turn to Vendoo for Faster Reselling
Running a reselling business doesn’t have to mean endless hours listing on multiple marketplaces. With Vendoo, you can crosslist your inventory to multiple marketplaces with just a few clicks, including eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, Etsy, Shopify, Whatnot, Vinted, Grailed, Vestiaire Collective, Facebook Marketplace, and more coming soon!
Save time, manage inventory, and sell faster with Vendoo’s crosslisting, bulk tools, automation, sales analytics, and automatic delisting to prevent over-selling!
Ready to Start? Source, List, and Profit in Bulk
Bulk buying opens doors to profitable resale opportunities across a wide range of categories. Whether you’re flipping clothes, phone cases, or pet products, there are so many things to sell quickly and in bulk.
Using tools like Vendoo can help you scale faster. Start small, research trends, and let your side hustle grow into a thriving business.
Things to Buy in Bulk and Resell Online FAQ
What can I buy low and sell high?
Popular items to buy in bulk and resell include clothing, handbags, seasonal decor, fitness gear, pet supplies, jewelry, phone accessories, and more. Focus on in-demand categories with consistent sales potential for best results.
Is buying wholesale and reselling profitable?
Yes, if you source in-demand items. Buying in bulk lowers your per-unit costs, allowing you to resell for strong margins. Many categories offer profit margins between 40% and 75% when sourced wisely and priced competitively.
Where can I buy cheap items to resell?
Sourcing options include wholesalers, liquidation companies, yard sales, thrift stores, online marketplaces like Alibaba and Temu, retail arbitrage at department stores, and off-season clearance sales. Research carefully to avoid oversaturated inventory or poor-quality products.
How much profit can I make reselling bulk items?
The sky is the limit! Average resale margins range from 42% to 90% depending on the category, sourcing method, and demand. Proper market research and using sales tools like Vendoo can help maximize your profits.
What marketplaces are best for reselling bulk items?
Top marketplaces include eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, Etsy, Shopify, Facebook Marketplace, and Whatnot. Each marketplace caters to different niches like fashion, electronics, or collectibles.
