Flipping is the process of buying items at a low price and reselling them for a profit, often through online platforms or local marketplaces. It’s one of the easiest and most accessible side hustles out there, with potential profits ranging from $5 on used books to hundreds on sneakers, tools, and collectibles.
While resale generally refers to casually offloading items for a small margin, flipping is more intentional and profit-driven. Successful flippers look for hidden gems — products that are undervalued, trending, or easily refurbished. This article covers the best items to flip in 2025, along with where to find them, how much you can earn, and why these picks offer high turnover with minimal risk. I also touch on how to flip items — including where to find them and sell them.
Product profitability comparison for the best items to flip
The table below compares the top product categories for flipping based on resale value, consumer demand, estimated profit margins, and ease of sourcing and selling. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your flipping business, this chart highlights where you might earn the most profit and what challenges to expect. It’s a quick way to evaluate which products align best with your time, budget, and expertise.
1. Electronics (phones, laptops, smartwatches)
Pros
- Consistent demand
- High resale value for newer models
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge for refurbishment
- Potential for counterfeit products
Why it’s a good item to flip
- Estimated profit margins: 15–30%
- Why flipping this item can be profitable: High demand for refurbished tech and rapid product cycles
- How to sell the item: Utilize marketplaces like eBay, Swappa, and Amazon Renewed
- Target market: Budget-conscious consumers, students, and remote workers
(Source: Pexels)
With the global refurbished electronics market set to hit $475 million by 2032 — and the US already making up 35% — demand for flipping electronics is strong and growing. Buyers are prioritizing value and sustainability, making refurbished smartphones, laptops, and consoles ideal flip items. Programs from brands like Apple and Amazon offer near-new quality and warranties, boosting buyer confidence. Paired with tech advances and eco-conscious shopping habits, electronics remain a purpose-driven, high-demand flip category.
2. Sneakers and streetwear (Nike, Adidas, limited editions)
Pros
- High demand for exclusive drops
- Strong community engagement
Cons
- Market saturation for certain brands
- Fluctuating resale values
Why it’s a good item to flip
- Estimated profit margins: 10–50%
- Why flipping this item can be profitable: Limited releases create scarcity, driving up resale prices
- How to sell the item: Go to dedicated platforms like StockX, GOAT, and Grailed, as collectors and aficionados go to vouched-for platforms
- Target market: Sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-forward consumers
(Source: Pexels)
Sneakers and streetwear are driven by hype culture, exclusivity, and strong brand loyalty. This market is forecasted to reach $30 billion by 2030. Flippers can find high margins in limited edition drops and sought-after brands like Nike and Adidas, but the real opportunity now lies in spotting emerging trends. This space thrives on community buzz, making it ideal for sellers who follow trends and drops closely.
3. Luxury items (watches, handbags, designer brands)
Pros
- High resale value
- Dedicated buyers’ market
Cons
- Requires authentication
- Higher upfront investment
Why it’s a good item to flip
- Estimated profit margins: 20–60%
- Why flipping this item can be profitable: High brand value and demand for authenticated luxury goods
- How to sell the item: Use platforms like The RealReal, Rebag, and Fashionphile; ensure authentication
- Target market: Affluent consumers seeking value and sustainability
(Source: Academy by Fashionphile)
Luxury items, especially fine jewelry, handbags, and vintage fashion, are some of the most profitable pieces to flip in 2025, thanks to their high resale margins, cultural relevance, and broad generational appeal. Consumers are increasingly drawn to quality and longevity nowadays, with resale values for many items exceeding their original retail price. For instance, Tiffany & Co. saw a 55% year-over-year increase in sales on The RealReal, while Hermès Kelly bags are reselling for up to 50% above MSRP.
Vintage fashion has also gone mainstream, mainly driven by TikTok trends and streaming nostalgia, with searches for unbranded vintage up 201% YOY. Pop culture surges tied to shows like Sex and the City and The Sopranos have reignited interest in labels such as Vivienne Westwood, whose sales rose 35%. Designer shakeups fueled demand spikes, too, like the 200% jump for Dries van Noten after his retirement.
As sustainability becomes a top concern, 49% of resale shoppers cite extending luxury’s lifecycle as a key motivator, especially with “As Is” pieces offering access to brands like Chanel and Gucci at a lower price point.
4. Vintage and collectibles (trading cards, vinyl records, retro gaming gear)
Pros
- High profit margins
- Passionate buyer base
Cons
- Requires knowledge of niche markets
- Condition-sensitive pricing
Why it’s a good item to flip
- Estimated profit margins: 30–70%
- Why flipping this item can be profitable: Nostalgia and rarity drive up value
- How to sell the item: eBay, Etsy, and specialized forums
- Target market: Collectors and enthusiasts
(Source: Pexels)
Vintage and collectible items have seen a major resurgence in the resale market, driven by millennial and Gen X buyers seeking nostalgia and uniqueness. From retro gaming gear like Game Boys and PlayStation 1 consoles to Pokémon and sports trading cards, these items are gaining value as pop culture artifacts. Additionally, vinyl records continue to thrive as both a collector’s item and a functional music format, with rare pressings and original releases fetching premium prices.
The key to success in this category lies in understanding subcultures and spotting undervalued gems that can appreciate significantly over time.
5. Furniture and home décor (refurbished IKEA, mid-century modern, antiques)
Pros
- High demand for unique pieces
- Opportunities for creative refurbishment
Cons
- Bulky items require storage and transport
- Condition can vary widely
Why it’s a good item to flip
- Estimated profit margins: 25–60%
- Why flipping this item can be profitable: Demand for sustainable and unique home furnishings
- How to sell the item: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Chairish
- Target market: Eco-conscious and budget-savvy consumers
(Source: Pexels)
For sellers with a penchant for DIY, flipping furniture can be a rewarding experience because those who can clean, stage, or upcycle pieces often see the highest returns. You can refurbish IKEA pieces and sell them to budget-conscious buyers. Or, you can offer mid-century modern and antique furnishings to collectors and design enthusiasts who are willing to pay a premium for authenticity and craftsmanship.
Secondhand furniture also appeals to eco-conscious shoppers, with platforms like Facebook Marketplace making it easier to connect with local buyers.
6. Power tools and equipment (DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee)
Pros
- Durable products with long lifespans
- High resale value for quality brands
Cons
- Potential for counterfeit products
- Requires testing for functionality
Why it’s a good item to flip
- Estimated profit margins: 20–50%
- Why flipping this item can be profitable: Consistent demand from DIYers and professionals
- How to sell the item: eBay, Craigslist, and local marketplaces are great places to start
- Target market: DIY enthusiasts and construction professionals
(Source: Pexels)
Power tools and equipment are consistently strong items to flip due to their durability, brand recall, and practical value. Brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee are trusted by both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors, making them easy to resell locally or online. They also retain significant value even when used, especially if they’re bundled with accessories or part of discontinued product lines.
Estate sales, storage auctions, and liquidation pallets are excellent sourcing grounds, and demand tends to spike during home improvement seasons in spring and summer.
7. Sports memorabilia (signed jerseys, trading cards, vintage sneakers)
Pros
- High emotional value = high ROI
- Popular in online auction formats
Cons
- Authentication challenges
- Market trends tied to athlete popularity and events
Why it’s a good item to flip
- Estimated profit margins: 30–80%
- Why flipping this item can be profitable: Emotional connection and rarity drive demand
- How to sell the item: eBay, sports memorabilia shows, and specialized auction sites are the best places to sell authentic items
- Target market: Sports fans and collectors
(Source: Pexels)
Sports memorabilia is a very lucrative flipping niche because it taps into deep sentimental and nostalgic value, mainly of avid fans and collectors. Signed jerseys, vintage sneakers, and rare trading cards can command impressive prices, especially if they’re tied to iconic athletes, historic games, or major league events. The market thrives on authenticity and storytelling, so certified items and those with provenance (e.g., original packaging, event documentation) tend to sell faster and for more.
While sourcing can be challenging, high-profile auctions, collector conventions, and estate sales are prime spots for scoring valuable finds.
How to flip items for maximum profit (step-by-step guide)
Flipping isn’t just about luck, it’s about knowing the right and best items to buy and sell, sourcing them smartly, and creating efficient systems to scale. Follow this step-by-step guide to maximize your flipping profits.
Step 1: Find profitable products
Start by identifying good things to resell — items with high resale potential and active demand.
- Explore trending platforms: Use eBay’s “Sold Listings” to identify what is selling good on eBay, or check Google Trends and Amazon’s Best Sellers for broader insights.
- Leverage niche communities: Check Facebook groups, Reddit forums, and TikTok to track trending reselling items across different platforms.
- Analyze seasonality and demand: Tools like Terapeak or CamelCamelCamel can show you pricing history and seasonal spikes, helping you choose the best item to resell at the right time.
- Focus on high-performing categories: Popular items to buy and sell include power tools, gaming consoles, sneakers, vintage collectibles, and electronics.
Step 2: Source items cheaply
Your goal is to buy low so you can sell high. Here’s where and how to find cheap reselling items:
- Thrift and charity shops: These are treasure troves for good things to resell, from name-brand fashion to discontinued gadgets.
- Garage and estate sales: You can often negotiate amazing deals, especially on underpriced vintage or collectible items.
- Online marketplaces: Check Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp for cheap local items to buy and sell, especially for secondhand furniture and tools.
- Retail arbitrage: Scan clearance shelves at major retailers and use apps to determine if you’ve found the next best item to resell.
Step 3: Refurbish or enhance value
Improving the appearance or function of an item can dramatically boost its resale value:
- Clean and polish: A clean item always looks more valuable.
- Fix minor flaws: Simple repairs, like replacing batteries or tightening screws, can turn a dud into one of the good things to resell.
- Bundle or repackage: Pair accessories with core items (like a charger with a phone) to boost your offer.
- Authenticate when possible: Especially helpful for high-end or collectible reselling items.
Step 4: List and sell items strategically
A strategic approach to selling helps ensure your reselling items move fast and at a profit.
- Use effective listings: Include keyword-rich titles, multiple photos, and honest descriptions.
- Set competitive pricing: Research and price accordingly. Undercut overpriced listings or offer bundle deals.
- Sell on the right platforms: Consider the following platforms;
- eBay: Best for collectibles, electronics, and quirky reselling items.
- Facebook Marketplace: Perfect for flipping furniture and other local items to buy and sell.
- Amazon: Great for books, household items, and new electronics.
- Offer extras: Consider free shipping or fast turnaround to stand out in saturated categories.
Step 5: Scale your flipping business
Ready to grow? Use these tips to expand your flipping hustle into a full-fledged business:
- Reinvest your profits: Use earnings to scale up your sourcing and invest in tools or bulk deals.
- Develop a niche: Specializing helps you identify the best item to resell quickly and build a reputation.
- Use flipping tools: Track profits, inventory, and sourcing with spreadsheets or apps like Notion or Flipmine.
- Automate where possible: Use cross-listing tools to get more eyes on your listings across platforms.
Where to find the best deals on resale items
Knowing where to source inventory is just as important as knowing which items are the best to resell. The goal is to buy low so you can flip high, and that means finding reliable, consistent places to hunt for deals. Below are top sources for finding reselling items, both online and offline, along with wholesale options for those ready to scale.
Related read: Alibaba vs AliExpress: Importing & Dropshipping
Best places to resell for maximum profit
Once you’ve secured your inventory, it’s time to choose the right platform to list and sell. Each resale platform serves a different audience and product category, so matching your reselling items to the right marketplace is key to maximizing profits. Below are the top platforms to consider, along with what they’re best for, advantages, and limitations.
eBay: Best for general resale, collectibles, and refurbished electronics
eBay is the OG resale platform, perfect for sellers who want access to a massive global audience. It offers flexibility with auction and Buy It Now formats, making it ideal for testing the market value of unique or collectible goods.
Facebook Marketplace: Best for local sales, furniture, tools, and fast turnover
Facebook Marketplace is a go-to for quick, local flips, especially for larger, low-margin items that are expensive to ship. It’s great for casual or high-volume sellers who want to offload inventory fast. Read my guide on how to sell on Facebook Marketplace.
Poshmark: Best for fashion, branded clothing, shoes, and accessories
Poshmark specializes in fashion, footwear, and accessories. Its streamlined shipping process and social selling features make it an excellent choice for flipping brand-name clothing and curated wardrobes. We have an article on how to sell on Poshmark if you want to explore your selling options.
StockX: Best for sneakers, streetwear, and hype brands (Supreme, Nike, etc.)
StockX is the resale stock market for sneakers, streetwear, and hype-driven fashion. Its transparent pricing system and authentication process make it ideal for serious flippers in the collectible fashion game.
Etsy: Best for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies
Etsy is the top platform for handmade goods, vintage pieces (20+ years old), and creative supplies. It works best for sellers who enjoy crafting a brand or flipping unique, artisan-style finds.
Related reads:
Here are other top platforms to consider for reselling items for profit. Just follow the links to learn more about getting started.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The easiest items to flip include brand-name clothing, small electronics, books, and home goods. These products are affordable, widely available at thrift stores and garage sales, and easy to evaluate for resale value. They’re also popular on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Start by selling unused items from around your home or sourcing from free listings on Craigslist and Facebook groups. You can also offer to sell items on consignment for friends or family. Once you make your first few sales, reinvest the profits to grow your flipping inventory.
Popular fast-selling items include electronics, branded sneakers, kitchen appliances, and collectibles. These have consistent demand and often sell quickly on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Use the “Sold Listings” filter to find what is currently selling fast.
Risks include overpaying for inventory, dealing with returns, and unexpected platform fees or shipping costs. Items may also sit unsold for long periods if demand is low. To minimize risk, research item value, start small, and track expenses carefully.
There are lots of products that are profitable and can yield margins or double or even triple their wholesale price. A few include:
- Pain relief patch
- Fashion earrings
- Detangler hair brush
- Sunglasses
- Lint rollers
- Phone cases
- Colorful fashion dress socks
- Dog harnesses
- Board games
- Trucker hats
- Shapewear
- Guasha & jade roller facial sets
- Silk bonnets
- Car phone holder
- Swimwear
- Handheld milk frother
- Earwax removal/cleaner kits
- Sleeping mask
- Dried flowers
- Baby changing mats
- Massage gun
- Athleisure
- Neck & shoulder massager
- Unbranded watches
- Wireless phone chargers
Bottom line
Flipping remains one of the most accessible and profitable ways to build income with minimal startup costs. The best items to flip in 2025 — electronics, sneakers, vintage collectibles, furniture, tools, and more — provide a healthy combination of high margins, strong buyer demand, and scalable potential. With the right sourcing strategy, listing techniques, and platform choices, you can turn undervalued items into a steady stream of cash, one flip at a time.