Not everything you can find in a thrift store can be resold for a profit. Much of the junk people clean out and donate to the thrift store is just that: junk that no one is going to pay very much for.
Your thrift store flipping success depends on sifting through the junk with a discerning eye to find stuff people want and are willing to pay higher prices for. Some of the items on the list, like designer clothing, are obvious, but a few, like broken laptops, may surprise you.
1. Designer Clothing, Handbags and Shoes
The market for used designer goods is huge. You can purchase clothing, handbags, & shoes cheaply and easily flip them online. In addition to designer labels, there’s a healthy market for name brand maternity and children’s clothing.
2. Toys and Games
The most popular items in this category are Legos, vintage or special edition board games, vintage toys, old video games, and video game consoles. Toys for babies and young children are good options, too. You can sell complete Lego sets or offer assortments by the pound. The vintage toys and games are prized by collectors. Certain rare editions can sell for surprisingly high prices
3. Sports Memorabilia and Equipment
It’s not surprising that there are people willing to buy memorabilia such as jerseys, helmets, and trading cards, especially if they’re signed. There’s also a good market for used sports equipment in good condition. This is especially true of youth sports equipment, as parents are always trying to keep up with growing kids.
4. Furniture
There are always people looking for unique, high-quality furniture. To flip furniture successfully, be picky about quality and focus on pieces with character. You want to purchase items that stand out from what’s available at Ikea or Target and provide customers with something that feels special.
5. Books and Music
We’re not talking about paperback romance novels, here (sorry Twilight!). Keep an eye out for classic novels, box sets, first editions, and college textbooks that can resell for a hefty profit.
On the music side, buyers are eager for original and rare records — and record players. I myself buy old records, but it’s not for reselling at this time.
6. Collectibles
To be successful with this category, you have to do enough research to tell the difference between the beanie baby crab worth $9K and the one you might as well give to the dog to destroy.
If you’re willing to do this, you can make healthy profits flipping collectibles such as beanie babies, funko pop figures, American girl dolls, coins, comic books, and other items.
7. Camera Equipment
Digital cameras may have taken over, but there’s still a market for old cameras and equipment such as lenses. One of my friends had done quite well buying older camera equipment, cleaning it up, and reselling for a profit. Naturally, you have to know what a good deal is in this space, but once you catch on you can start making a few hundred bucks with each camera flip.
8. Old Technology
Surprisingly, there’s a huge demand for old technology, even if it doesn’t work properly. Look for computers, tablets, smartphones, office equipment, smartwatches, and other old tech. Of course, things that work will have more resell value, but you’d be surprised what you might be able to get for some technology finds.
9. Cookware
Kitchen gadgets, glassware, and cast iron cookware are always popular. You can often find gadgets and appliances that are either still in the box or in great working conditions. Vintage cookware and glassware are highly sought after by collectors willing to pay good prices.