Best things to Resell – For Fast Money

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BEST THINGS TO RESELL

Reselling, also known as flipping, is the act of buying an item and then selling it for a price that is higher or lower than the original.

To put it simply, it means selling a product again. 

This popular side hustle (or even full-time occupation for some) has drastically grown in the past few years, with statistics showing that the apparel resale market size currently sits at approximately $182.4 billion..and that is not all! The market is estimated to grow by at least 16% in the next 3 years. 

This substantial curve can be explained by the continual influence of social media platforms, but also the increased awareness of sustainability and ethical shopping. 

Many choose to go down this road because of the great profits a reselling business can make. It is not unheard of for a reseller to earn thousands of dollars a month!

Flipping products is the easiest side hustle to take on, as it requires little investment and experience. So, if you are looking to start your reselling business, keep reading to find out the best things to resell in 2023.

We will go over a few things to Resell:

CLOTHES

Becoming a clothing reseller has become one of the most popular side hustles since the Covid-19 pandemic. 

What’s great about the resale apparel market is that it is vast and inclusive. Anyone can flip clothing items, even without any prior experience or knowledge on the process. 

Of course, before starting any type of business it is highly recommended to form at least a basic understanding of the type of product you are selling. For instance, if you are selling designer clothes, it is important to carry out market research and find out what is currently trending, what price you should set and what platform you should sell on. 

We’ve written a great guide on becoming a clothing reseller. To become a successful clothing reseller, you need to:

Find your niche

Despite the apparel market offering a diverse range of clothing, it does not mean you should try to appeal to everyone. Doing so will prevent your business from standing out, as there is nothing refining about your brand that makes it unique to the eyes of the customers. 

Instead, choose a particular niche within the market and become a specialist in that. A more knowledgeable seller will be more trusted by their target audience.

After all, it is these connections with your customers that will make the difference to your profits!

Do market research

Now that you have successfully chosen your niche, it is necessary to understand it.

Market research is essential for any reseller who wants to see their business flourish. Looking at top sellers within the product category is significant, and it is this competitor analysis that will bring your business to the top of the search results.

How have they refined their brand? What is their brand voice? What do they mention in their product descriptions? What product photos do they take?

These are all important questions to ask yourself when browsing through successful sellers’ shops. 

Market research also means understanding the needs of your target audience. For example, finding out what the most popular searches are and how much customers are willing to pay will help you set the right prices, but also make informed recommendations that will build those crucial ties with your customer base.

Find the best platforms to sell on

While most online marketplaces have a large apparel market, choosing ones that specialise in your niche will lead to greater profits. 

Vinted is the best platform to sell second-hand vintage clothing.

 As a seller, you’ll be glad to know that the platform bills the buyer when they make a purchase, therefore listing and selling on Vinted is free. This feature isn’t particularly common amongst other reseller platforms, so it is the perfect place to start your business.

You may be wondering what the catch is, and indeed there is one! 

Just as with other online platforms, to appear at the top of the search results you need to bump your listings. Vinted requires you to delete your current listings and repost them. This can be time-consuming and even lead to frustrating mistakes.

But don’t worry! We have claimed that reselling is one of the easiest side-hustles and we mean it!

Most resellers use automation software such as Vinted Bot that automatically bumps, edits and adds views to your listings. You can try the best Vinted Bot for FREE here, and spend more time on perfecting your product knowledge and brand presentation!

Depop is a popular reselling platform for unique and trendy second-hand products; particularly clothes and jewellery. 

While both Vinted and Depop are great platforms for any type of vintage clothing, Depop targets younger age groups that are looking for authentic styles inspired by the latest trends.

Unlike Vinted, Depop charges a 10% selling fee. This shouldn’t be an issue, as you could charge a higher price in order to make up for the loss of profit. 

The use of a Depop Bot is highly recommended here, as it will boost visibility with just a click of a button, while giving you free time to focus on other aspects of reselling!

Poshmark is the perfect platform to sell second-hand luxury fashion pieces. While it comes with a number of fees for sellers, there is no better place to sell your high-end items. Find out more about dealing with those pesky Poshmark fees, while simultaneously growing your profit margin here!

Crosslist to different platforms

Selling across multiple marketplaces is so in right now!

All jokes aside, if you are truly determined to make some serious profits, crosslisting is your answer. 

While selling on a single platform can be the successful side hustle you are looking for, especially with the use of automation bots, crosslisting increases the chances of your products being seen across different audiences.

If a product is listed on four different apps, the likelihood of making a sale is considerably higher. Therefore, crosslisting should be number one in your to-do list if you want to make your reseller life as stress-free as possible.

While this can be done manually, most opt for a crosslisting software that does this automatically. SellerAider offers the most popular crosslisting app for resellers. What this means for you is that your products will automatically crosslist to all marketplaces of your choice, saving you tons of time and money. 

After all, we promised you an easy side hustle with minimal investment!

Types of Clothes to Sell

Now that you know the secret to becoming a successful reseller, you may be wondering what the best things to resell are within the clothing category:

  • Popular sportswear brands: 

Nike, Adidas and Lululemon are examples of  top athleisure brands that sold at a high volume in 2022. Limited edition collaborations are particularly profitable within the reselling market due to the short supply.

  • Luxury brands:

Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel sell high per item price. They are also quite difficult to come across on reseller platforms, therefore buyers will find it difficult to say no to a good deal!

  • Vintage designer clothes:

Patagonia, North Face and Tommy Hilfiger are one of the most popular high-end brands that sell vintage clothing. With the right price, these will be popular options to resell. Learn how to sell vintage clothing here and where to sell them.

  • Designer denim:

Levi’s and Diesel are one of the top best-selling jeans in the world! Denim is always trendy, thus it is a safe and reliable type of clothing to resell.

  • Maternity clothes:

Finding the right clothes as a pregnant woman is difficult, especially when the pool to choose from is so small. This demographic is always looking for maternity clothes and will even pay higher prices if the item is good quality!

Finally, you may be wondering how to get your inventory in the first place. The rule of thumb is to begin by looking at your closet! 

Reselling doesn’t always need to be about buying to sell, especially if you are just starting. You probably already have the inventory a few feet away from you!

 As you are now knowledgeable on the best things to resell, going through your closet and seeing what could possibly make you profit is the perfect way to start.

Alternatively, thrift shops, second-hand apparel markets and garage sales are your best friends. Buying inventory from these places tends to require minimal financial investment as you can find clothes starting from $0.30. A small price to pay for a successful reselling business. 

JEWELLERY

While hand-making jewellery is a popular side hustle (although more time consuming), like clothes, looking for good bargains at thrift shops, yard sales and flea markets will help you get started on your inventory. 

Etsy is by far the best marketplace for this product category, as it attracts audiences that are looking for creative handmade and vintage items. 

Jewellery is often quite cheap to buy but also sell, therefore there is three things you can do to increase your profits:

  • Opt for designer jewellery:

As high-end jewellery is harder to come across on reselling platforms, it is more likely to sell at a high price.

Listing your products on different marketplaces won’t just increase your odds of making more sales, but it will also make you a more memorable seller. 

As buyers tend to browse on more than just one marketplace, when they come across your shop on multiple platforms, they are likely to view your brand as consistent and memorable; thus creating trust between your brand and your audience.

  • Offer personalised services:

Customising your products means that you can set your prices higher.

Memorial jewellery has been shown to be one of the most popular and prominent types of jewellery, so take advantage of this knowledge and attract more customers to your shop!

Now that you know that jewellery is one of the best things to resell in 2023, you may be wondering how to be a successful jewellery reseller:

  • Make seasonal changes to your products:

Jewellery is one of the most popular options when it comes to gift giving. This has been a steady statistic and is unlikely to change in the near future.

During festive seasons, particularly ones that hold emotional and/or romantic meanings, it is essential to optimise your shop with the appropriate keywords and decorations.

For example, with Valentine’s Day coming up, it is useful to include this keyword into your product title, description and tags.

This is an easy and simple way to guarantee your products appear at the top of the search results due to their relevance to seasonal trends!

  • Take great photos:

Jewellery is more likely to sell when displayed clearly. 

Take close up product photos using natural light or a ring light.

It is also useful to ensure that your background is plain; ideally a white or cream colour. 

If you are the creative type, you can even model the jewellery with a matching outfit that will give your customers inspiration on how to match it to their wardrobe.

  • Create bundle deals:

Customers are more likely to buy jewellery that is sold in bundles compared to individual items. Bundle deals come in different forms, so experimenting is ideal in order to conclude which method brings more traffic to your shop. 

You could create a bundle deal with:

The same jewellery type but in different colours, sizes or shapes; such as three rings where each one is a different colour (gold, silver, rose gold).

OR 

Several types of jewellery that create a complete set; such as a pair of earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring.  

SNEAKERS

Another best thing to resell on online marketplaces is sneakers; particularly high-end and designer options. 

The sneaker resale market is currently worth over 1$ billion, therefore it is no surprise that making this your side hustle could make you a small fortune.

It is not uncommon to find limited edition sneakers selling for over £5,000 in the United Kingdom! 

Reselling sneakers consists of a slightly different process to clothes and jewellery, as thrift shops and yard sales won’t be helpful in adding to your inventory. 

To successfully become a sneaker reseller you must:

  • Invest in new releases:

The wonderful thing about sneakers is that there is never a shortage of new releases. 

While it is a bigger financial investment compared to some clothes and jewellery, it can be a very profitable one.

When a new pair gets released, buying a few and waiting for several months is your best bet to making money. 

Depending on the type of sneaker, after a certain period passes it is likely there will be a shortage in the retail sector; inevitably leading to more competition on reselling platforms. 

Investing in limited releases is ideal due to the scarcity that is created after a period of time passes.

While it may sound time-consuming, some sneakers are worth 150% more than their retail value after they have been sold out. In this case, waiting is truly worth it!

  • Keep doing market research:

Sneaker trends are constantly changing; therefore it is crucial to stay up-to-date with current and upcoming fashion trends. Knowing your audience well means that you can promote products that you know will be desirable and thus increase the likelihood of making sales.

Keeping in mind that what is currently popular may very well change, these are some recommendations of what we think are the best sneaker brands to resell:

  • Yeezy (i.e. Nike Yeezy Red October sell for £4k to £6k)
  • Jordans (i.e. Nike Jordan 1 Retro High-off White sell for up to £2k)
  • Balenciaga (i.e. Balenciaga x adidas Stan Smith sell for over £2k)
  • Nikes (i.e. Nike Air Mag Back to the Future sell for £20k to £40k)

WEDDING DRESSES

While this may come as a surprise to some, wedding dresses rank quite high on the list of the best things to resell. 

New brides are now starting to prefer a more affordable, second-hand dress so they can spend more money on other aspects of their wedding and honeymoon.

Just as with the previous reselling ideas, designer dresses will allow for higher profits. This is because they can be sold for up to 70% of their retail price. 

Thrift shops are ideal for finding preowned wedding dresses, and it is recommended that you opt for the larger sizes so the bride-to-be can get it tailored for a perfect fit.

BABY GEAR

Toys, strollers and other baby gear are easy to find as most people prefer to get rid of them and free up space in their homes once not needed. 

Good quality strollers and pushchairs can even sell for over $2k, therefore setting the right price will guarantee quick sales.

BOOKS

Flipping books can be a highly profitable side hustle, as long you know the right type to sell.

As books are one of the most popular items to be sold online, it is difficult to stand out amongst millions of sellers that may have some ridiculously low prices you may not be willing to match.

To make the experience profitable, you should aim to sell books that are high in demand but short in supply. This will decrease your competition with other sellers and will make you more likely to appear at the top of the search results.

Textbooks, guidebooks and study books tend to sell for higher prices and are thus a great option for beginner resellers.

Similarly, books that have recently become adapted into films and TV series are in higher demand, therefore looking out for these trends will be particularly useful in generating greater profit for your business. 

Fiction or non-fiction novels that have been signed by the author will also sell for a high price as they are limited editions. While these are more difficult to get your hands on, don’t miss out on the opportunity if you are able to include it in your inventory!

WATCHES

Second-hand watches exist in large volumes in thrift stores and other second-hand shops, making them one of the best things to resell.

The majority of pre-owned watches are faulty; some may need a battery and others a more thorough fix. 

So, if you are good with your hands, this reselling business idea might just be the right one for you.

Opting for faulty watches may sometimes even be more profitable, as you can then sell them for a higher price. 

Some profitable watch brands include:

  • Rolex
  • Tag Heuer
  • Vacheron Constantine
  • Panerai 
  • Patek Philippe

These luxury brands- some of their limited edition- can resell for highly profitable prices, with some even selling for $14k on resale platforms.

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

With the increased popularity of home workouts in the past 3 years, many are opting for second-hand sports gear due to the high prices of brand-new equipment. 

Bulky items, such as treadmills, will generate a greater profit margin, however, it will require manual labour. Shipping the product may also be more difficult, so opt for local pick-up and drop-off options.

Smaller workout items, such as dumbbells and kettlebells, will be much easier to ship anywhere in the world.

CONCERT TICKETS

Selling concert tickets or tickets for other popular events is one of the best things to resell on the internet.

Not only is there an abundance of events taking place annually, but the demand always remains high. Therefore, it is a stable form of business that will forever remain popular.

As with any other item, market research is important if you want to be a successful reseller. Finding out what events are in demand will inform the price you set for each ticket. 

Similarly, ticket prices can vary depending on the timing of the event. Last-minute tickets can be set at a considerably higher price than the original, as people are unlikely to find something cheap at the last minute and are more willing to pay a high price.

StubHub and Vivid Seats are great sites to find out which events are selling out very quickly.

FURNITURE

While requiring more physical effort compared to other items, furniture is a great thing to resell for a high profit. 

Finding furniture can be an easy task, as there are often free options available on the sidewalk. If they are still in good condition, a little polishing and cleaning will make them good as new!

Reselling furniture also means that you will never have a shortage of inventory, as people are constantly moving around in our fast-paced world. This means that there is always the need to give away, but also buy new furniture. 

Furniture prices have a wide range, making it important to do market research and take great product photos to make you stand out from the crowd.

Wood furniture can set your prices higher, especially if you spend some time ensuring it is well-polished.

ANTIQUES

The antique market attracts collectors from all over the world that are willing to pay considerably high prices for discontinued, rare and limited-edition items. 

Writing detailed product descriptions will set you apart from other antique resellers.

As a rule of thumb, you should try to find out as much information as you can about each particular antique you are selling. Do this by looking for stamps, and marks, asking a specialist, and doing in-depth research. 

PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

Amateur and beginner photographers prefer to start their journey with used equipment, as brand-new gear comes with high prices.

Popular camera brands, such as Sony and Canon, will sell for a good price on eBay, especially if they are a recent model. However, you can also make profit from selling other parts, such as lenses, tripods, and camera bags.

BOARD GAMES

Similar to antiques, board games are more likely to sell if they are discontinued or are difficult to find. Selling on eBay and Mercari is ideal, as they are known for their collectibles niche.

Focusing on producing a great product description will be key in ranking higher in the search results, as deep knowledge of the rare item will attract collectors that are willing to pay high prices. 

It is recommended to buy your inventory throughout the summer period, as this is the season people are more likely to clear out the clutter in their homes and give away items such as board games.

HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES

Household appliances such as dinnerware, bakeware, and toasters are one of the best things to resell.

These can usually be found at a low price on online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace, and house clearance sales. 

Three types of household appliances that are worth looking into include:

  • Electric appliances:

As people constantly upgrade their kitchen appliances, there is a fantastic opportunity to gather inventory and sell these for a higher price. Electric appliances such as kettles, microwaves, and toasters are great items to resell if they are in good condition.

  • Cookware and bakeware:

Particular brands of cookware, such as Pyrex, are in high demand and will sell for a high price on resale platforms. 

Remember! Anything that is vintage will generate an even greater profit due to the limited availability of such products. 

  • Vintage dinnerware:

You should already know that any item that has the word ‘vintage’ before it will sell for a higher price. This has been the case with clothes, jewellery, sneakers, antiques, and all other products that have been discussed in this article. 

Vintage dinnerware, which includes mugs, dinner sets, and more, are considered collectible items, which can be sold for a good price on eBay. For instance, collectible vintage mugs can sell for over $100, making it a worthwhile investment that will generate high profits for your business.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

The average person is not willing to pay the price of a brand-new instrument, especially if they are just starting out their music journey.

As most instruments are expensive, even when setting a good deal for a pre-owned instrument, the profit margin will still be quite wide. Therefore, reselling musical instruments is a great way to make some money on the side; or even full-time if done correctly.

Opt for well-known brands that will generate a higher profit, including Yamaha, Gibson, and Steinway.

ELECTRONICS

Reselling electronics is one of the most popular side hustles. 

People that are new to the world of gaming would rather buy used equipment, such as gaming laptops and consoles, as brand-new ones are too expensive.

With the ever-growing popularity of online gaming, selling electronics is one of the best things to resell due to its high demand. 

Staying up to date with new releases is important, as you can set a competitive price for the right audience. 

Some popular consoles include:

  • Nintendo Switch
  • Sony PlayStation 5
  • Microsoft Xbox Series X

TOOLS

Used tools that are in good condition, especially power tools, tend to sell for a good price on online resale platforms, particularly eBay. 

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, DIY projects became even more popular; increasing the demand for yard tools.

You can acquire these for your inventory through online marketplaces or yard sales, where you can find low prices for good quality tools.

As long as the tools are functional, reselling this item is easy and requires minimum effort, making it an easy side hustle for anyone.

WEBSITES

Selling websites can be a very rewarding side hustle; although it may require more effort and research than the previous ones stated above.

Striking the first deal may take some time, however, most websites can sell for over $30k.

Therefore, if you are willing to put in the time and dedication, selling websites can generate great profit for your business.

WHAT ARE SOME KEY RULES I NEED TO KNOW AS A NEW RESELLER?

We’ve written an in-depth guide on starting a reselling business here. These are some of our key tips:

  • Always aim to generate a great profit margin

While this may sound like common sense, it might become tempting to lower your prices in order to attract more customers; especially at the beginning of your journey as a reseller. 

However, you need to remember that you started this side hustle in order to make profit and to do that you need to generate a decent profit margin.

The goal of reselling is to avoid investing too much financially.

Of course, how much you spend will always be relative to the type of item you are reselling. For instance, you will invest more money on a Rolex watch than a shirt from H&M. However, the profit you will make from the sale of each should be much higher in comparison to what you spent to add it to your inventory.

If you notice that you are spending too much and making little profit, it is important to reconsider your approach and either lower your level of financial investment or find a different supplier.

  • Study your audience

Throughout this blog, a great emphasis was put on the importance of market research, as this is the key to creating a successful profit-making business that is worth your time and investment. 

With the powerful influence of social media, it is imperative to always stay up to date with new social trends that influence consumer choices. For instance, new fashion trends will affect the demand for different types of clothing.

However, studying your audience is equally important for your inventory too. For example, if you are looking to sell strollers but you live in a region that mostly consists of university students, it may be harder to have local access to decent bargains. 

Therefore, always consider how feasible and profitable gaining access to your inventory will be. 

  • Offer free shipping 

Studies have shown that customers are more likely to go through with a sale if free shipping is offered. 

Depending on the type of item you are selling, try to include free shipping wherever you can in order to increase traffic to your shop.

If your worry is the loss of profit by having to pay for postage, simply calculate the shipping fee and include it in your final price. This way, customers will be more willing to buy from you, while you still maintain the same profit margin.

  • Appreciate the sustainable aspect of reselling

While most individuals’ goal is the profit-making aspect of reselling, it is useful to simply pause and appreciate the positive impact you are having on the planet. 

As reselling is one of the most sustainable shopping options, it reduces waste significantly. Less fabric production means less landfill waste. 

You are part of the change, and it is your actions that are making a sustainable future possible.

WHERE CAN I BUY MY INVENTORY FROM?

  • Thrift stores or charity shops: 

Not only is your money going to a good cause, but you will find great deals that will help you generate the ideal profit margin you need.

  • Amazon & eBay:

Amazon and eBay are both popular options for items that are set at lower prices.

  • Flea Markets:

These are the perfect place to find a wide range of items for good deals. These can often be seasonal, so make sure you do some prior research before starting your business.

  • Police Auctions:

A more unique approach is attending police auctions and buying seized items that will not be returned to the previous owner. 

  • Clearance Sales:

Most retail shops and websites have a clearance section. This is your opportunity to find something valuable that you can resell for a higher price.

In conclusion…

In this ultimate list, we have shared the best things to resell in 2023.

Flipping products can be a sustainable and low-investment way of generating great profit.

Whether you decide to resell as a side hustle or a full-time job, flipping should be a highly rewarding experience if done right.

You are not alone in this!

Here at SellerAider, we provide automation software to help get your mind off the time-consuming and frustrating aspects of reselling. This way you can focus on the more fun aspects of your business, which will help your business flourish (and your bank account grow!).

Happy flipping!