So, you’ve decided to start reselling… great! Now the next question hits:
Where the heck do I find stuff to sell?
And not just any stuff, profitable stuff. The kind of stuff that doesn’t sit around collecting digital dust in your draft folder.
Let me save you some serious headaches. I’ve been there, buying trendy junk that no one wants, spending hours at the thrift store and walking out with two cracked mugs and a tangled extension cord.
Let’s skip that part and get straight to the gold.
1. Local Thrift Stores (Yes, But Not All of Them)
Everyone starts here, and that’s not a bad thing. Thrift stores are hit or miss, but if you visit regularly and learn their pricing cycles, you can find some serious gems.
Pro tip:
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Get to know the staff (nicely, they’re your allies).
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Visit mid-week after donations are processed.
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Use Google Lens in-store to comp-check items instantly.
Example finds: Vintage tees, kitchen gadgets, rare books, plushies, shoes (seriously, shoes are underrated!).
2. Storage Auctions & Estate Sales
Now we’re talking bulk potential. These can be chaotic and kind of addicting. One winning bid can get you enough inventory for a month, or a migraine, depending on what’s inside.
Where to look:
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Facebook Marketplace estate listings
Be picky. If you don’t see at least a few visible, resellable items in the photos, pass. Unless you’re into the thrill of unboxing complete mysteries (I’ve been there too).
3. Local Buy/Sell/Trade Groups & Facebook Marketplace
These are goldmines for bulk deals. Parents clearing out baby stuff. Retirees offloading collections. College kids dumping everything before a move.
What to watch for:
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"Lot of toys/clothes/shoes" posts
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"Make an offer" listings (always negotiate)
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Free curb alerts
Always be safe when meeting in person. Daylight, public spaces, and trust your gut. Bring a friend or share your location if needed.
4. Online Arbitrage (OA) for Lazy Days
Yes, you can source from your couch with a snack in one hand and your phone in the other. Sites like:
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eBay (snipe undervalued auctions)
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Mercari
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Facebook Marketplace (with shipping filter on)
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GoodwillFinds.com
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Whatnot (yep, flip from there too)
Search misspelled listings, bundle deals, or underpriced items. And always filter for “sold” comps before you click that Buy Now.
5. The Bins (AKA the Wild West of Sourcing)
If you haven’t heard of the Goodwill Outlet “bins,” welcome to chaos. You pay by the pound and dig through endless blue tubs of donated items.
You’ll leave sweaty, dusty, and hopefully victorious.
What works best here:
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Lightweight items (clothes, plush, accessories)
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Vintage electronics
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Small kitchen goods
It’s competitive, so wear gloves and go in with a game plan. If it’s your first time, just go to experience it. You’ll either be hooked or horrified.
6. Retail Arbitrage (RA) If You Love a Clearance Sticker
Hit up stores like:
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Walmart
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Target
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TJ Maxx
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Ross
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Marshalls
Check clearance aisles and scan with the Amazon Seller app or check comps on eBay/Whatnot.
Is the ROI (return on investment) worth it? Can you bundle it? Is there hype on TikTok? RA works better when you're quick to pivot.
7. Your Own Home (Don’t Skip This!)
Before you buy anything, look around your space. Old electronics, toys, clothes, mugs, books, video games. Your house is low-key a sourcing goldmine.
Bonus: It helps you practice listing before investing in outside inventory.
8. Community Yard Sales & Flea Markets
The early bird doesn’t just get the worm, they get the Funko Pop lot for $10 and flip it for $80.
Yard sales are unpredictable, but they’re fantastic for bulk deals, bundles, and finding sellers who just want the stuff gone.
Bonus tip: Bring cash in small bills, negotiate, and always ask, “Do you have more you haven’t put out yet?”
9. Liquidation Lots & Wholesale Sources
Once you’re more seasoned, you can scale with bigger buys.
Try:
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Liquidation.com
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BULQ.com
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Via Trading
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Wholesale Ninjas
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888 Lots
Caution: Start small. Read manifests carefully. Not every box is a win, but they can be profitable when you learn the ropes.
10. Network with Other Sellers
Sourcing is also about connections. Other resellers may need to offload excess inventory, change niches, or collaborate on bulk buys.
Join Facebook reseller groups, Whatnot communities, Reddit threads. Wherever resellers talk, there are opportunities.
✨ Before You Source...
Ask yourself:
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Can I flip this in 30 days or less?
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Is it clean and functional?
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Do I know where I’ll list it?
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Can I make at least 3x profit?
If not? Leave it.
➕ More Coming Up:
This is Day 2 of my full beginner series. Here’s what’s dropping next:
📌 Want to dive into the beginning? Read Day 1: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Reselling
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