If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of reselling but don’t have a huge budget to start, you’re in luck. The reselling game doesn’t always require deep pockets—just a sharp eye and some hustle. With the right strategy, low-cost items can turn into high-profit opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best low-cost products you can buy and resell for a solid return.
1. Thrift Store Clothing
Local thrift stores and garage sales are treasure troves of vintage and branded clothing. Many resellers find hidden gems—like Levi’s jeans, graphic tees, or even designer labels—that they can flip on platforms like Depop, Poshmark, or eBay for a decent profit. Start with $20, and you could walk out with several pieces to resell.
Pro tip: Look for clothes in great condition and aim for timeless styles or trendy pieces.
2. Phone Accessories
Phone cases, chargers, pop sockets, and screen protectors are always in demand. You can buy them in bulk from sites like AliExpress or local dollar stores and resell them individually online or even in-person at local markets.
Why it works: They’re small, lightweight, and appeal to a wide audience.
3. Books
Used books, especially textbooks, cookbooks, self-help titles, and niche-interest books can resell surprisingly well. Check local thrift shops, library sales, and Facebook Marketplace for cheap finds.
Hot tip: Use apps like ScoutIQ or Amazon Seller to scan barcodes and instantly see resale value.
4. Vintage & Branded Mugs
Believe it or not, quirky or branded mugs (think Starbucks, Disney, or vintage designs) have a fanbase. You can often find them for less than $1 at yard sales and flip them online for $10–$25.
5. Costume Jewelry
You don’t need to invest in gold to make money from jewelry. Costume pieces, especially vintage or trendy ones, are often underpriced at flea markets and thrift stores. Resell them on Etsy, eBay, or curated Instagram pages.
6. Toys and Board Games
Old toys—especially from the ’90s or early 2000s—are hot resell items. Vintage board games, action figures, and LEGO sets are popular with collectors. Look for games with all pieces intact or figures still in original packaging.
7. Sneakers
Reselling sneakers is a booming market. While hyped releases like Jordans or Yeezys may require bigger investments, you can start with used but clean sneakers from local thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace. Brand names like Nike, Adidas, or Vans usually resell well.
8. Watches
Even low-end watches like Casio, Timex, or vintage unbranded pieces can bring in profit. You can often find them for a few bucks, clean them up, and resell them with great photos and listings.
9. Home Decor Items
Think vases, frames, candles, or decorative trays. These items are cheap at thrift stores and have great appeal on marketplaces like Facebook or Etsy—especially if you know how to stage and photograph them well.
10. Tech Gadgets & Cables
Old remotes, gaming controllers, USB cables, and random tech accessories may seem like junk, but they often have strong resale value—especially when they’re out of production. People are always looking to replace lost or broken tech pieces.
Final Thoughts
Starting a reselling side hustle doesn’t require a big investment—just some research, effort, and creativity. Stick to items that are easy to ship, have high demand, and offer a good return on investment. Start small, scale smart, and watch your profits grow.