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50+ Items to Flip with Exact Buy/Sell Prices: Margin Analysis & Sourcing Guide 2026

Feb 5, 2026 • 15 min

Best Items to Flip for Profit in 2026: Complete Category Breakdown

The reselling market in 2026 looks different than it did five years ago. Some categories that once guaranteed easy profits are now oversaturated. Others that seemed like long shots have exploded. And a handful of evergreen categories continue delivering consistent returns for sellers who know what to look for.

After analyzing thousands of successful flips and tracking market trends across eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, and beyond, we’ve compiled the definitive guide to what actually sells—and what to grab when you spot it at thrift stores, estate sales, and garage sales.

This isn’t a list of obvious items everyone already knows about. It’s a detailed breakdown of specific products, brands, models, and variations that consistently generate profit. Whether you’re sourcing at Goodwill, hitting weekend garage sales, or scanning local estate sale listings, this guide tells you exactly what to look for and what to pay.

In this guide:

Electronics & Tech

Electronics remain one of the most reliable flipping categories because demand is constant and resale values are predictable. The key is knowing which products hold value and which depreciate into worthlessness.

Apple Products (Including Broken)

Apple’s brand loyalty creates a resale market unlike any other tech company. Even damaged Apple products have value because parts, refurbishment, and the secondary market for components remain strong.

iPhones: iPhone 12 and newer hold the best value. An iPhone 12 Pro Max sources for $180-250, sells for $380-480 ($150-200 profit). Cracked screens still profit—iPhone 13 with cracked screen buys for $120-180, sells for $280-350 to refurbishers. Even activation-locked phones sell for parts at $150-200. Always check Settings > General > About for model, storage, and battery health before buying.

MacBooks: M1 MacBook Air sources for $400-550, sells for $650-800. Intel MacBooks (2017-2019) buy for $150-250, sell for $350-450. MacBooks with bad batteries are goldmines—buy for $200-350, sell to refurbishers for $400-600. Dead MacBooks sell for $100-300 depending on model.

AirPods & iPads: AirPods Pro source for $40-60, sell for $90-130. AirPods Max source for $200-280, sell for $380-450. iPad Pro (2018+) sources for $200-350, sells for $400-600. Even cracked devices sell to parts buyers for $80-200.

Pro tip: Always test iCloud/activation lock before buying any Apple device. A locked device sells for parts only.

Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles are reliable flips because gamers always need hardware, and the retro gaming market has exploded. Know the difference between quick-flip modern consoles and slow-burn vintage goldmines.

PlayStation 5: PS5 Disc Edition sources for $320-380, sells for $420-480. Digital Edition sources for $280-320, sells for $360-400. DualSense controllers source for $25-35, sell for $50-60. Even controllers with minor drift sell for parts at $20-30.

Nintendo Switch: Switch OLED sources for $220-270, sells for $310-360. Original Switch (V2 with improved battery) sources for $140-180, sells for $220-280—check the serial number to verify V2 models. Switch Lite sources for $80-110, sells for $140-170. Joy-Cons sell even with drift issues for $20-30.

Retro Gaming Surge: The nostalgia market has hit all-time highs. Nintendo 64 sources for $40-60, sells for $80-120 (CIB: $200-400+). GameCube (purple commands premiums) sources for $50-80, sells for $90-140. SNES sources for $50-70, sells for $90-130. Sega Genesis Model 1 sources for $25-40, sells for $60-90. Original Xbox sources for $30-50, sells for $70-110.

What to check: Power on, display output, disc drive reads, controller ports function. Bring an HDMI adapter when testing at garage sales.

Vintage Audio Equipment

The audiophile market is alive and thriving. Vintage receivers, speakers, and turntables from the 1970s and 1980s command serious money from collectors who prefer analog warmth over digital perfection.

Receivers: Marantz 2270 sources for $150-300, sells for $500-800. The 2275 and 2285 command even more. Pioneer SX-1280 sources for $200-400, sells for $600-1,000. Even mid-range Pioneers (SX-780, SX-880) flip for $100-200 profit. Sansui G-9000 sources for $300-500, sells for $800-1,200. Kenwood and Yamaha from the late 70s flip for $50-150 profit consistently.

Speakers: JBL L100s source for $300-500/pair, sell for $800-1,500. The L200 and L300 are rarer, commanding $2,000+. Klipsch Heritage (Heresy, Cornwall) source for $400-800, sell for $1,000-2,500. Advent Large source for $80-150, sell for $250-400—an underrated flip.

Turntables: Technics SL-1200 sources for $300+, sells for $600-900 (MK2 is most common). Thorens TD-160/TD-125 source for $150-300, sell for $400-700. Dual 1229 sources for $50-100, sells for $200-350. Any belt-drive turntable from Pioneer, Kenwood, or Sony (70s-80s) sources for $20-50, sells for $80-150.

What to check: Powers on, all inputs work, no channel imbalance (left/right equal), no scratchy knobs (fixable with DeoxIT), speakers produce clear sound without rattling.

Camera Equipment

The film photography revival is real. Young photographers are abandoning digital for the aesthetic of film, driving vintage camera prices to levels not seen in decades.

Film Cameras: Canon AE-1 sources for $50-100, sells for $150-250—the AE-1 Program commands $20-30 more. Nikon FM2 sources for $150-250, sells for $300-450 (fully mechanical, beloved by purists). Pentax K1000 sources for $40-80, sells for $120-200 (student favorite). Olympus OM-1 sources for $80-150, sells for $200-350. Minolta X-700 sources for $60-100, sells for $150-250.

Point-and-Shoot Premium: The compact film camera market has exploded thanks to influencers. Contax T2 sources for $500-800, sells for $1,000-1,500—if you find one at a garage sale for under $200, you’ve hit gold. Olympus Stylus Epic (Mju II) sources for $100-200, sells for $300-450. Yashica T4 sources for $150-300, sells for $400-600. Ricoh GR1 sources for $300-500, sells for $700-1,000.

Vintage Lenses: Even a camera body in poor condition can have a valuable lens. Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 sources for $40-80, sells for $120-180. Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI-S sources for $80-150, sells for $200-300. Any Leica M-mount lens commands $800+.

What to check: Fungus (shine light through—cloudy = bad), haze, oil on aperture blades, shutter speeds, light meter function, film door seals.

Fashion & Apparel

Clothing flipping has matured. The days of grabbing any branded item and flipping it for profit are over. Success now requires knowing exactly which brands, styles, and eras command premium prices.

Brand Name Athletic Wear

The athleisure market shows no signs of slowing. But not all athletic brands are created equal—some print money while others sit in death piles.

Nike: Vintage (pre-2000) commands highest premiums—look for the silver tag era, swoosh logo variations, and made-in-USA pieces. Tech Fleece hoodies/joggers source for $15-25, sell for $50-80 with year-round demand. Nike ACG (90s-2000s) sources for $20-40, sells for $80-150. Air Max graphic tees source for $3-8, sell for $25-45.

Lululemon: Align leggings source for $15-25, sell for $50-75 (check for pilling—kills resale). Define jackets source for $20-35, sell for $70-100. Men’s ABC pants source for $20-35, sell for $60-90—men’s Lululemon is underrated. Scuba hoodies source for $25-40, sell for $80-120. Check size dots inside pockets for precise style, size, and color codes.

Arc’teryx: Any Arc’teryx jacket is worth grabbing. Beta AR sources for $100-180, sells for $280-400. Alpha SV sources for $150-250, sells for $400-600. Atom LT sources for $60-100, sells for $150-220. Even beat-up Arc’teryx sells—a trashed Alpha FL still goes for $80-120.

Patagonia: Synchilla fleeces source for $12-20, sell for $50-75 (retro patterns sell fastest). Nano Puff jackets source for $40-60, sell for $100-150. Torrentshell source for $25-40, sell for $70-100. Vintage (80s-90s) with old logos sources for $15-30, sells for $60-120.

Vintage Denim

Denim flipping requires an eye for detail. The difference between a $20 sale and a $200 sale often comes down to era, cut, and condition.

Levi’s 501: Made in USA (pre-1980s) sources for $20-50, sells for $150-400+. The gold standard—look for Big E (pre-1971), single stitch, redline selvedge. 501 STF (80s-90s) sources for $15-30, sells for $60-120. Women’s 501 (high-waisted, loose fit) are hot—source for $10-20, sell for $50-90. Orange tab (1969-1999) source for $8-15, sell for $40-80.

Lee & Wrangler: Lee Riders (vintage USA) source for $10-20, sell for $50-100. Lee Storm Rider jackets (blanket lined) source for $20-40, sell for $80-150. Wide-leg Lee jeans from the 70s source for $15-30, sell for $60-120. Vintage Wrangler 13MWZ source for $10-20, sell for $40-80. Wrangler denim jackets (vintage USA) source for $15-25, sell for $50-100.

What to check: Country of origin on care tag, tab color (Levi’s), selvedge ID at cuff (colored thread indicates quality), condition (no blowouts, minimal fading unless that’s the aesthetic).

Designer Handbags

The designer handbag market is lucrative but fraught with risk. Authentication is non-negotiable—selling a fake can result in account bans and legal issues.

Louis Vuitton: Neverfull MM sources for $400-600 at estate sales, sells for $800-1,200. Speedy 30 sources for $200-400, sells for $500-800. Pochette Accessoires sources for $200-350, sells for $600-900.

Coach: Vintage (pre-1990s, USA made) sources for $15-30, sells for $80-150.

Chanel, Hermès, Gucci: Require professional authentication (Entrupy, Real Authentication). One authenticated Chanel Classic Flap sourced for $2,000 sells for $5,000+.

Authentication checklist: Stitching consistency, hardware quality, interior lining, zipper pulls, date codes.

Sneakers That Still Flip

The sneaker market has cooled from its 2021 peak, but specific models consistently profit.

Jordan 1 Retro High OG: Bred, Chicago, Royal colorways always sell. Source at outlet clearance for $100-130, resell for $180-280. Worn pairs go for $80-140—even beaters have demand in popular colorways.

Nike Dunk Low: Panda Dunks crashed (don’t pay over $80). But limited colorways still flip well. Vintage Dunks (pre-2005) source for $40-80, sell for $150-400.

New Balance: 990 series (990v5, 990v6) sources for $80-120, sells for $140-200. 550s source for $60-80, sell for $100-140. Made in USA/UK commands premiums—look for tags.

ASICS: Gel-Kayano 14 sources for $50-80, sells for $100-160. Gel-Lyte III (OG colorways) sources for $40-70, sells for $90-150. The retro runner market is strong.

What to check: Sole separation, yellowing on white midsoles, heel drag, creasing severity, authenticity markers (feel, stitching, box labels).

Home Goods

Home goods offer some of the best profit margins in flipping because most people don’t know what vintage and premium items are worth. Your knowledge is your competitive advantage.

Le Creuset and Vintage Cookware

Premium cookware holds value like almost nothing else in the home goods category. Le Creuset pieces from the 1950s can sell for more than new ones.

Le Creuset: Dutch ovens (5.5qt round) source for $40-80, sell for $150-250. Condition matters—check for enamel chips inside. Vintage colors (Flame orange, Marseille blue, discontinued shades) command 20-40% premiums. Braisers source for $30-60, sell for $100-180. Even chipped pieces sell for $40-80 to buyers using them as planters or decor.

Staub: Often overlooked by sellers who don’t recognize it. Round cocotte sources for $50-100, sells for $180-300. Check estate sales especially.

Cast Iron: Griswold skillets (#8) source for $30-80, sell for $100-250—look for block or slant logo. Wagner Ware sources for $20-50, sells for $60-150. Any vintage cast iron with a smooth cooking surface (pre-1960s) has value—modern Lodge is rough; vintage is polished glass-smooth.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture

MCM furniture remains one of the highest-margin categories, but it requires space, transportation, and patience.

Herman Miller: Aeron chairs source for $150-300 (corporate liquidations, Facebook Marketplace), sell for $400-700. Size B is most common and desired. Eames lounge chair (authentic) sources for $1,500+, sells for $3,500-5,000—reproductions are worthless. Nelson benches source for $200-500, sell for $600-1,200.

Knoll: Wassily chairs source for $200-400, sell for $600-1,000. Barcelona chairs (authentic) source for $500-1,000, sell for $1,500-3,000.

Danish Modern: Teak credenzas source for $100-300, sell for $400-1,000. Danish chairs from makers like Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen vary wildly. Wegner Wishbone chairs source for $150-300, sell for $500-900.

American MCM: Broyhill Brasilia sources for $50-150, sells for $200-500. Lane Acclaim coffee tables source for $40-100, sell for $150-350.

How to identify: Look for maker’s marks (labels, stamps), construction quality (dovetail joints, solid wood), and distinctive design elements.

Vintage Pyrex

Pyrex collecting has exploded into a serious hobby. Patterns that sold for $5 a decade ago now sell for $150. Knowing patterns is everything.

Most Valuable Patterns: Lucky in Love (green clovers on white) is the grail—sources for $5-20, sells for $150-400. Pink Gooseberry sources for $10-30, sells for $80-150 per bowl. Turquoise Butterprint (Amish print) sets source for $30-60, sell for $150-300. Eyes (Atomic Eyes) sources for $15-40, sells for $100-200 per piece. Starburst sources for $10-20, sells for $50-100.

Common But Profitable: Butterprint (turquoise on white) mixing bowl sets source for $15-30, sell for $60-100. Primary Colors mixing bowl sets source for $20-40, sell for $80-150. Spring Blossom Green sources for $3-8, sells for $15-35.

What to avoid: Dishwasher damage (faded patterns), chips, cracks, excessive wear. These kill value significantly.

High-End Small Appliances

Premium kitchen appliances hold value better than any other appliances. People will pay hundreds for a used Vitamix rather than buy cheap.

KitchenAid: Artisan Stand Mixer sources for $80-150, sells for $200-300. Professional series sources for $100-200, sells for $280-400. Attachments sell individually—pasta maker sources for $30-50, sells for $100-150.

Vitamix: 5200 series sources for $100-180, sells for $250-350. Professional series sources for $150-250, sells for $350-500.

Breville: Barista Express sources for $200-350, sells for $450-600. Smart Oven sources for $80-150, sells for $200-300.

Books & Media

Books and media can range from penny profits to four-figure scores. The key is knowing exactly what has value and passing on everything else.

Textbook Strategy: Buy May-June and December-January when students are dumping books for any price. Sell August-September and January when semester starts and prices peak. Medical/nursing textbooks (current editions) source for $5-20, sell for $60-150. Engineering textbooks source for $5-15, sell for $40-100. Law school casebooks source for $10-20, sell for $50-120. Check the edition—outdated editions are worthless. International editions (marked “not for sale in USA”) sell 50-70% lower.

First Editions

First edition hunting at estate sales and library sales can yield spectacular finds. Look for “First edition, first printing” statements on copyright page. No additional printings listed means it’s first. Dust jackets often worth more than the book itself. Verify author signatures for authenticity.

Genres that sell: Modern first editions (Harry Potter UK Bloomsbury, Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy), vintage hardcovers (Hemingway, Steinbeck, Fitzgerald), science fiction (Asimov, Philip K. Dick, Frank Herbert). Harry Potter UK 1st editions worth $30,000+; later printings $200-2,000. True first Catcher in the Rye is $5,000+, but book club editions are $20.

Vintage Video Games

Sealed games command 3-10x vs CIB. A sealed Pokemon HeartGold is $500+; CIB is $150. Focus on factory-sealed games with intact seals. Pokemon games source for $20-60, sell for $60-150. Zelda (Ocarina, Wind Waker, Twilight Princess) sources for $15-40, sells for $50-100. Mario (Super Mario 64, Sunshine, Galaxy) sources for $15-30, sells for $40-80. Rare games: Earthbound is $200+ loose, Rule of Rose $500+ CIB, Haunting Ground $300+ CIB. GameCube nostalgia has pushed even common games to $30-50.

Vinyl Records

What Actually Sells: Original pressings matter more than title. A 1967 pressing of Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper is $100+; a 1980s repress is $15. Jazz (Blue Note, Prestige, Impulse! labels) sources for $5-15, sells for $40-150+. Classic rock first pressings (Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) source for $5-10, sell for $30-80. Hip-hop 90s originals source for $3-10, sell for $30-100. Soundtracks (especially horror, cult films) source for $2-5, sell for $20-80.

What’s worthless: Herb Alpert, Barbra Streisand, most classical, Christmas albums, 8-tracks, most 45s. Condition grades: VG+ minimum for good resale—scratched records sell 60-80% less.

Sports & Outdoor

Sports equipment offers high profit margins because retail prices are steep and people constantly upgrade. Your competition is lower because most resellers don’t know brands and models.

Golf Clubs

Drivers: TaylorMade (Stealth, Qi10) and Callaway (Paradym, Ai Smoke) source for $150-250, sell for $350-500. Titleist TSR sources for $180-300, sells for $400-550.

Irons: Titleist T100/T200 sets source for $300-500, sell for $700-1,000. Mizuno JPX sources for $250-450, sells for $550-850.

Putters: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 sources for $150-250, sells for $350-500. Limited editions go higher.

Bicycles

Vintage Road: Schwinn Paramount/Super Sport sources for $100-250, sells for $350-700. Peugeot 70s-80s sources for $50-150, sells for $200-450.

High-End Modern: Trek Domane/Madone sources for $500-1,500, sells for $1,200-3,000.

Electric: Rad Power Bikes source for $400-600, sell for $800-1,200.

Camping & Outdoor Gear

Yeti: Coolers (Tundra 45, 65) source for $100-180, sell for $220-350. Rambler tumblers source for $8-15, sell for $25-40.

Tents: Big Agnes/MSR backpacking tents source for $80-150, sell for $200-350.

Osprey Backpacks: Atmos AG 65 sources for $60-100, sells for $150-250. Farpoint/Fairview travel packs source for $50-80, sell for $130-200.

Exercise Equipment

Adjustable Dumbbells: Bowflex SelectTech 552 sources for $100-180, sells for $280-380. PowerBlock sets source for $150-250, sell for $350-500.

Rowers: Concept2 Model D sources for $500-800, sells for $900-1,200.

Spin Bikes: Peloton (bike only) sources for $300-500, sells for $600-900. Keiser M3 sources for $400-700, sells for $1,000-1,500.

Weight Plates: Olympic plates sell for $1-1.50/lb used. Estate sale 300lb sets go for $200, flip for $450+.

Collectibles

Collectibles require specialized knowledge but offer some of the highest profit margins. The key is knowing which items appreciate versus which are manufactured scarcity.

LEGO (Which Sets Appreciate)

Best Themes: Star Wars UCS appreciates 10-20% annually after retirement. Modular Buildings source at retail, sell post-retirement for 50-100% markup. Ideas sets (licensed properties) perform well.

Not Worth It: Basic City sets, Duplo, most Friends sets.

Vintage Toys

Star Wars: Vintage Kenner (1977-1985) loose figures sell for $15-100+ each. Carded figures sell for $100-1,000+. Vehicles (Millennium Falcon, AT-AT) source for $30-100, sell for $100-300.

Transformers: G1 (1984-1990) sources for $20-80, sells for $80-300+. Boxed Optimus is $400+.

Hot Wheels: Redlines (1968-1977) source for $5-20, sell for $30-200+. Treasure Hunts source for $1-5, sell for $20-100. Super Treasure Hunts worth $30-150+.

Barbie: Vintage (1959-1966) sells for $100-1,000+. Holiday Barbies (1988-1998) source for $5-20, sell for $50-150.

Funko Pops (Which Have Value)

What’s Valuable: Vaulted SDCC exclusives (2012-2016) worth $50-500+. Chase variants (1:6 ratio) source at retail, sell for $30-100+. Original Star Wars/Marvel pops (2011-2013) source for $5-20, sell for $50-200.

Not Worth Much: Common pops from last 5 years sit at $10-30. Don’t buy expecting appreciation.

Items to AVOID in 2026

Oversaturated Categories

Generic vintage T-shirts: Market flooded 2022-2024. Margins compressed unless it’s a rare band tee.

Basic Funko Pops: Common pops sell below retail. Fast fashion: Shein, Forever 21, H&M—no resale value.

Heavily Counterfeited Items

Designer goods without authentication: Sophisticated counterfeits fool even experts. Don’t buy without confidence.

Sneakers from unknown sources: Nike/Jordan fakes are nearly indistinguishable. Authenticate before listing.

Watches: Fake Rolexes flood estate sales. Pass unless you know horology.

Fragile Items with Low Margins

Generic glassware: Sells for $5-15. Breakage wipes profit. Porcelain figurines: Hummel, Precious Moments crashed. Most sell $5-20.

Why Skip Fast Fashion

Beyond profit, fast fashion flipping contributes to waste. Focus on quality items with real secondary market value.

Profit Margin Analysis

Quick Flips (1-7 Days)

Lower profit ($15-50), high turnover, less capital tied up. Best categories: video games ($12-25 profit, 2-5 days), controllers ($15-30 profit, 3-7 days), books ($10-40 profit, 2-7 days), athletic clothing ($20-50 profit, 3-7 days).

Math: 20 quick flips/month × $25 avg profit = $500/month with consistent cash flow.

Slow Money (30-90 Days)

Higher profit ($100-500+), capital tied up longer, less work per dollar. Best categories: MCM furniture ($200-500 profit, 30-60 days), vintage audio ($100-400 profit, 20-45 days), designer handbags ($200-800 profit, 30-60 days).

Math: 4 high-margin flips/month × $250 avg profit = $1,000/month with less work.

Capital Efficiency

$30 video game selling for $65 in 5 days = $35 profit, capital turns 6x/month (1,400% annualized ROI). $400 chair selling for $900 in 45 days = $500 profit, capital turns every 6 weeks (800% annualized ROI). Both work—mixing strategies optimizes income.

Time Investment

Calculate your hourly rate: $25 profit on a 25-minute book flip = $60/hour. $300 profit on furniture taking 3 hours = $100/hour. $15 profit on a shirt taking 40 minutes = $22.50/hour. Focus on categories where your rate stays high.

The Research Advantage

Every flip starts with a question: “Is this worth buying?” Making that decision quickly and accurately separates profitable resellers from those drowning in death piles.

When you find something that looks promising, check sold listings—not active listings—to see what items actually sell for. Use tools like Underpriced to analyze deals in seconds when you’re at a garage sale and need quick answers. The five minutes you spend researching before buying saves hours of listing something that won’t sell.

The most successful flippers develop instinct through repetition. After checking comps on hundreds of items, you’ll know at a glance that a Marantz receiver is gold, that generic crystal stemware is trash, and that this particular Pyrex pattern is worth stopping everything to examine.

Your Action Plan

Starting today, pick two categories from this guide: one quick-flip category for cash flow and one slow-money category for bigger margins. Learn those categories deeply:

  1. Study sold comps for 50 items in each category
  2. Visit sourcing locations (thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales) with specific items in mind
  3. List your first items within 24 hours of purchase
  4. Track your results (buy price, sell price, time to sell, profit)
  5. Adjust and specialize based on what works in your area

The best items to flip are the ones you can find, price accurately, and sell quickly. This guide gives you the knowledge—now go find the inventory.

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