cashdHow to Start Reselling as a Side Hustle (What to Flip and Where)
Reselling is the simplest side hustle there is: buy something for less than people will pay for it, then sell it. Most people start with their own closet, then move on to thrift stores, garage sales and clearance racks once they see what sells.
See what it sells for
The hard part isn't listing. It's knowing what something is worth before you buy it. That's what the price guides on Cashd are for.
Updated Oct 5, 2026. General information, not financial or tax advice; offers and terms change, so check the provider's site before you act.
At a glance
- Start with your own closet: zero cost, and it teaches you the whole process.
- Buy at a quarter to a third of the resale price to cover fees and shipping.
- Price from live listings, not from what it cost new.
Start with what you already own
Your first inventory is free. Go through closets, drawers and the garage for brand-name clothing, sneakers, old electronics, collectibles and anything still in its box. Selling these first teaches you how listing, shipping and pricing work with zero risk.
Where to source cheaply
Once your own stuff is gone, the classic sources are thrift stores, garage and estate sales, Facebook Marketplace and retail clearance. The rule is the same everywhere: look up the resale value before you buy, and only buy if the gap covers fees, shipping and your time.
- Thrift stores: brand-name clothing, outdoor gear, vintage, kitchen and small electronics.
- Garage and estate sales: collectibles, vintage items, tools; prices are often negotiable.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: underpriced items from people who want them gone fast.
- Retail clearance: new-with-tags items and discontinued products that sell above the clearance price.
Price with data, not guesses
The most common mistake is pricing from what something cost new, or from the highest listing you can find. Asking prices aren't sale prices. Cashd's guides show live price ranges from current listings, updated daily, and the scan tool prices your exact item from a photo.
A good rule of thumb: buy at a quarter to a third of the typical resale price. That leaves room for marketplace fees (often 10–20%), shipping, and the occasional item that doesn't sell. The Cashd fee calculator (cashd.us/sell/fees) shows exactly what each marketplace takes.
Pick the right marketplace
eBay reaches the most buyers for almost anything. Poshmark, Depop and Vinted are built for clothing. StockX and GOAT are for deadstock sneakers. Facebook Marketplace is best for bulky items and local sales. Listing in the right place often matters more than the price.
What to flip: live price guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can you make reselling?
It depends on time and what you sell. Many people start by clearing out their own stuff for a few hundred dollars, then add thrifted inventory. Profit per item is what you sell for, minus what you paid, fees and shipping.
What sells best for resellers?
Brand-name sneakers, outdoor and vintage clothing, luxury bags, watches, collectible toys and trading cards, and recent electronics. The Cashd price guides cover what each sells for right now.
Do I have to pay taxes on reselling?
Selling your own used things for less than you paid usually isn't taxable income. Buying items to resell at a profit is, and marketplaces may send you a 1099-K above reporting thresholds. Check with a tax professional for your situation.