Best items to resell for profit in 2025

The best items to resell for profit are products with high demand, good margins, and fast turnover rates across multiple marketplaces. 

For example, vintage clothing from brands like True Religion can sell for over $100 on Depop, while small electronics like AirPods generate $20 to $40 profit margins with consistent buyer demand.

If you're learning how to start reselling, begin with high-demand items in categories you know well, like clothing or tech accessories. We’ll also tell you all about Nifty, a tool that handles crosslisting, profit tracking, and inventory management.

The best items to resell in 2025 (by category)

The best items to resell in 2025 are vintage clothing, sneakers, and small electronics and accessories. These categories attract strong buyer demand and offer consistent revenue. Gen Z shoppers drive demand for vintage fashion, while sneaker collectors seek out limited editions at premium prices. 

Let’s break down each resale category and highlight the best items to resell for profit.

Vintage clothing & Y2K fashion

Buyers consistently shop for vintage clothing because trends from the 90s and 2000s keep cycling through TikTok and Instagram. Y2K pieces often bring high prices on eBay, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace. New resellers can source profitable items at thrift stores with minimal upfront costs.

Low-rise flare jeans (e.g., True Religion, Abercrombie 2000s)

TikTok drives demand for low-rise denim from early 2000s brands. Gen Z and younger Millennial shoppers pay over $100 for authentic True Religion and Abercrombie pieces.

These jeans are some of the best items to sell on Poshmark and Depop, two marketplaces that Gen Z and younger Millennial shoppers favor.

Vintage graphic tees (band and movie)

Concert tees and movie merchandise from the 80s and 90s sell for $25 to $150+, depending on rarity and condition, because music nostalgia generates consistent buyer demand across all age groups. These shirts are great things to sell for beginners looking to enter the vintage market with low upfront costs.

Slip dresses or baby tees (Delia's, Wet Seal, Betsey Johnson)

Y2K mall brands generate strong resale value among Gen Z consumers, recreating 90s aesthetics. This younger demographic prefers to purchase brands like Delia's and Wet Seal pieces on platforms like Depop.

Small electronics & accessories

Small electronics resell easily because buyers frequently upgrade or replace them. These accessories are among the top items to resell on Amazon and eBay, boasting fast turnover rates. 

Apple AirPods (sealed or open box)

Sealed AirPods can earn $20 to $40 profit margins with consistent buyer demand across all age groups. Open-box AirPods sell for $80 to $120 on eBay if they include the original case and paperwork. Buyers should know market pricing for AirPods, as they maintain strong resale value. Be cautious of lowball offers, which may signal counterfeits.

Gaming controllers

Gaming controllers break frequently, creating steady replacement demand from active players. New controllers sell for $45 to $65+ on eBay, while limited-edition variants command premium pricing of up to $150.

Phone chargers & power banks (Anker, Mophie)

Branded charging accessories sell faster than generic alternatives due to quality reputation and compatibility concerns. Anker power banks generate $15 to $25 in profits, while Mophie wireless chargers command premiums of $30 to $50 on eBay.

Sneakers (new & lightly used)

Sneakers resell well thanks to hype culture and limited drops. They sell on eBay, GOAT, and StockX, where buyer demand stays consistent. 

Nike Dunks or Jordans (retro drops)

Limited Nike drops resell for more than retail, offering strong profit margins. For instance, Retro Jordans sell for over $200, while rare colorways command premiums of $1,000 or more.

StockX and GOAT provide real-time pricing data for accurate profit calculations. Plus, authentication builds buyer trust and helps sellers move inventory faster.

Adidas Yeezy 350s

Classic Yeezy colorways maintain strong resale values despite brand controversy. Cream, White, and Zebra versions can sell for over $300, generating attractive returns for patient sellers.

Smaller and larger shoe sizes often sell for more because of limited availability. Boost technology and comfort features attract both sneaker collectors and casual buyers seeking premium footwear.

Hoka or On Cloud running shoes

Performance running brands generate steady demand from athletes and fashion-conscious consumers. Lightly used Hoka models sell for $35 to $120, while new releases command near-retail pricing.

These shoes attract casual buyers and runners thanks to their comfort and design. Comfort technology and distinctive designs foster brand loyalty, translating into consistent resale opportunities.

Books & media (especially niche or collectible)

Books and media are the best items to resell for profit due to collector demand and niche interest. Niche titles consistently rank as the best items to resell on eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace, offering high profit margins. 

Textbooks (STEM, nursing, or law)

College bookstore buyback programs offer limited compensation, driving students to seek alternative sellers. As a result, textbooks can fetch between $50 and $200 profit margins due to high original prices and ongoing student demand. Medical and engineering texts maintain value across multiple academic years, creating steady resale opportunities.

Vintage manga or graphic novels (out-of-print sets)

Complete manga series sell for $200 to $800 when publishers discontinue popular titles. First-edition volumes and limited print runs create scarcity, which drives collector pricing premiums.

Vinyl records (classic rock, jazz, or obscure presses)

Younger buyers discover classic albums through streaming services like Spotify, then hunt down vinyl copies to collect. Original pressings from major labels command $25 to $150 on eBay, depending on condition and rarity. 

Toys, games, & trading cards

Toys and games rank among the most profitable items to resell due to nostalgia-driven cycles and collector markets. These products represent the profitable items to resell on eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace.

LEGO sets (especially discontinued ones)

Discontinued LEGO sets appreciate 11% annually, outperforming many traditional investments. Complete sets with original boxes command high premiums over retail prices within 2–3 years of discontinuation.

Missing pieces reduce value, but open sets still generate solid profits. Adult collectors and parents seeking specific themes create steady demand.

Pokémon cards (first edition, holo, or sealed packs)

First-edition holographic cards sell for several thousand dollars, depending on their condition and rarity. Sealed booster packs from Base Set command $500 to $1,000 premiums due to potential rare card contents. Some rare Pokémon cards can even exceed $5 million.

Board games (like CATAN, Risk Legacy, or Gloomhaven)

Gaming cafés and hobby groups create demand for popular games that retail stores frequently discontinue. Limited edition board games generate $30 to $80 profits when complete with all components and rulebooks.

Home decor & kitchenware (modern + vintage)

Home decor and kitchenware are among the best items to resell for profit, driven by redecorating trends and household needs.

Mid-century modern lamps or clocks

Mid-century modern lighting generates $40 to $150 in profits due to the sustained popularity of interior design and the influence of social media. Atomic-era clocks and geometric lamps appeal to both vintage collectors and contemporary homeowners seeking statement pieces.

Vintage Pyrex or Fire-King bakeware

Rare Pyrex patterns, such as Pink Flamingo or Butterprint, can sell for over $100 on eBay. Complete mixing bowl sets generate higher profits than individual pieces, with turquoise and pink colors driving bidding wars.

Modern farmhouse decor (Target Hearth & Hand, Threshold)

Joanna Gaines-inspired decor includes some of the best items to sell on Facebook Marketplace. Seasonal clearance items from Target's Hearth & Hand line generate profit margins of 100–200% when resold during peak decorating seasons.

Outdoor gear & tools

Because outdoor gear and tools have high retail prices and durable construction, they’re ideal goods for reselling. Bargain hunters often buy older or used products from resellers instead of paying full price for new ones.

YETI coolers or tumblers

YETI products maintain 60–80% of retail value when used, creating reliable profit margins for resellers. Brand loyalists and outdoor enthusiasts will pay premium pricing for edition colors and discontinued models. Outdoor recreation communities actively seek discounted YETI gear, creating steady demand throughout all seasons.

DeWalt or Milwaukee power tools

Professional contractors purchase used power tools to reduce overhead costs while maintaining quality standards. DEWALT and Milwaukee tools can generate steady profits due to brand reliability and widespread recognition among tradespeople.

Hiking backpacks

Premium hiking backpacks retail for $200 to $400, making used options attractive to budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. These sell for under $100 on Poshmark and eBay, making them popular with budget-conscious buyers.

Luxury items (bags, watches, jewelry)

Luxury items are profitable to resell due to brand recognition and status appeal. These products rank among the best items to resell on Amazon, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace. But, you’ll need to authenticate all luxury items you resell by using brand-specific verification tools or built-in authentication programs on platforms like eBay, The RealReal, and Vestiaire Collective.

Coach or Michael Kors bags

Louis Vuitton luxury handbags sell for $100 to $1,200 on eBay due to brand recognition and aspirational buying behavior. Coach vintage styles and limited editions command higher premiums than current retail offerings from outlet stores.

TAG Heuer or Seiko watches 

Swiss and Japanese watch brands maintain strong resale values, with vintage models appreciating over time. Limited edition releases and discontinued styles create collector demand that drives bidding wars and premium pricing.

Tiffany & Co. sterling silver jewelry

Tiffany silver jewelry maintains 40–60% of retail value due to brand prestige and timeless designs. Classic pieces, such as heart pendants and keychains, consistently generate demand from gift buyers and collectors.

Including the original box and authenticity cards helps prove the item’s legitimacy and raises its resale value. Sterling silver hallmarks and signature clasp mechanisms help sellers authenticate pieces and avoid counterfeit inventory.

DIY craft supplies

DIY craft supplies are among the best items to resell on eBay and Etsy because both platforms attract hobbyist buyers.

Cricut tools & vinyl rolls

Cricut cutting machines can sell for around $40 on Etsy due to premium pricing and dedicated user communities. Vinyl rolls, weeding tools, and design cartridges create repeat purchase patterns from active crafters building small businesses.

Social media crafting tutorials drive demand for specific tools and materials, creating predictable sales cycles around trending project types.

Scrapbook kits & paper packs

Complete scrapbook kits sell for $25 to $60 to time-pressed crafters seeking coordinated supplies and project inspiration. Themed collections and seasonal designs appeal to memory keepers and gift makers throughout the year.

Beads and jewelry-making kits

Bulk bead lots earn higher profits than individual packages, appealing to serious jewelry makers and small business owners. Semi-precious stones and quality findings command premium pricing from artisan creators seeking professional results.

Beauty & personal care (sealed only)

Beauty products offer consistent demand across all major platforms. You must retain these products in their original packaging — sealed items eliminate condition concerns, while beauty enthusiasts create steady buyer pools on eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace.

Rare perfume minis or discontinued scents

Perfume collectors actively hunt discontinued fragrances and limited-edition minis across reselling platforms. These niche buyers pay premium prices because brands frequently reformulate or discontinue popular scents.

Sealed skincare from top brands

Skincare enthusiasts buy sealed products online to avoid counterfeit risks common in beauty retail. Brands like The Ordinary and CeraVe maintain consistent demand because dermatologists recommend these products.

Subscription box bundles 

Subscription box items create perfect reselling opportunities because subscribers receive more products than they use. Sellers group unused items into discounted bundles that appeal to bargain hunters.

FabFitFun and Ipsy items retain value because subscribers originally paid premium prices for curated selections. Buyers seek these bundles to try expensive brands without subscription commitments.

What makes an item worth reselling?

An item is worth reselling when it has demand, good condition, strong margins, and high sell-through. Profitable items sell fast or return strong profits per sale, especially when in excellent condition. Recognizing these traits helps resellers choose the best items to resell on eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace. 

Make sure you know this about every item you plan to resell:

• Margin sales vs. volume sales: High-margin items generate $50+ profits per sale but move slowly, while volume items produce $5–15 profits with faster turnover. Decide whether each item fits a high-margin or high-volume strategy so you can price and scale correctly.

• Condition and authenticity: Mint-condition items fetch premium prices, while damaged goods require steep discounts that erode profit margins. Luxury buyers often hesitate without proof, so sellers need receipts or certificates for expensive items. Always know an item’s condition, and if it requires documents for sale.

• Search demand (platform SEO): Popular search terms generate more visibility and faster sales than obscure product descriptions. Use trending search terms in your listings to show up in results and sell faster. 

• Shipping cost and buyer expectations: Heavy items come with shipping costs that reduce profit margins and limit buyer appeal on national platforms. Sell bulky items locally on Facebook Marketplace to skip shipping costs, which cut into profits on platforms like eBay or Poshmark.

• Seasonality: Holiday decorations peak in November and December, while outdoor gear sells best during the spring months. Understand seasonal patterns to optimize inventory timing and prevent dead stock.

• Profit predictability: Established brands with consistent demand provide predictable returns, while trendy items offer higher profits with greater volatility. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on risky items that might remain unsold for long periods.

• Trend cycles: Fashion trends cycle every 20–30 years, making vintage items predictably valuable as the nostalgic buyers who matured with them emerge. If you’re selling vintage clothing, keep up with present trends by following fashion influencers.

Resellers succeed by creating systems to spot high-profit inventory across categories and platforms. This strategic approach helps them eliminate emotional purchasing decisions and focus on data-driven profit opportunities. To earn consistently, focus on knowing your market and sticking to a clear resale process.

Where to sell: Matching items to the right platform

Where to look for inventory

Look for inventory at thrift stores, estate sales, and retail clearance sales. Successful resellers know sourcing locations determine profit margins and inventory turnover rates. Discover the proven venues to find the best items for reselling:

• Estate sales: Estate sales offer the best items to resell because sellers price items to clear entire households quickly. Vintage clothing, electronics, and collectibles appear at below-market prices during these events.

• Thrift stores: Thrift stores restock inventory daily with donated goods. Early morning visits give resellers first access to newly donated items before other buyers arrive.

• Pallet liquidation sites: Liquidation companies sell returned Amazon and retail merchandise in bulk pallets at fraction costs. These pallets contain customer returns, overstock, and seasonal clearance items that retail stores didn’t sell.

• Facebook groups and Craigslist: Local Facebook groups and Craigslist connect sellers with buyers who need quick cash for household items. These sellers price low to sell fast.

• Retail arbitrage: Retail stores clear seasonal inventory through predictable markdown schedules that create arbitrage opportunities. Clearance sections contain profitable items that stores need to remove for new merchandise.

• Niche community marketplaces (e.g., sneaker forums): Collector communities create specialized markets where enthusiasts buy and sell items within their expertise areas. Sneaker forums and niche communities help sellers find rare items that resell for more.

Reliable inventory sources may take time to find, but they lead to consistent profits. Successful resellers diversify sourcing locations to maintain a consistent product flow. Test small purchases from new sources before committing to larger investments. 

Reselling bottlenecks and how to solve them

Common reselling bottlenecks are manual listing, double selling, and difficulties tracking costs and profits. To start reselling successfully, spot bottlenecks early because they can drain profits and stall growth. 

The following list includes several reselling bottlenecks and how successful sellers avoid them:

Manual entry slows down relisting stale inventory

Manual relisting wastes time you could spend finding new inventory. Stale listings disappear from search results as algorithms favor fresh inventory over older posts. Resellers lose visibility and sales when they can't regularly refresh listings across platforms because manual updates take too much time.

• Nifty auto-cycles your listings: Nifty automatically relists stale items to keep your listings fresh and visible. Fresh listings attract more buyers and generate higher sales for items that previously sat unsold. You can customize this auto-relisting feature as well. 

Difficulties tracking COGS and profit

Profit tracking becomes difficult when sellers use spreadsheets instead of a central control panel. Without a control panel or dashboard, sellers make pricing mistakes and waste time juggling spreadsheets.

• Nifty's Analytics Suite handles profit tracking tasks: Nifty tracks purchase costs, platform fees, and shipping to calculate profit per item.

Pricing across platforms

Each platform demands unique pricing based on its buyers and competition. Manual price changes across platforms cause inconsistencies that confuse buyers and lower sales. Resellers waste time updating prices one by one instead of finding new inventory or fulfilling orders.

• Edit all prices from Nifty's interface: You can manually update all your prices across several platforms on one interface, so you don’t need to play hopscotch with tabs to make pricing changes. 

Final checklist for scaling your reselling business

To scale your reselling business, follow a purchasing plan that helps you move inventory instead of letting it pile up. Track what sells and list across multiple platforms. Use this checklist to build a clear, effective selling strategy:

1. Don't hoard inventory; move it: Stored inventory ties up cash and blocks new purchases. To create a strategy to quickly move items, set maximum hold times for inventory and discount goods that exceed these limits.

2. Track what's actually selling: Sales only matter if your margins cover your time and costs. Profit tracking shows which categories contribute to income and which ones drain time. Discover profitability using analysis tools like Nifty.

3. Diversify platforms and use a crosslisting tool: Multiple platforms increase exposure but create bottlenecks without proper automation tools. Nifty lists your inventory across platforms and tracks it automatically.

4. Niche down once you find what works: A generalist approach helps new sellers explore multiple categories and learn what sells. Use data from tools like Nifty to find your top-selling products and focus your time there. Specializing builds sourcing skills and improves pricing accuracy.

5. Set up proper business systems: Professional systems separate serious full-time and part-time sellers from hobbyists and side hustlers. Investing in a tool like Nifty will enable proper record-keeping and simplify tax preparation and business decision-making.

Want to scale smarter? Start automating your reselling today

If you’re just getting started and want to build a real reselling business, Nifty makes it easy to manage everything in one place. Use it to list top resale items, track profits, and manage inventory without spreadsheets.

Here’s how Nifty helps you hit the ground running:

• Use it from anywhere: Nifty works on your phone, tablet, or laptop. You can check in, update listings, or track sales whenever you have a spare moment.

• Know what’s selling (and what’s not): You’ll see which items bring in the most profit, what needs restocking, and what’s just sitting there, all without doing math.

• Avoid the busywork: Relist, edit prices, or discount items in bulk with a few clicks. No browser clutter. No extra tabs, just clear actions that save time.

Try a 7-day free trial and see how investing in Nifty can help you reach your reselling goals.

FAQs

1. What are the easiest items to resell as a beginner?

The easiest items to resell as a beginner include small electronics and books. Small electronics, like phone chargers and gaming controllers, break frequently, creating a steady demand for replacements. Books offer predictable pricing through online databases. 

2. How do I avoid buying inventory that doesn’t sell?

You avoid buying inventory that doesn't sell by researching demand before purchasing items. Check completed sales on eBay to verify actual selling prices and frequency. Start with small test purchases from new categories before committing larger amounts.

3. How much money do I need to start reselling?

You need between $50 and $200 to start reselling, depending on your chosen categories and sourcing methods. Small electronics and books require minimal investment, about $1 to $5 per item, while luxury items demand higher capital.