Top 28 profitable reselling business ideas for 2025

Reselling business ideas in 2025 range from beginner-friendly clothing flips to high-margin electronics that can generate thousands in monthly profit. If you're exploring how to make money reselling, these ideas offer a roadmap from $5 flips to $500 collectibles.

The most successful resellers combine accessible categories with higher-value niches. We'll explore 28 profitable reselling business ideas from beginner-friendly options to specialized niches, and how tools like Nifty can help. 

The best reselling business ideas in 2025: At a glance

Clothing & accessories

Selling clothing and accessories is one of the most accessible reselling business ideas for beginners. You can source inventory from thrift stores, estate sales, clearance racks, and your own closet. 

Start your clothing reselling business by signing up for platforms like Poshmark and Depop. Poshmark attracts a fashion-savvy audience of buyers seeking the latest trends, while Depop members tend to purchase vintage clothing and accessories. 

If you have rare clothing and accessories, you can spark bidding wars by posting high-demand items on eBay for eager buyers.

1. Vintage streetwear and Y2K fashion

Millennial buyers pay premium prices for authentic 1990s and 2000s pieces. Popular brands from this era, like Tommy Hilfiger, Champion, and FUBU, sometimes sell for 10x their thrift store price on platforms like Depop. 

The Y2K revival shows no signs of slowing, making this one of the most profitable reselling business ideas.

2. Secondhand designer handbags

Designer handbags hold their value better than most luxury items, offering consistent profit potential for resellers who learn authentication basics. For instance, a $50 Coach bag can easily sell for $150 to $300 online, whereas rare vintage pieces command even higher prices. 

Some well-known brands for beginners to start with are Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Coach. After you’ve seen positive returns for several months, consider advancing to Chanel or Louis Vuitton.

3. Branded athletic wear (Nike, Lululemon, etc.)

Athletic wear creates a reliable income stream in clothing resale because people constantly replace workout gear and seek discounts on premium brands. Lululemon leggings purchased for $15 at garage sales can sell for $30 to $70. 

The athletic wear market stays strong year-round, making this an ideal foundation for building a sustainable online reselling business.

4. Niche accessories like sunglasses or belts

Accessories offer high profit margins in small packages, reducing shipping costs while maximizing returns per square inch of storage space. Vintage sunglasses from brands like Ray-Ban or Oakley can cost $5-10 at thrift stores, but sell for $40 to $100 online to collectors and fashion enthusiasts. 

Designer belts follow similar pricing patterns. eBay buyers often pay $200 to $500 for authenticated designer belts in good condition.

5. Thrifted bundles or style-curated mystery boxes

Mystery boxes stoke excitement and surprise in shoppers. They also allow resellers to move multiple items quickly without creating individual listings. Customers pay premium prices for curated bundles based on their style preferences, size, and color choices, creating repeat buyers who trust your taste. 

You can group slow-selling items into themed bundles to move inventory faster and attract repeat buyers. After a few months of consistent sales, level up to higher-end brands like Chanel or Louis Vuitton.

Electronics & tech

Electronics and tech create lucrative reselling business opportunities because people constantly upgrade their devices. As people upgrade frequently, demand for used but still working electronics remains steady.

Beginners can succeed in electronics reselling because these items have stable values, and buyers look for specific models with known price ranges. You can focus on popular categories like smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, and audio equipment that maintain strong resale values. 

Source your inventory from garage sales, estate sales, trade-in programs, and online marketplaces where people sell outdated devices. Next, post your devices on platforms like Plug or eBay where buyers actively search for refurbished tech. 

Learn how to test functionality and describe each product’s condition accurately to build buyer trust and increase profits.

6. Used phones and tablets

People upgrade smartphones and tablets every 2–3 years, making them some of the most frequently resold devices. A working iPhone 12, purchased for $100 at an estate sale, can sell for over $400 on a platform like Plug. 

Phone reselling is profitable because buyers often seek specific models and are willing to pay more for devices in good condition with their original accessories.

7. Refurbished laptops

Resellers who learn how to clean and set up business laptops can earn strong profits. 

They can buy Lenovo ThinkPads at auctions for $50–100 and sell them for over $600 after upgrading the RAM and installing SSDs.

Remote workers and students drive demand by seeking affordable used laptops instead of purchasing new ones.

8. Smartwatches and wearable tech

Health-conscious buyers frequently upgrade their wearable tech, which keeps Apple Watches and fitness trackers in demand. For example, A Series 6 Apple Watch purchased for $75 at a garage sale sells for between $200 and $300 on eBay. 

The wearable tech market stays profitable because new models create demand for previous generations at discounted prices.

9. Video game consoles

Gaming consoles generate profits because hardcore gamers buy multiple systems, and others seek affordable options for gifts. PlayStation 4 consoles found at garage sales for $50–75 sell for $200 to $300 on sites like eBay or GameStop. 

Electronics resellers see steady sales year-round, with the highest demand during back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

10. Accessories like chargers, cases, and keyboards

Tech accessories offer high profit margins per dollar invested because they cost pennies at garage sales but sell for $10 to $50 on platforms like eBay. You can earn more by selling accessories like chargers or keyboards separately instead of bundling them with devices. 

Books, media & collectibles

Books and collectibles offer high returns, since you can often buy them for under $1 and sell them for $10 to $100. This makes books and vinyl perfect foundations for an online reselling business you can run from home.

Beginners can get started with books from their own shelves or $20 finds at library sales.

If you can spot valuable items fast and price them right, you can sell on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Mercari.

11. First edition books or signed copies

First edition books and signed copies generate good profit margins because bibliophiles and collectors want authentic pieces with provenance. For instance, collectors will pay over $3,000 on eBay for a signed Stephen King because signed and rare books attract buyers who care about authenticity and documented history.

12. Vinyl records

Vinyl records create profitable reselling business opportunities because music collectors seek specific pressings, rare albums, and vintage equipment. Original Beatles albums found for $1 at garage sales sell for $50 to $300 on eBay. 

The vinyl market remains strong across all generations, providing resellers with consistent sales year-round, making it a solid first category.

13. Pop culture collectibles

Pop culture collectibles tap into nostalgia and fandom, creating profit potential when you find items tied to popular franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, or Pokémon. For instance, a vintage Darth Vader action figure still in packaging can sell for around $5,800 on eBay. 

Collectors pay top dollar for authentic memorabilia from franchises like Marvel or Pokémon.

14. DVDs, CDs, and niche media 

DVDs and CDs offer steady profits for resellers who demand out-of-print titles, foreign films, and niche content that streaming services don't carry. Collectors still pay $10 to $50 for individual horror movies, anime series, and classic rock albums. 

Smart resellers target discontinued titles and rare releases that maintain value because digital alternatives don't exist or lack the special features that collectors want.

Home & decor

When homeowners update their spaces often, they want pieces that feel personal. This creates demand for vintage furniture, branded kitchenware, and decor with character. You can find these items at estate sales, garage clean-outs, and thrift stores. 

You can also discover listings by simply decluttering your own space. Sell large items through Facebook Marketplace to reach local buyers. For listing vintage handmade items, try Etsy and eBay.

15. Mid-century modern furniture

Resellers can earn premium returns on mid-century modern furniture, which includes pieces from the 1950s to 1970s. Interior designers and homeowners buy authentic pieces to match vintage interiors or complete nostalgic design projects that hearken back to a bygone era.

For example, a genuine Eames chair or Danish teak credenza can attract collectors who recognize quality craftsmanship. Mid-century furniture stays in demand because high-end buyers want authentic pieces for their homes. Resellers profit when they find verified items that match current design trends.

16. Antique mirrors and wall art

Antique mirrors and vintage wall art generate profits because these statement pieces instantly upgrade any room, and buyers pay premium prices for unique focal points. Ornate Victorian mirrors found for $20 at garage sales sell for $200 to $500 on eBay or Facebook Marketplace to homeowners seeking distinctive alternatives to mass-produced decor.

17. Vintage kitchenware

Resellers buy Pyrex bowls, cast iron skillets, and copper cookware for $5 to 15 at estate sales and flip them online for $50 to $150. Home cooks and collectors search for vintage kitchenware because newer versions lack the same build quality. These buyers want pieces that last, work well, and add character to their kitchens.

18. Handmade or one-of-a-kind home accents

Buyers pay $75 to $300 for artisan pottery, carved wooden bowls, and vintage textiles that resellers find for $10 to $25 at estate sales and craft fairs. These shoppers want one-of-a-kind home accents they can't find in stores. You can profit by focusing on handmade pieces that show skilled craftsmanship and reflect personal style.

Beauty & personal care

Consumers buy discounted cosmetics and skincare because they want to try new brands without paying full price. You can make returns by flipping discontinued items, limited editions, and luxury products from clearance racks or subscription box extras. 

Many resellers start on Mercari to move cosmetics and beauty products fast. Then list high-end skincare and makeup kits on Poshmark to reach shoppers looking for premium beauty deals.

19. Unopened or discontinued makeup

Beauty enthusiasts may pay $50 to $150 for discontinued or unopened makeup palettes that are no longer available in stores. These shoppers hunt for specific shades and formulas they can’t get from retail stores. These products don’t always bring the best profit, though, and may only sell just above or at retail price. 

20. High-end skincare (sealed)

You can buy sealed creams and serums at outlet sales and resell them online for up to $150.

Buyers look for luxury skincare at lower prices, but still demand sealed, authentic products. Always stick to selling unopened items with visible expiration dates, and focus on brands known for results.

21. Fragrances and perfume miniatures

Fragrance collectors search for rare perfumes like vintage Chanel, paying $40 to $100 for sealed, discontinued scents. These buyers seek discontinued fragrances, miniatures, and vintage perfumes that stores no longer carry.

Toys & kids’ items

Parents often buy secondhand toys since kids outgrow them quickly. Resellers flip LEGO sets, Fisher-Price gear, and learning toys from garage sales for strong returns. Start on Facebook Marketplace to sell to local families, then use eBay to reach collectors looking for vintage or rare items.

22. Wooden or Montessori-style toys

Parents search for Montessori-style toys because they value durability, simplicity, and hands-on learning. Resellers find strong profits flipping wooden play sets, puzzles, and stacking toys sourced from garage sales or boutique overstock bins, where these high-ticket items are often underpriced. Buyers may pay between $15 and $150 per toy on eBay.

23. Vintage plush figures and stuffed animals

Vintage plush toys and action figures generate profit margins because adult collectors pay premium prices for items that remind them of childhood. Original Ninja Turtle dolls or Alf puppets can fetch between $50 and $800 on eBay. Only sell items wrapped in original packaging to generate the best returns.

24. Kids’ clothes from popular brands

Kids' clothes from popular brands create consistent profit streams because children outgrow expensive clothing quickly. Budget-conscious parents look for secondhand deals on trusted brands to avoid paying full retail.

On Mercari, you can sell infant clothing for around $5, whereas a children’s down jacket can fetch around $80. 

Specialty & niche categories

Collectors pay high prices for rare items tied to specific hobbies, fandoms, or eras. Resellers profit by finding niche products that buyers can’t get from big-box stores. Moreover, sellers who develop expertise in focused markets, such as musical instruments, sports memorabilia, or craft supplies, tend to generate better profits.

Resell specialty and niche products using eBay, where dedicated collectors actively search for specific items. You can also find niche buyers in Facebook groups focused on specific hobbies.

25. Festival or cosplay resale pieces

Sellers can capitalize on short-lived trends and seasonal demand by sourcing bold, limited-run pieces worn at raves, comic-cons, or music festivals. Resellers find demand for festival wear like LED harnesses and elf ears during events such as Burning Man. These items command high resale value when the event hype returns.

26. Limited edition sneakers

Resellers who monitor sneaker drops and buy early can flip Air Jordans and Yeezys for fast profit. Limited stock and high demand push resale prices far above retail on sites like StockX and GOAT. Watch restock alerts and mark sneaker release dates to grab pairs before they sell out. 

27. Craft supplies

You can profit by reselling Cricut machines, vinyl rolls, and craft paper during peak seasons. You can also bundle slow-moving supplies into themed kits to raise prices and move inventory. 

Source your goods by tracking craft-focused Facebook groups and following influencers on Instagram. Etsy caters to arts and crafts buyers, making it a strong marketplace for these supplies.

28. Pet gear

You can resell pet gear like dog strollers, designer carriers, and specialty training items. Pet owners spend top dollar on toys, gear, and accessories that improve training and daily routines or teach Lulu not to bark at the neighbors.

Pet resellers succeed when they focus on gear that improves daily routines, such as orthopedic beds or training harnesses. Focus on orthopedic beds and puzzle feeders, which consistently sell to owners who prioritize pet health. List these items on Poshmark, Amazon, and eBay for practical buyers hunting deals.

What to consider before starting

Set clear goals for time, sourcing, and income before launching your reseller business. Think about the amount of upfront money you’ll need to spend and the time you'll need to put in to achieve these goals.

Build a reselling plan by checking how the following reselling fundamentals fit with your goals:

• Time investment vs. potential ROI: Not every niche yields an equal return, but you determine how much time you invest. Some categories sell quicker than others, so calculate an estimated return based on time spent.

• Inventory and budget: Begin with items you already own or can source at no or low cost. Empty your closet and see how quickly older items sell. Then, visit thrift stores, become active on Facebook groups, and attend estate sales to find the best deals. You should aim to purchase low-cost goods initially to reduce overspend.
  
  
• Your chosen platforms: Each platform attracts different buyers and products. Etsy attracts buyers looking for unique, handmade goods, while Poshmark caters to fashion-focused shoppers. Know the type of products and buyers that each platform caters to before launching your reselling business.
  
  
• Long-term vs. side-hustle potential: Treat your reselling like a daily side hustle and track your costs to test long-term potential. Track your costs and revenue to determine if flipping is feasible for side income or a full-time job in the long term.

How to choose the right reselling niche

Choose a reselling niche that matches your budget, schedule, and interests. You’ll make faster progress when you sell products you understand and enjoy sourcing. Consider each of the following conditions when choosing a reselling niche:

Time 

Your available time dictates your niche. If you can only sell on weekends, focus on fast-moving items such as branded clothing and household goods. Full-time resellers can chase high-margin collectibles, rare books, or vintage electronics that require patience and research.

Time demands vary by category. For instance, electronics sellers must test the products they purchase and stay current with regular pricing updates. However, you can list clothing in minutes with basic checks for cleanliness and wear and tear. 

Budget

Your amount of capital determines whether you flip $5 thrift finds or invest $500 in luxury items. Low-budget sellers turn a profit by selling books, clothes, and household items that move quickly due to high volume. 

Sourcing

Your sourcing access shapes your niche. City-based sellers can regularly find estate sales and liquidation centers. Rural sellers may rely more on finding good deals online and flipping them.

Experienced resellers track estate sales, Facebook deals, and seasonal retail markdowns to build a steady sourcing pipeline. 

Shipping complexity

Miscalculating shipping or skipping insurance cuts into your profit. For instance, electronics and glassware demand padding, insurance, and care. On the other hand, clothing ships quickly with minimal packaging, making it a good fit for high-volume sellers.

Experienced resellers handle complex packaging. New sellers should focus on durable, easy-to-ship items and gradually learn how to factor in packaging and shipping costs when pricing.

Your passion 

The more interest you have in the products you’re selling, the better you’ll be able to position them on the sales platforms you choose. Passionate sellers can also more easily identify high-value items to flip than those who are solely motivated by financial gain.

However, you’ll need to consistently apply profit analysis to every item you source. No matter how much you love vintage cameras, if you’re finding buyers, you're building a collection instead of a revenue stream. 

Profession or past experience

Your work experience gives you an edge in certain categories. Use that knowledge to price and source accurately. For example, former retail workers understand brand hierarchies and seasonal trends, whereas IT professionals can quickly assess electronics and identify valuable components.

Start with products you already understand, rather than wasting time on niches you’re unfamiliar with. Experience can replace countless hours of research, letting you jump straight into profitable sourcing and accurate pricing. 

Where to source inventory

Successful resellers source profitable inventory from thrift stores, estate sales, online marketplaces, and local auctions or liquidations. They identify locations and outlets that align with their budget, schedule, and expertise. 

Thrift stores offer the lowest entry costs, providing consistent clothing and household finds, while estate sales offer higher-value items, such as vintage collectibles and electronics. 

Explore the following places for the best sourcing opportunities:

• Thrift stores: Thrift stores offer a constantly rotating inventory selection. Although they provide competitively priced goods, scoring high-value items requires regular visits and a keen eye (developed by research and experience) for overlooked gems. 

• Estate sales: Estate sales sell vintage items, tools, and furniture at low prices to clear out entire homes in just a few days.
  
  
• Online marketplaces: Many resellers use eBay and Facebook Marketplace to source inventory from the comfort of their homes. eBay offers worldwide reach for hard-to-find collectibles, while Facebook favors local pickups.
  
  
• Local auctions or liquidation sites: Local auction houses and online liquidation platforms like Liquidation.com or B-Stock often sell off retail returns, business closures, and unclaimed storage units. Check each item’s history and condition before you bid on liquidation stock.

Combine sourcing channels that align with your schedule and budget, then expand as your needs grow. Start with one or two sourcing methods that match your schedule and budget, then gradually expand as you gain experience and capital.

Where to sell: Best reselling platforms in 2025

The best reselling platforms in 2025 match your inventory type with the right audience. Try Poshmark for clothing and accessories, and compare Mercari vs. eBay to determine which best fits your niche. Here’s a review of the best reselling platforms in 2025 and their core buyer groups. 

Poshmark: Great for fashion and accessories

Buyers use Poshmark to purchase clothing, shoes, and accessories. Sellers can turn revenue if they sell the right styles at the correct price points. Poshmark’s community-driven features, such as sharing, following, and Posh Parities, increase visibility for sellers who remain active.

eBay: Ideal for collectibles, tech, and hard-to-find items

Established in the 1990s, eBay remains the OG for rare finds, from vintage toys to discontinued electronics. Its auction and “Buy It Now” formats give sellers flexibility, especially for testing demand and pricing obscure items.

Mercari: Beginner-friendly with flexible categories

Mercari offers a flat 10% fee and a straightforward listing process, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Its broad category selection, from home goods to fashion, means you can test different niches without platform-switching.

Learn more about Mercari in our review.

Depop: Youth-oriented and vintage-heavy

Depop caters to Gen Z and younger Millennials looking for curated, expressive fashion. Sellers offer clothing and fashion accessories on Depop. Think Y2K, streetwear, and DIY aesthetics.

Facebook Marketplace: Local reach and large-item potential

Facebook Marketplace offers a place to sell bulky items like furniture, tools, or baby gear that are hard to ship. Since it connects to local buyers, you can often skip shipping costs altogether.

Plug: Good for electronics

Plug is a trusted resale platform specializing in consumer electronics like refurbished phones and tablets. It offers warranties and quality checks, making it safer for buyers and a reliable outlet for used tech.

Common challenges resellers face (and how to solve them)

Common challenges like overselling and inconsistent pricing can harm profits. But smart solutions turn these obstacles into competitive advantages. Below are some common issues beginner resellers encounter, but we’ve also included some methods to overcome these problems.

• Overselling across multiple platforms: Overselling occurs when an item is sold on numerous platforms before it can be removed. This results in canceled orders, negative reviews, and platform penalties.
  
  
• Manual listing and inventory tracking: Manually entering the same details repeatedly wastes time and increases the likelihood of mistakes. Inventory tracking using notebooks or Google Sheets often leads to miscalculations and other errors.
  
  
• Poor profit visibility: Without clear data, it’s hard to tell what’s actually making you money. Fees, shipping costs, and underpriced items can add up quickly, hurting your margins.
  
  
• Crossposting burnout: Manually managing listings across five platforms drains time and causes errors.

The best way to overcome these challenges? Get a crosslisting tool like Nifty – its features can help you solve these common challenges in just a week. Nifty offers a centralized command hub where you can manage all your listings, track your profits, and bulk edit item details at once.

Start your reselling business smarter with Nifty

Every reselling business idea starts with excitement, but most encounter operational walls that hinder momentum before achieving profitability. But you can avoid this altogether with Nifty, a crosslisting tool that automates the tedious work of managing listings and tracking profitability. 

• List once, sell everywhere: Instead of manually posting to five marketplaces, Nifty crosslists to Poshmark, eBay, Mercari, Depop, and Etsy simultaneously. This lets you focus on sourcing profitable inventory rather than manually copying listings across platforms.

• Automatic delisting: Nifty prevents double sales by auto-delisting items once they're sold, saving you from headaches. 

• Professional photo editing: Built-in background removal (through Photoroom!) and image enhancement create scroll-stopping visuals that increase click-through rates and conversion without external software costs.

• Centralized management so you don’t have to play accountant: Inventory tracking, profit analysis, and performance metrics appear in one dashboard across all platforms. This eliminates shuffling through tab after tab of spreadsheets and provides precise data to inform effective business decisions.

• Titles and descriptions written by AI: Nifty’s AI takes the heavy lifting out of writing descriptions and titles and generates them for you in seconds. All you have to do is give them a once-over, and they’re ready to go. 

Get your 7-day free trial started today and see how Nifty can bring your reselling business idea to life.

FAQs

1. What is the best reselling business to start in 2025?

Starting a reselling business in clothing and accessories is best for 2025 resellers. These niches require minimal startup capital, ship easily, and maintain consistent demand across platforms like Poshmark and Depop.

2. Can I run a reselling business from home?

Yes, you can run a successful reselling business entirely from home using online platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari to reach buyers worldwide. However, you'll need storage space for inventory, good lighting for photos, and reliable internet for listing and customer communication.

3. What’s the easiest item to resell for beginners?

Clothing is the easiest item for beginner resellers because it requires no technical knowledge and has predictable pricing based on brand recognition. Review fees from Mercari, Depop, and eBay before pricing your clothing for a profit.