The 29 best items to resell for profit in 2026

The best items to resell for profit are phone chargers and power banks, vintage Pyrex, and Apple AirPods. Compare the 29 most profitable resale items with some real profit examples from my own sales experience, and learn profit/cost breakdowns.

The 5 best items to resell for a profit: Reseller cheat sheet

These are the top items from each of the five categories. I grouped the best items to resell for profit by category so you can quickly find products that match your experience level, sourcing strategy, and profit goals.

Best items to resell for beginners

The best items to resell for beginners are phone chargers and power banks, and vintage graphic tees. These are inexpensive products with steady demand, simple pricing, and low downside if they sit unsold. Let’s take a look at these items:

1. Phone chargers & power banks (Anker, Mophie)

When I first started selling on eBay, I offered phone chargers and power banks. These items moved in under a week because people often lose them or need replacements. Well-known brands like Anker and Mophie tend to keep their resale value, especially when items are new in the box.

Here’s a look at a resale breakdown for an Anker power bank:

• Buy price: $15 liquidation pallet
• Sell price: $85 on eBay
• eBay fees (13.6% + $0.40 final value): $11.96
• My net profit (after subtracting the $15 buy price): $58.04 

2. Vintage graphic tees (bands and movies)

Concert tees and movie merchandise from the 80s and 90s sell for $25–150, 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.

3. Textbooks (STEM/STEAM, nursing, or law)

College bookstores usually pay very little for textbook buybacks. Because of this, many students try to sell their books somewhere else. Textbooks often resell between $50 and $200 on eBay because they cost a lot when new, and students still need them each semester. 

Medical, engineering, and nursing textbooks can keep their value for a few years. This makes selling textbooks an excellent beginner idea for a reselling business.

4. 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 in profits when complete with all components and rulebooks.

5. Craft supplies

Craft supplies often sell well on Etsy because crafters and hobbyists need materials to build the items they sell. You can find crochet and knitting patterns, clay, beads, and fabric on liquidation pallets that can create repeat purchase patterns from active crafters building small businesses.

6. 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 value-driven buyers.

7. Running shoes

Running shoes are a profitable resale category because they attract athletes and people starting new fitness routines. Lightly used Hoka models often go for ~$55 to $120. New releases command near-retail pricing.

Comfort technology and distinctive designs foster brand loyalty, translating into consistent resale opportunities.

Best second-hand items to resell

The best second-hand items worth reselling are kitchenware like Pyrex and cast-iron, and golf clubs. These items sell well because people use them every day or buy them when starting a new hobby. Plus, you can find them at lower prices at thrift stores and garage or estate sales and sell them for excellent margins to help grow your reselling business.

8. 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.

Pyrex sets I list typically sell in less than 2 weeks. But after selling on eBay for over a decade, I’ve found that Pyrex often moves best in August/September, when students are moving into new places for college. 

Breakdown of a Pyrex set:

• Buy price: $8 thrift store find
• Sell price: $120 on eBay
• eBay fees (13.6% + $0.40 final value):  $16.32 + $0.40 = $16.72
• My net profit: $95.28

9. Cast iron cookware

Cast iron cookware is a profitable resale category because quality pans last for decades and many buyers seek trusted brands. You can scrub off surface rust with basic cleaning, which helps you restore value. A used Lodge skillet cleaned properly can sell for between $15–$85 on eBay.

10. Golf clubs

Golf clubs are a profitable resale category because quality equipment holds value long after release. They’re especially popular for beginner golfers who don’t want to splurge on expensive, new clubs. 

11. 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. 

12. 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.

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

Because of TikTok, early 2000s low-rise denim is popular again. Gen Z and younger Millennial buyers often pay over $100 for real True Religion and Abercrombie jeans. These jeans sell well on resale apps like Poshmark and Depop, where many Gen Z and younger Millennial shoppers buy clothing.

Estimated resale breakdown:

• Buy price: $12 thrift store find
• Sell price: $95
• Poshmark fee (20%): $19
• Estimated net profit: ~$64

14. 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.

Fast-moving items to resell

Apple AirPods, skincare products, and retro video games attract buyers quickly because demand stays steady and people replace or gift them throughout the year. Faster sales keep cash available for your next inventory purchase instead of sitting on shelves.

15. Apple AirPods (sealed or open box)

Sealed AirPods resell consistently because buyers trust the brand and need to replace lost or damaged units. Open-box AirPods often sell for $80 to $120 on eBay when you include the case and accessories. 

Because many sellers source AirPods through liquidation or retail arbitrage, profit margins depend heavily on the buy price. Usually, I can sell AirPods within a week after publishing listings.

Here’s my own resale breakdown:

• Buy price: $110 from a liquidation site
• Sell price: $160
• eBay fees (13.6% + $0.40): $22.16
• My net profit: $27.84 (before shipping)

16. 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.

17. Retro consoles and video games

Retro consoles and video games are a profitable resale category because nostalgic buyers pay to relive late nights playing classics like 007 Goldeneye. However, this category depends on condition more than age alone. For example, a Nintendo 64 with 4 controllers and light wear that you find for $15 at a thrift store could sell for over $200 on eBay.

18. Gaming controllers

Gaming controllers break frequently, creating steady replacement demand from active players. New PlayStation 5 controllers can sell for $15 to $100+ on eBay.

19. Guitar pedals

Guitar pedals are a profitable resale category because musicians constantly buy, trade, and upgrade their gear. Brand reputation and limited production runs drive prices higher than cosmetic condition alone. On Facebook Marketplace, you can sell solo guitar pedals for $20, or bundles for $700+, depending on condition and brand.

20. 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. 

Estimated resale breakdown:

• Buy price: $120 retail release
• Sell price: $190 on StockX
• StockX seller fee (≈12%): $23
• Estimated net profit: ~$47

21. DeWALT or Milwaukee power tools

Professional contractors purchase used power tools to reduce overhead costs while maintaining quality standards. You can source DeWALT and Milwaukee tools for under $20 at thrift stores or estate sales, and sell them for over $500 on eBay, depending on type and condition.

Highest-profit items to resell

Highest-profit items, such as Pokémon cards to resell, often combine strong buyer demand with wide gaps between purchase and resale prices. But these items are the most difficult to sell, because you need to source them affordably, and then find buyers willing to pay premiums.

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

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

True 1st Edition Shadowless booster packs can command $4,000 to $15,000+, with graded examples reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Some rare Pokémon cards can even exceed $5 million.

Estimated resale breakdown:

• Buy price: $350 retail release
• Sell price: $4,000 on Whatnot
• Fees (8% + 2.9% + $0.30): $120 + $0 (0% commission on the portion above $1,500; a limited-time promotion) + $116.30 = $236.30
• Estimated net profit: ~$3,413.70

23. Louis Vuitton bags

Louis Vuitton luxury handbags sell for ~$300 to $1,500+ on eBay due to brand recognition and aspirational buying behavior. Coach vintage styles go for a bit less, ranging from ~$55 to $500+.

24. Tiffany & Co. sterling silver jewelry

Tiffany silver jewelry maintains 50–80% of retail value due to brand prestige and timeless designs. Designer collections such as Elsa Peretti, Paloma Picasso, and Schlumberger can hold 70–100%+ of retail value. 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.

Best long-term investment items to resell

Best long-term investment items to resell become more valuable as supply declines and collector demand grows. However, you’ll need to practice patience and wait for these items to gain value. For example, a sealed LEGO set bought at retail has sold for many times its original price after a decade.

25. LEGO sets (especially discontinued ones)

Discontinued LEGO sets often appreciate at 11% annually. Collectors want sealed sets with original boxes, especially popular themes like Star Wars, Harry Potter, or modular buildings. Complete sets with the original box often sell for much more than the original price within 2 to 3 years after the set stops being sold.

Estimated resale breakdown on eBay:

• Buy price: $100 retail purchase
• Sell price: $210 (including shipping)
• eBay fees (13.6% + $0.40): $28.96
• Estimated net profit: ~$81 

26. YETI coolers or tumblers

YETI products maintain 60–70% 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 year-round.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

How I chose these items

I chose the best items to resell for a profit in two different ways. First, I used actual example sales of top sellers that I’ve moved in the past. 

But since I don’t sell all 29 items on this list, I contacted a few friends and asked what their top sellers are and how much they usually paid for them. I went to resale marketplaces and found what buyers usually pay for an item and how long they sit for. 

Overall, the items I chose reflect common sourcing situations such as thrift store finds, estate sales, clearance items, or liquidation stock.

Then, I applied typical marketplace fees, which usually range from 12% to 20% depending on the platform. The estimated profit shows what a reseller might earn after fees but before shipping or taxes.

Prices reflect normal market ranges based on recent resale listings and completed sales. Actual profit can vary depending on the item’s condition, the timing of the sale, and where you sourced the product.

Where to sell: Best platforms by seller type

Where to look for inventory

Look for inventory at thrift stores, estate sales, and retail clearance sales. Discover the proven venues to find the best items for reselling:

• Estate sales: Offer vintage clothing, electronics, and collectibles at below-market prices
• Thrift stores: Visit early to get first access to new donations
• Pallet liquidation sites: Sell returned Amazon and retail merchandise in bulk pallets at low costs

• Facebook groups and Craigslist: Local groups connect you with sellers who need quick cash

• Retail arbitrage: Clear seasonal inventory through predictable markdown schedules

• Niche community marketplaces (e.g., sneaker forums): Specialized markets where enthusiasts buy and sell items within their expertise areas

Resell more items on several marketplaces with Nifty

You've got the items. Now you need a smarter way to sell them. If you're reselling across multiple marketplaces, Nifty, a crosslisting and automation tool, gives you a command center to manage all your listings in one place. 

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Here's why Nifty's so helpful:

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• AI listing: Snap a pic and let Nifty's AI build a high-quality listing, with SEO-optimized titles and descriptions, and trending hashtags already filled out for you. Plus, it's cloud-based, mobile-friendly, and easy to use.
• Crosslist now: With a couple of clicks, post your items across Poshmark, Whatnot, eBay, Mercari, Depop, and Etsy. No copy-paste, no multi-tab hopscotch. (More marketplaces coming soon!)
• Automatic delisting? Handled: When you make a sale, Nifty's sales detection auto-delists that item from every marketplace. Say goodbye to double-selling disasters and "sorry, it's already gone" apology messages.
• Bulk tools = no busywork: Share and relist daily with just a few clicks. Update or discount dozens of items at once. You can even schedule drafts to go live while you sleep.
• Analytics and profits are real: Track sales, fees, top performers, and slow movers in one clean dashboard, so you can actually see what's working and what's just dead space.

Nifty pays for itself in just a few weeks. 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.