The best garage sale items to flip are things that are cheap at yard sales but hold their value online: name-brand tools, vintage Pyrex and kitchenware, video games and consoles, LEGO, quality outdoor and sports gear, solid wood furniture, and brand-name clothing and shoes. The trick is to buy for a few dollars, check what the item has actually sold for (not what people are asking), and skip anything bulky, fragile or hard to ship unless you can sell it locally.
Best garage sale items to flip
| Item | What to look for | Where it sells best |
|---|---|---|
| Power and hand tools | Name brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Snap-on; working batteries and chargers | Facebook Marketplace, eBay |
| Vintage Pyrex and kitchenware | Patterned Pyrex bowls, cast iron pans, Le Creuset, KitchenAid mixers | eBay, Etsy, local |
| Video games and consoles | Older Nintendo, Sega and PlayStation games; complete-in-box games | eBay, local game shops |
| LEGO | Bulk bricks, minifigures, complete sets with instructions | eBay, Facebook Marketplace |
| Outdoor and sports gear | Bikes, camping gear, golf clubs, fishing reels, kayaks | Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist |
| Solid wood furniture | Mid-century pieces, dressers, chairs that need light work | Facebook Marketplace |
| Brand-name clothes and shoes | Patagonia, North Face, Lululemon, Nike, leather boots | Poshmark, eBay, Mercari |
| Vinyl records and audio | Classic rock and jazz LPs, turntables, vintage receivers and speakers | eBay, Discogs, local record shops |
1. Tools
Tools are one of the most reliable flips because buyers know the brands and want them at a discount. Look for name-brand power tools, socket sets and hand tools. Plug in corded tools or ask to test them, and check that cordless tools come with a battery that holds a charge. A tool without a battery is worth much less.
2. Vintage Pyrex, cast iron and kitchen gear
Older patterned Pyrex, cast iron skillets and quality brands like Le Creuset and KitchenAid often sell for far more than garage sale prices. Check for chips, cracks and heavy dishwasher fading. Rusty cast iron can usually be cleaned and re-seasoned, which makes it a good flip for beginners.
3. Video games and consoles
Retro games and systems are popular with collectors. Look for older Nintendo, Sega and PlayStation games, especially ones with the original case and manual. Test consoles if the seller lets you. Many sellers price all games the same, which is where the deals are.
4. LEGO
LEGO keeps its value even when used. Bulk bins of mixed bricks can sell by the pound, and complete sets with instructions or minifigures sell for more. Check for off-brand bricks mixed in, which lower the value.
5. Outdoor and sports gear
Bikes, camping gear, golf clubs, fishing gear and kayaks are often sold cheap by people who are moving or cleaning out the garage. These are best sold locally because they’re expensive to ship. Spring and early summer are the best times to sell them.
6. Solid wood furniture
Solid wood dressers, nightstands and chairs, especially mid-century styles, can sell well after a cleaning or light refinishing. Check drawers and joints and avoid particleboard pieces, which don’t resell well. Make sure you have a way to haul it before you buy.
7. Brand-name clothing and shoes
Most garage sale clothes aren’t worth flipping, but outdoor and athletic brands in good shape are. Check for stains, pilling and broken zippers. Here’s how sellers usually price garage sale clothes, so you know what counts as a deal.
8. Vinyl records and audio gear
Records in good condition and older stereo equipment have a steady market. Check records for scratches and warping, and test receivers and turntables if you can. A stack of common records may not be worth much, so look up a few before buying the whole box.
How to tell if an item is worth flipping
- Check sold prices, not asking prices. On eBay, filter search results by “Sold items” to see what things actually sell for.
- Subtract your costs. Include selling fees, shipping, gas and any cleaning or repair supplies.
- Think about size. Small items are easy to ship. Big items need to sell locally.
- Aim to at least double your money. Many flippers look for items they can sell for 3 to 5 times what they paid, so there’s room for fees and mistakes.
- Know your time. An item that takes hours to clean and list for a $10 profit may not be worth it.
What not to flip
- Car seats and cribs. Car seats expire and may have been in a crash. Drop-side cribs have been banned in the U.S. since 2011.
- Recalled items. Check CPSC recalls before reselling toys and baby gear.
- Old TVs, printers and exercise machines. They’re bulky and usually sell for very little.
- Common books, DVDs and fast fashion. There’s too much supply for them to be worth much.
Our list of what not to sell at a garage sale covers more of these.
Tips for finding flips at garage sales
- Go early for the best selection, or go late for the best prices. Here’s the best time for garage sales.
- Look for estate and moving sales, which usually have more tools, kitchenware and furniture. See what an estate sale is and our moving sale tips.
- Bring cash in small bills, and be ready to negotiate politely, especially on bundles.
- Keep your phone handy to check sold prices before you buy.
- Find sales near you with these tips on finding garage sales near me.
FAQ
Is flipping garage sale items worth it?
It can be, as a side income. Most people make the most money by focusing on a few categories they know well, like tools or games, instead of buying everything that looks cheap.
Do I have to pay taxes on items I flip?
Usually yes. Profit from buying and reselling items is generally taxable income, unlike selling your own used stuff for less than you paid. Here’s more on taxes on garage sale earnings.
Where is the best place to sell flipped items?
Facebook Marketplace is best for big, local items. eBay is best for collectibles and things that ship easily. Poshmark and Mercari are good for clothing.