Garage sales exhibit seasonal patterns in various regions. In the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states, they flourish during the spring, become sporadic in the summer, and conclude robustly in the fall. While not everyone has year-round access to garage sales, there is a constant need for business opportunities to source inventory in any season.
Sustain your flipping endeavors throughout the year by exploring these locations. If you're a successful flipper with a compelling story, connect with us on Instagram at @_lakultura and share your experience.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores claim the top spot on this list for a valid reason. If you're an eBay enthusiast, thrift stores serve as prime hunting grounds when garage sales are scarce. Easily locate these stores by using Waze or Maps. In my own experiences, I've extensively explored numerous establishments, including Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Savers. Kickstart your search by focusing on these well-known names. Typically, inventory at these stores peaks during spring and late fall for two key reasons: households engage in spring-cleaning and decluttering, while individuals seek quick tax write-offs in anticipation of tax season. Conversely, thrift stores tend to have lighter inventory during the Christmas shopping season and the early days of the New Year when the average consumer is immersed in holiday festivities.
Dollar Stores
Occasionally, hosting a significant sale doesn't necessitate a traditional retailer; it simply requires a market where buyers struggle to find what they seek. Dollar stores and regional retailers like Walgreens offer sought-after collectibles that may be inaccessible to many. These physical stores often feature exclusive, high-demand products from major brands such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Pepsi, and others. While keeping tabs on these locations requires regular visits, the potential rewards can be substantial when you put in the effort.
Retail Sales
This option proves excellent for numerous small-scale resellers.
Whenever a store announces a sale, peruse the list of discounted items available online. You might chance upon a valuable find while browsing a grocery store or shopping for new jeans at a department store. Even during casual shopping trips, it's essential to stay vigilant for potential sales opportunities. Always have the eBay app ready to scan items that could fetch a higher price online.
Post-Christmas sales stand out as the prime opportunity. Some mall pop-up shops need to clear out their year-end inventory, presenting a lucrative chance for buyers. Additionally, various stores slash prices on seasonal items, aiming to liquidate excess stock. Take advantage of Black Friday and other holiday sales, where items are often discounted enough to allow for favorable profit margins. Explore all the possibilities.
Liquidation and Bulk Buys
Liquidation sales, occurring when a store is closing down or reorganizing its inventory, provide an excellent opportunity to acquire a diverse range of products. Websites specializing in selling returned items from major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target can be valuable sources. While sellers may not test each product, making it impossible to guarantee functionality, the potential profit margins often justify the risk for savvy flippers. Keep in mind, however, that there will be additional shipping costs associated with bidding on these lots.
On the other hand, bulk purchases from platforms like Alibaba offer a different dynamic. While committing to a single item can be highly profitable, it may limit your listing variety and quickly fill up your storage space. Carefully consider these purchases, but enjoy the benefits when you make the right choices. Alibaba transactions often involve committing to hundreds of the same type of item, potentially requiring you to hold onto them for an extended period unless you excel in sales arbitrage.
In contrast, on a liquidation website, you're purchasing returned, salvaged, or refurbished item lots that can feature various types of items in different conditions with distinct resale values. For instance, a single lot might include five Under Armour polos, three Champion sweatshirts, and 14 private-label shirts, collectively valued at $100. Keep in mind the associated shipping costs, and platforms like Liquidation can provide you with a quote inclusive of estimated taxes.
eBay, Amazon, and OfferUp
Not surprisingly, there is a plethora of items available for purchase on one digital platform that can be resold on another, yielding a substantial margin. When dealing with OfferUp transactions, it's typically necessary to commit to picking up the purchase in person. While you can inquire about shipping options, you'll need to negotiate the associated costs. On the other hand, managing sales on Amazon and eBay is more straightforward. You can list an item on one platform and coordinate shipping from the other. In this setup, you won't be responsible for handling the shipping process; instead, you only need to input the buyer's details.
*curated one37pm article