Whether you’re just starting your reselling journey or looking to scale your side hustle, the key to success is finding profitable inventory. Luckily, there are plenty of reliable sources, both online and in-person, that can help you stock up on products to flip for cash. From major liquidation retailers to thrift stores, auctions, and local deals, here’s where savvy resellers are finding their next big haul.
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1. Liquidation Stores and Pallet Wholesalers
Liquidation pallets are a goldmine for resellers looking to buy inventory in bulk at deeply discounted prices. These pallets often come from major retailers like Target, Costco, and JCPenney, filled with overstock, shelf pulls, and customer returns.
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Target Liquidation Stores: Target’s liquidation merchandise can include everything from small appliances to home décor and clothing. Some pallets are sold directly through Target liquidation auctions, while others are distributed to third-party liquidators.
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Costco Liquidation Stores: Costco liquidation pallets are a favorite among resellers because they often contain high-value items like electronics, tools, and furniture that are often customer returns in like-new condition.
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JCPenney Liquidation Stores: JCPenney offers pallets filled with clothing, shoes, and home goods. These are perfect for boutique owners or resellers who specialize in fashion and accessories.
Pro Tip: Start small by buying a single pallet to test your local market and learn what sells best. Once you get the hang of it, you can move up to truckload purchases for greater profit margins.
2. Local Bin Stores
Bin stores are popping up everywhere and are often filled with Amazon and major retailer returns. Shoppers dig through bins priced by the day, such as $10 Fridays or $1 Sundays, offering an easy and fun way to source items for resale.
Look for liquidation or bin stores in your area using phrases like “liquidation store near me” or “bin sale warehouse.” You can often score brand-new electronics, clothing, and home goods for a fraction of retail price.
3. Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops
Classic sourcing spots like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift boutiques can be surprisingly profitable for resellers. Vintage clothing, collectibles, and hard-to-find household items can fetch much higher prices online.
Pro Tip: Visit thrift stores on half-off sale days or find locations in higher-end neighborhoods where donations tend to be more valuable.
4. Online Arbitrage and Marketplace Sourcing
You don’t have to leave home to find great inventory. Online arbitrage, which means buying low online and selling high elsewhere, lets you source products from big-name stores and marketplaces.
Top places for online arbitrage include:
- Amazon (clearance and warehouse deals)
- eBay (bulk lots and auctions)
- Facebook Marketplace (local pick-ups and free listings)
- Walmart Clearance (often deeply discounted items for flipping)
- AliExpress (for dropshipping or low-cost wholesale sourcing)
Tip: Use price-tracking tools like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel to spot deals with solid resale margins.
5. Estate Sales and Local Auctions
Estate sales, local auctions, and flea markets can be treasure troves for unique, high-margin items. From collectibles and tools to designer handbags and furniture, resellers often find one-of-a-kind inventory that can’t be easily replicated online.
Check local listings on:
- EstateSales.net
- AuctionZip.com
- Facebook Events and Marketplace
Pro Tip: Go early for the best selection or late on the final day for deep discounts.
6. Wholesale Suppliers
If you want more consistent inventory, consider working directly with wholesale suppliers. While you’ll pay more upfront than liquidation sources, you’ll get new, ready-to-sell merchandise that doesn’t require sorting or testing.
Look for:
- Brand overstock wholesalers
- Trade shows (like ASD Market Week in Las Vegas)
- Wholesale directories such as Wholesale Central or Faire
This route works especially well for resellers building a long-term brand or eCommerce store.
7. Seasonal and Clearance Sales
Retailers often slash prices after holidays, back-to-school season, or major events. Smart resellers stock up during clearance sales and flip products once demand rises again.
Check for markdowns at:
- Target
- Walmart
- Kohl’s
- Lowe’s
- Home Depot
You can even use cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta to maximize profits.
Final Thoughts
The best place to find inventory for reselling depends on your budget, niche, and time. Whether you prefer liquidation pallets from major retailers or treasure-hunting at thrift stores and auctions, there’s always a way to source profitable inventory.
The key is to stay consistent, experiment with different sources, and track your profits. Before long, you’ll find your sweet spot, and maybe even turn your reselling hobby into a thriving business.
