Where to Buy Merchandise for Resale: Thrift Stores, Dollar Stores, and Walmart

Reselling merchandise can be a lucrative venture, but knowing where to find items to flip at a low cost is key. In this article, we explore the best sources for finding merchandise to resale, including thrift stores, dollar stores, and, surprisingly, Walmart's clearance section.

Thrifty Finds at Thrift Stores

Thrilling finds can often be found at local thrift stores. However, it's important to remember that while local stores might offer better value, online marketplaces should also be part of your search. Here are a few examples of the types of items you might find, along with their potential resale value:

Columbia Classic Vol 1 boxset - $10.70 (Purchased for $800-$1800 online) Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus calculator - $4.28 (Purchased for $30 each) Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus calculator - $2.00 (Purchased for $40) Mario Games (Super Mario Sunshine, Super Smash Bros Melee, and Mario Kart Double Dash) - $2 each (Purchased for $150 for all 3) Silent Hill 2 (PS2) - $1.07 (Purchased for $80) Silent Hill 3 (PS2) - $4.28 (Purchased for $200-$240) Metroid Prime Trilogy Steelbook - $3.42 (Purchased for $100) Harry Potter boxset - $7 (Purchased for $80) SNES Classic mini - $16.04 (Purchased for $60-$100) PlayStation 3 60GB - $34.24 (Purchased for $150-$250) Legend of Zelda Orcarina of Time N64 collector’s edition (cartridge only) - $26.75 (Purchased for $50-$100)

These are just a few examples from my past few years of purchases. While I haven't sold all of them, they have provided a decent profit margin.

Nifty Finds at Dollar Stores

Dollar stores can be a treasure trove for small, low-cost items. However, the margins can sometimes be too thin to make a profit. I find better deals on eBay and Amazon, but local sales can still be worth checking out. One example is graphic novels, such as those from Star Trek. They can fetch up to $40 on platforms like eBay and Amazon, but they cost just $5 at places like Dollarama. Here's a breakdown of potential profit margins:

Star Trek graphic novel (single) - $8.33 (Purchased for $5) Star Trek graphic novel (pack of 3) - $2.78 (Purchased for $15)

While the profit margin is thinner for the pack of 3, the option to make a bit of cash is still there.

Deals at Walmart Clearance

Walmart's clearance section offers a surprising number of opportunities for reselling. Although it can be hit-or-miss, the items found here can often be purchased at a low price and resold for a profit. One strategy is to keep an eye on the clearance section and evaluate the items before deciding to buy and sell them locally.

For instance, I recently explored Walmart's clearance section and noticed that items that were heavily discounted could be sold for a profit. While this approach requires a bit of research and patience, it can be a rewarding way to round out your merchandise resale portfolio.

Conclusion

Reselling merchandise can be a profitable side hustle, and knowing where to find items at a low cost is crucial. Whether you're buying from thrift stores, dollar stores, or even Walmart's clearance section, the key is to be vigilant and patient. By identifying and reselling items with high-profit margins, you can turn a small investment into a significant return.