21 Profitable Flipping Side Hustles You Can Start With Under $200 (Beginner’s Guide to Low-Risk Flips)
How beginners can turn everyday items into real profit using smart, low-risk flips.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What can I flip to make money fast?” or “What’s the easiest flipping side hustle for beginners?” — this guide is for you.
The truth is simple: you don’t need a huge budget, real estate experience, or a truck full of tools to flip your way to financial momentum.
You just need:
- a small starting budget (as little as $20–$200),
- a strategy for finding undervalued items,
- and the willingness to list, negotiate, and deliver.
Below are 21 proven low-risk flipping ideas that consistently generate profit, even in uncertain economic markets. These flipping categories pair well with long-tail keywords like best flipping items for beginners, cheap things to flip for profit, and how to start a flipping side hustle, making them ideal for attracting organic search traffic.
1. Wooden Furniture from Thrift Stores
Typical Buy Price: $10–$60
Typical Resale: $80–$300
Solid wood furniture is massively undervalued at many thrift stores and yard sales. Dressers, nightstands, side tables, and bookshelves can often be bought for the price of a fast-food meal and resold for several times more.
What to look for:
- Real wood (avoid flimsy particle board when possible)
- Stable frames and drawers that slide correctly
- Pieces with simple, timeless lines that respond well to paint or stain
Beginner tip: Search for phrases like “dresser flip makeover” or “side table flips” on TikTok or Pinterest. These trends create real buyer demand in your local market.
2. Power Tools from Garage Sales
Buy: $5–$40
Sell: $25–$150+
Many people sell tools when they move or after a project. They rarely research current prices. Brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Bosch hold value well.
Always plug in or test battery-powered tools when possible. A quick clean and a clear product title like “DeWalt 20V Drill – Tested, Works Great” can help you flip tools for profit quickly on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.
3. Exercise Equipment
Buy: $10–$40
Sell: $30–$150
Home gyms are bought with good intentions and then pushed into a corner. That’s where savvy flippers step in. Look for dumbbells, kettlebells, adjustable benches, yoga sets, and basic cardio gear like stationary bikes.
Search long-tail phrases such as “best gym equipment to flip for profit” to see what’s hot in your area.
4. Lawn & Garden Equipment
Buy: $20–$150
Sell: $60–$400
Lawn mowers, weed trimmers, leaf blowers, and pressure washers move quickly in spring and summer. Even non-running equipment can be sold for parts if the brand is desirable.
Pro move: A basic tune-up (spark plug, air filter, fresh gas, and a good cleaning) can turn a dusty mower into an easy 3x flip.
5. Dehumidifiers & Air Purifiers
Buy: $10–$30
Sell: $50–$120
Humidity and indoor air quality are year-round concerns. Dehumidifiers and air purifiers are often sold when people move, remodel, or upgrade. These appliances are easy to test—just plug them in and check basic functions.
6. Car Seats (Check Expiration)
Buy: $10–$25
Sell: $30–$80
Families go through car seats quickly, and many are still in good condition. Before buying, always check:
- Expiration date on the bottom or back
- That the seat has not been in an accident
- Straps and buckles are in good working order
Clean seats with a vacuum and mild soap, then photograph them clearly. Parents are constantly searching for affordable, safe car seats in local marketplaces.
7. Baby Gear: Strollers, High Chairs, Bassinets
Buy: $5–$40
Sell: $35–$150
The market for used baby gear is enormous. Babies grow quickly, and parents are happy to buy gently used items at a discount. Travel systems, baby swings, and high chairs are especially popular.
Research long-tail phrases like “best baby items to flip” or “how to flip baby gear for profit” to see what sells well near you.
8. Video Game Consoles
Buy: $20–$80
Sell: $80–$200
Older consoles like the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 still sell well. Gamers look for nostalgia, party games, and backup consoles for kids’ rooms.
Bundle consoles with controllers and a few games to justify higher prices.
9. Urban Home Décor
Buy: $3–$10
Sell: $15–$60
Think woven baskets, framed prints, simple shelves, plant stands, and modern vases. These items photograph beautifully and appeal to renters and young professionals decorating apartments on a budget.
Search “flip home decor for profit” for inspiration and staging ideas that make your listings stand out.
10. Vintage Pyrex & Retro Kitchenware
Buy: $2–$10
Sell: $15–$75
Collectors still love classic Pyrex patterns, Fire-King mugs, and retro CorningWare dishes. Check eBay sold listings to get a sense of what specific colors and designs are currently hot.
11. Bikes (Kids & Adults)
Buy: $15–$60
Sell: $50–$200
A quick tune-up can turn a neglected bike into a high-margin flip. Pump the tires, wipe down the frame, adjust the seat, and you’re ready to list.
Parents often search for used kids’ bikes, while commuters look for simple, reliable adult bicycles.
12. Camping Gear
Buy: $5–$25
Sell: $20–$80
Gear like tents, camp stoves, sleeping pads, lanterns, and trekking poles is easy to store and easy to sell during spring and summer.
Search long-tail keywords like “best outdoor gear to flip” to learn what campers are actively hunting for in your area.
13. Vintage Cameras
Buy: $5–$40
Sell: $30–$180
Film photography is trending again, especially among younger creators. Even non-working cameras may have value as décor or for parts.
Focus on known brands like Canon, Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, and Olympus.
14. Small Kitchen Appliances
Buy: $4–$8
Sell: $20–$60
Blenders, stand mixers, food processors, and air fryers sell quickly when priced fairly. Many people upgrade and just want the old appliance out of the house.
Clean them thoroughly, test all functions, and highlight brand names in the listing title.
15. Specialty Coffee Gear
Buy: $5–$30
Sell: $25–$100
Coffee lovers are always chasing the next upgrade. Pour-over sets, grinders, espresso tampers, and milk frothers all flip well.
Keyword ideas include “flip coffee equipment for profit” and “best coffee gear to resell.”
16. Collectible LEGO Sets
Buy: $5–$30 (incomplete is fine)
Sell: $20–$150
Loose LEGO bricks can be sold by the pound, while complete or nearly complete sets can bring in serious money. Parents look for deals, and collectors hunt for discontinued sets.
17. Graphing Calculators
Buy: $2–$10
Sell: $30–$60
TI-83, TI-84, and TI-89 calculators are still required in many schools and colleges. Demand spikes at the start of each semester.
Clean the screen, include batteries, and photograph the calculator turned on to show it works.
18. Car Detailing Tools
Buy: $5–$20
Sell: $20–$80
Buffers, foam cannons, and detailing kits appeal to both DIY car owners and small detailing businesses. Bundle related items to boost perceived value.
19. Chargers, Monitors & Tech Peripherals
Buy: $5–$20
Sell: $15–$60
During moves and clean-outs, people purge extra monitors, keyboards, laptop chargers, and docking stations. Many of these items still hold strong resale value.
Always test, label cables clearly, and include model numbers in your listing for searchability.
20. High-Quality Backpacks & Bags
Buy: $5–$15
Sell: $25–$80
Brands like Osprey, North Face, Patagonia, and Herschel routinely sell out on secondary markets. Students, commuters, and travelers are always looking for durable bags at a discount.
21. Estate Sale “Treasure Boxes”
Buy: $10–$50
Sell: $40–$200+
Estate sales often have boxes or bins sold “as is.” They’re filled with random items like small tools, jewelry, collectibles, and vintage décor.
With a good eye, you can part out the contents and flip multiple items from a single box. Search terms like “how to flip estate sale finds” for examples and ideas.
How to Start a Flipping Side Hustle in 5 Simple Steps
Now that you’ve seen 21 profitable things to flip, let’s walk through a basic beginner blueprint. This section targets long-tail searches like “how to start a flipping side hustle” and “how to flip items for beginners.”
Step 1: Choose One or Two Flipping Categories
Start small. Instead of trying to flip everything, pick one or two categories that feel natural to you. If you know tools, start there. If you love home décor, focus on furniture and accessories.
Step 2: Source Inventory Cheaply
The best places to find cheap items to flip for profit include:
- Facebook Marketplace (especially the free and “moving soon” sections)
- Local thrift stores and charity shops
- Yard sales and neighborhood garage sale events
- Estate sales, particularly on the final discount day
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore for furniture, appliances, and building materials
- University or college move-out days
Step 3: Clean, Repair, or Bundle
A little effort goes a long way. Wiping down surfaces, removing stickers, tightening screws, and bundling related items can significantly increase your selling price. Flippers who consistently earn more focus on presentation and perceived value, not just the item itself.
Step 4: Take Great Photos
Good photos are one of the easiest ways to make more money flipping items. Shoot in natural light, avoid cluttered backgrounds, and take multiple angles. Show close-ups of labels or brand logos, and photograph any flaws honestly so buyers trust you.
Step 5: List on Multiple Platforms
To flip items faster and for higher prices, list them where your buyers are already looking:
- Facebook Marketplace for local pickup and bulky items
- OfferUp and Craigslist for local deals
- eBay for shippable and collectible items
Write clear titles that include brand, model, and condition, and sprinkle in natural long-tail phrases like “great beginner bike,” “solid wood dresser,” or “perfect starter camera.”
How Much Money Can You Make Flipping?
Many beginners ask, “How much can I realistically make flipping items?” The answer depends on how much time you invest and how quickly you reinvest your profits.
- $200–$600 per month is realistic with a few flips each week.
- $1,000+ per month is possible once you consistently source and list new inventory.
- $2,000–$5,000+ per month is achievable if you specialize in high-value categories and systematize your sourcing, cleaning, and listing process.
Real estate flipping can eventually magnify your profits, but flipping small items is where nearly everyone starts. It’s low risk, easy to test, and a powerful way to learn how to spot undervalued deals in any market.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Thousands to Start—Just One Flip
Flipping isn’t about luck. It’s about training your eye to spot value where others don’t and taking action when you see it.
Start with one category, make your first flip, and reinvest the profit into the next deal. Over time, your skills improve, your inventory gets better, and your profits grow.
Your first flip might make you $20. Your hundredth flip could make you $200, or even $2,000. That’s how a small flipping side hustle can evolve into a real wealth-building strategy.
Ready for the next step? Explore more guides on flipping houses, digital assets, and creative ways to turn smart deals into long-term wealth.