If you’ve ever walked into a charity shop and thought, “This is way too nice to be £3,” — you’ve already had your first reseller instinct. Flipping thrifted items is one of the simplest, most accessible ways to start making money online — and you don’t need a warehouse, a brand, or even a big budget to begin.
Here’s exactly how to start flipping, step-by-step.
💡 What is Flipping?
Flipping means buying something secondhand at a low price and reselling it for more. It could be clothes, books, home décor, or tech accessories — anything you can spot undervalued and list online for a profit.
🛒 Step 1: Where to Find Inventory
Your goal is to find items that are:
- In good condition
- Undervalued or mispriced
- On-trend or in-demand
Great sourcing spots:
- Charity shops (Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, etc.)
- Car boot sales
- Facebook Marketplace
- Vinted (yes, you can flip Vinted to Vinted)
- eBay (look for auctions ending soon with low bids)
Start small — £10–£20 is enough to grab 2–4 good items to flip.
📦 Step 2: What to Look For
Focus on categories that are easy to list, light to ship, and in-demand.
Top beginner categories:
- Branded fashion (Nike, Zara, North Face)
- Y2K/vintage trends
- Cozy home items (throws, mirrors, mugs, etc.)
- Books and special editions
- Bags, shoes, accessories
Ask yourself:
Would I be excited to find this on Pinterest or Depop?
📸 Step 3: Take Good Photos
This is the difference between scroll past and add to basket.
Photo tips:
- Use natural lighting (next to a window is perfect)
- Take at least 4–5 photos: front, back, close-up, tags/labels
- Use a clean background (white, wood floor, or a soft blanket)
- Make it aesthetic if you can — people buy the vibe
✏️ Step 4: Write Your Listing
Your title should be searchable. Try:
“ZARA Cream Oversized Knit Jumper – Size M – Excellent Condition”
Description checklist:
- Brand and size
- Condition (be honest — good lighting helps!)
- Style (e.g., Y2K, minimalist, workwear)
- Extra features (e.g., pockets, lining, fits oversized)
💸 Step 5: Choose a Platform & List It
Beginner-friendly platforms:
- Vinted – easiest to use, free to list, no seller fees
- Depop – fashion-forward audience, great for trends
- eBay – broader market, best for books and electronics
Start with one platform. Stick with it for a month. Learn the flow before jumping to others.
🚚 Step 6: Ship It & Reinvest
Once it sells:
- Pack it neatly — clean packaging = good reviews
- Use platform-provided labels (most handle this for you)
Then reinvest the profit into new inventory and repeat.
✅ Final Tips for Flipping Success
- Track your costs and profit (simple spreadsheet works fine)
- Reuse delivery packaging to save money and stay eco
- Try themed bundles (e.g., 3 cozy jumpers) to boost margins
- Keep learning — you’ll get sharper with every flip
✨ Why This Works
Flipping teaches you:
- How to spot value
- How to present products
- How to price, promote, and profit
And you can do it with just your phone and £10.
Your Next Step:
✅ Pick a platform
✅ Spend £10 at your local charity shop
✅ List 3 items this week
Then repeat.
This is your starter hustle. Your confidence builder. Your proof that making money online is real — and possible for you.