The Sourcing Mindset
Successful sourcing is about seeing value where others don't. It requires knowledge, patience, and the willingness to dig through piles of junk to find gold.
Key principles: - Knowledge is profit. The more you know about brands, items, and markets, the more opportunities you'll spot. - Speed matters. The best deals don't last. Being first gives you the advantage. - Volume creates consistency. Not every item will be a home run. Cast a wide net. - Build relationships. Regular vendors, store employees, and fellow resellers can be valuable connections.
Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops
Thrift stores remain the bread and butter for many resellers. Here's how to maximize your thrifting:
Best days to go: Most stores restock Monday-Wednesday. Weekends are picked over.
What to look for: - Brand name clothing (check tags for quality indicators) - Vintage items (anything pre-2000 with unique designs) - Electronics (test when possible) - Books (first editions, textbooks, niche topics) - Kitchen items (cast iron, vintage Pyrex, quality brands)
Pro tips: - Learn the color tag sale schedules for each store - Check the back rooms if allowed—new stock appears there first - Build rapport with employees for insider tips on donation days - Use your phone to scan barcodes and check prices quickly
Garage Sales & Estate Sales
Garage and estate sales offer some of the best margins in reselling because sellers are motivated to clear items quickly.
Garage Sale Strategy: - Map your route the night before using apps like Yard Sale Treasure Map - Arrive early for the best selection (first hour is crucial) - Bring small bills and change—sellers appreciate easy transactions - Don't be afraid to negotiate, especially later in the day - Look for moving sales and estate sales for higher-quality items
What sells well from garage sales: - Vintage clothing and accessories - Video games and consoles - Tools and outdoor equipment - Children's toys (especially LEGO, vintage toys) - Collectibles and antiques
Online Sourcing & Facebook Marketplace
Online sourcing has become increasingly popular, especially Facebook Marketplace for local pickup deals.
Facebook Marketplace tips: - Set up saved searches for items you know sell well - Sort by "Newest first" to catch fresh listings - Use DealFlipAI to automatically find underpriced items - Be first to message—speed is everything online - Look for motivated sellers (keywords like "must go," "moving")
Other online sources: - OfferUp and Craigslist for local deals - Liquidation sites (Bulq, Liquidation.com, B-Stock) - Wholesale lots on eBay - Amazon customer returns through pallet sales
Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitrage involves buying clearance or sale items from retail stores and reselling them online at full price.
Best stores for retail arbitrage: - Target (clearance endcaps) - Walmart (hidden clearance sections) - HomeGoods/TJ Maxx/Marshalls (brand name items) - CVS/Walgreens (toy clearance) - Big Lots (everything clearance)
Tips for success: - Use store apps to scan items and check prices instantly - Know the clearance schedules for each store - Focus on items with restricted categories or limited availability - Buy multiples of proven winners - Watch for price matching opportunities
Key Takeaways
- Knowledge is your competitive advantage—study brands and markets
- Thrift stores are best visited early in the week after restocking
- Diversify sourcing methods to maintain consistent inventory
- Build relationships with store employees and regular vendors
- Use technology like DealFlipAI to spot deals faster than competition
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