Sourcing 101: The Best Places To Source Inventory For Flippers

As a full-time re-seller, one of the biggest challenges is consistently finding quality inventory to flip for profit. I've spent years building up my knowledge of the best sourcing spots, and in this guide, I'm sharing the top 5 places where flippers can find the best inventory.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your sourcing game, these locations offer incredible opportunities to find items that sell quickly and profitably online.

5. Thrift Stores

Traditional thrift stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Savers are solid options for sourcing inventory. They're everywhere, which makes them convenient to visit regularly.

However, thrift stores have gotten more competitive and prices have increased in recent years. The key to success is building relationships with staff, learning your store's restock schedule, and focusing on categories you know well.

What to look for: Brand-name clothing, vintage items, electronics, books, and collectibles.

4. Estate Sales

Estate sales are gold mines for flippers. When families liquidate entire households, you can find everything from vintage furniture to designer clothing to rare collectibles.

The best strategy is to arrive early on the first day for the best selection, or wait until the last day when everything is heavily discounted. Use apps like EstateSales.net to find sales in your area.

What to look for: Vintage items, antiques, jewelry, artwork, and high-quality furniture.

3. Goodwill Outlet (Wholesale Outlets)

Goodwill Outlets, also known as Goodwill Bins, are where unsold items from regular Goodwill stores end up. Here, you pay by the pound instead of per item, which can lead to incredible profit margins.

Items are dumped into large bins and rotated throughout the day. It takes more digging and time, but the potential rewards are huge. I've found designer clothing, electronics, and collectibles for pennies on the dollar.

What to look for: Brand-name clothing, vintage items, electronics, and anything that looks valuable buried in the bins.

2. Garage Sales

Garage sales remain one of the best places to source inventory because most sellers just want to get rid of stuff. They're not trying to maximize profit – they want their items gone.

The key is to go early and negotiate. Most garage sale prices are negotiable, especially later in the day when sellers want to avoid packing everything back up.

What to look for: Video games, toys, vintage items, brand-name clothing, and electronics.

1. Flea Markets

Flea markets take the top spot because of the sheer variety of inventory and the ability to negotiate with vendors. Unlike thrift stores with fixed prices, flea market vendors expect to haggle.

Build relationships with vendors who sell items in your niche. Many will give you deals on bulk purchases or let you know when they have items you're looking for.

What to look for: Vintage items, collectibles, clothing, electronics, and unique finds you won't see anywhere else.

Final Thoughts For Resellers

The best flippers don't rely on just one source – they develop a rotation that includes multiple sourcing spots. Here's my typical week:

• Saturday mornings: Garage sales and estate sales
• Weekday mornings: Goodwill Outlet runs
• Weekday evenings: Thrift store stops on the way home
• Sundays: Flea markets

Consistency is key. The more you source, the better you get at spotting valuable items quickly. Over time, you'll develop an eye for what sells and what doesn't.

Remember, not every sourcing trip will be profitable. Some days you'll find nothing. Other days you'll strike gold. That's the nature of flipping – the more shots you take, the more you'll score.

Find Sourcing Spots Near You

Ready to start sourcing? Use our directory to find Goodwill Outlets and bin stores near you. We provide addresses, hours, and pricing information to help you plan your sourcing trips.