10 things for under $5 that turn a profit

10 things for under $5 that turn a profit

Finding something under $5 that you can flip for more isn't luck-it's knowing what sells, where to look, and how to spot it fast. You don't need fancy equipment or a warehouse full of inventory.

Some of the most profitable flips start with thrift store bins, garage sale freebies, or clearance racks that most people overlook. Once you've got an eye for it, $5 can stretch a lot farther than you'd think-and you don't need much margin to start stacking daily profits.

Vintage Mugs

Old mugs with the right brand or design can sell for way more than you'd expect. Think Starbucks city mugs, old Disney characters, or anything from the ’80s and ’90s that feels nostalgic. Thrift stores often price mugs at 50 cents to a dollar.

They're easy to ship in a small box and don't need batteries or testing. Once you've sold a few, you'll start recognizing which ones move fast. The trick is picking ones with keywords buyers are already searching for-anything limited edition, branded, or quirky (without saying the word).

Branded T-Shirts

You can usually grab name-brand shirts from thrift stores for $2-$4, especially if you catch a half-off day. Look for Nike, Patagonia, vintage Harley-Davidson, or concert tees. Even lightly worn, they still sell well online.

Use a lint roller, take good photos, and include measurements. If it's rare or has a cool graphic, that $3 tee can turn into $20+ pretty quick. Keep the shipping under First Class weight and you'll keep more of that profit in your pocket.

Board Game Pieces

Even if a game is missing parts, you can still profit. Some buyers are just looking for a replacement spinner, card set, or figurine to complete theirs. You can usually find used games for $2-$3 at yard sales or thrift stores.

Part them out individually or in small lots on eBay. Classics like Risk, HeroQuest, Mouse Trap, or vintage Monopoly editions are especially worth breaking down. Bonus: they're lightweight, easy to ship, and you can usually profit off one or two pieces alone.

Blank Media

Old-school blank VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or even DVD-R packs can still sell for a decent amount online. You'll find them sealed for a few bucks at thrift stores, estate sales, or clearance sections that haven't caught on.

They're especially popular with collectors or people preserving old footage. Look for big brand names like Maxell, Sony, or TDK. If you can grab a sealed 3-pack or 5-pack for $3 or $4, it's not hard to flip for $15-$25.

Branded Hats

Caps from outdoor brands like Columbia, Carhartt, Bass Pro, or even old college teams have solid resale value. You can usually snag them for $1-$3 if you're digging through the right bin.

Snapbacks and trucker hats with patches or logos tend to move the quickest. Make sure they're clean and in decent shape-no sweat stains or damage. A $2 hat that's in demand can easily sell for $15 to $20 without much effort.

Old Remote Controls

Most people don't realize how valuable old remotes are-especially if they go to older TVs, stereos, or gaming systems. They usually end up in the $1 electronics bin at thrift stores or mixed into estate sale junk piles.

Search the model number before buying. Some remotes go for $20+ because they're hard to replace. You don't have to test every function, but at least confirm the buttons click and the battery area is clean.

Retired Plush Toys

Certain plush toys-especially ones from the ’90s and early 2000s-still sell well. Think vintage TY Beanie Babies (some of them), Disney characters, or Build-A-Bear outfits. Thrift stores price them at $1-$3 all the time.

The key is picking the right ones. Look for tags, character names, and whether it's part of a discontinued series. A clean, recognizable plush can bring in 5-10x what you paid without needing any repairs or cleaning.

Craft Supplies in Original Packaging

People pay full price for partially used craft supplies, so imagine what you can get for sealed packs. Look for brand-new beads, embroidery kits, knitting needles, or scrapbooking supplies. You'll find them cheap at thrift stores or in the clearance section of craft stores.

Stick with name brands like DMC, Clover, or Cricut. Small items are easy to ship, and crafters often bundle multiple listings together. It's a quiet niche that stays steady and isn't overly competitive.

VHS Tapes with a Cult Following

Not all VHS tapes are worth money, but certain ones have a following-like horror titles, old Disney black diamond editions, or workout tapes from the '80s and '90s. You'll usually pay $0.50 to $1 each.

Check comps before you grab a stack, but some tapes can flip for $10-$40 if they're rare or sealed. Horror and martial arts titles tend to perform best. Skip common rom-coms or worn-out copies that nobody's searching for.

Outdated Tech Cables

Old power cords, audio adapters, or camera cables sound boring-but people need them. Look for branded cords (Canon, Sony, Apple) or specialty cables that aren't easy to find in stores anymore. Thrift stores often sell them in grab bags for $3-$5.

You can resell them individually or as a lot. Search model numbers and port types before listing, and keep the packaging if it's included. It's not glamorous, but it works-and they're some of the easiest things to store and ship.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.