How I Made Thousands Flipping Goodwill Bins

How I Made Thousands Reselling Goodwill Bins Finds (True Story)

How I made thousands reselling Goodwill Bins finds isn’t just a catchy headline — it’s exactly what happened to me. With no special skills and a tiny budget, I started flipping secondhand items and slowly turned it into a steady income. If you’re curious how to do the same, this post will walk you through my real story and give you tips to start your own journey.

What Are Goodwill Bins?

Goodwill Bins (also called Goodwill Outlet Stores) are where donated items go after they don’t sell in regular Goodwill stores. Instead of being displayed on hangers or shelves, items are dumped in big blue bins. You dig through them and pay by the pound, not per item.

This is where the real profit starts. Because everything is cheap, the risk is low — and the reward can be huge.

How It All Started: My First Trip to the Bins

I went with just $20 and no idea what I was doing. After digging through bins for an hour, I walked out with:

  • 2 branded hoodies
  • A vintage snapback cap
  • A pair of Levi’s jeans
  • A set of Harry Potter books (missing one)

Total cost? $9.40.

I listed everything on eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Within one week, I made $68. Not a fortune, but enough to prove it worked.

The Turning Point: Learning What Sells

I started going once a week, then twice. I focused on learning what sells fast. Here’s what I’ve had the most luck with:

  • Branded clothing: Nike, Adidas, Patagonia, Levi’s
  • Vintage items: hats, shirts, mugs
  • Books and media: sets or rare titles
  • Shoes in good condition (cleaned up at home)
  • Bags or purses with real leather

The more I flipped, the better I got. Over time, I reinvested the profits and grew my listings from a few items to hundreds.

My Best Find So Far

One day, I pulled out an old denim jacket from the bin. It looked cool but worn. I checked the label: Levi’s Type III Made in USA. I didn’t know much about it, but it felt special. I paid $1.75 for it.

That jacket sold for $145 on eBay within two days.

That moment changed everything. I realized I could find serious value in items others ignored.

Tips That Helped Me Earn Thousands

1. Check sold listings on eBay before buying

Don’t guess. Look up the item to see what it’s really worth.

2. Stick to items you understand

If you know clothes, start there. If you like tech, look for cables or gadgets.

3. Clean and take great photos

Presentation matters. A clean item with a clear photo sells faster and for more.

4. Keep shipping simple

Use poly mailers for clothes, boxes for breakables. Print labels at home to save time.

5. Track your costs and profit

I use a simple spreadsheet. It keeps me organized and shows what’s working.

Where I Sell My Goodwill Bins Finds

  • eBay – Great for clothes, shoes, books, collectibles
  • Facebook Marketplace – Best for local sales or bulky items
  • Mercari – Easy to use and good for casual sellers
  • Poshmark – Focused on fashion (great for clothes and shoes)

Final Thoughts

How I made thousands reselling Goodwill Bins finds is a story of trial, learning, and small wins that added up. You don’t need to be a pro, have lots of money, or wait for the “right time.” All you need is curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to learn.

The bins are full of forgotten value. With each visit, you get better at finding it. If you’re looking for a real way to make money — start here. It worked for me, and it can work for you too.

FAQs

Yes. Once you buy the item, it’s yours to resell. Just be honest in your listings.

It depends on your effort and what you sell. I started with $20 and have made over $5,000 in a year — part-time.

Search “Goodwill Outlet near me” on Google or visit goodwill.org/locator.

You can lower the price, bundle it, or donate it back. I’ve had a few duds — it’s part of the process.

Not at first. If you’re doing it casually, you’re fine. If you grow into a full business, check your local laws.

Just a phone, a PayPal or bank account, and a shipping scale (optional but helpful). I started with almost nothing.

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