Are you sitting on a fortune? This Aussie ‘flipper’ reveals what used items sell for big bucks

Are you looking for a side hustle and a way to make extra cash?

Many of us have unwanted items lying around at home or collecting dust in the garage. But very few of us realise that some of these items might actually be worth a small fortune.

Matt Diedrich, a ‘flipper’ and business owner, has been making money off second-hand items since the beginning of the pandemic.



'Flipping' refers to buying and fixing up second-hand items and reselling them at a higher price.

Diedrich has turned his side hustle into a fully-fledged business, making him thousands of dollars by selling various second-hand items.

'Typically, I go to thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets, and then sell the items on eBay and Facebook Marketplace,' he shared.

‘I've been doing that for two-and-a-half years and I've made some crazy cash.’


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After starting it as a side hustle during the pandemic, flipping became Matt Diedrich’s full-time career. Credit: YouTube/The Aussie Flipper.



What items fetch big bucks?

Since starting a few years ago, he has gathered some experience on which products will likely sell. Diedrich names shoes, clothes, video games, and DVDs as the four most profitable items.

'Last year, I did 30% of my sales in the DVD category alone – it blew my mind,' he said.


Valuable used items that can earn you big bucks when sold online.jpg
Second-hand items that can sell for high prices online. Credit: Seniors Discount Club.



He’s had some success stories in the past. His most profitable resell to date was a $20 boxset of the show Ice Road Truckers that he resold for $400.

'Other popular items have been clothing, particularly sneakers. I sold a pair of Jordans for $400 that only cost $200 from a thrift store,' Matt added.



Tips on starting a flipping business

No matter your chosen items, having the right strategy in place is essential to get the most bang for your buck as a flipper. Matt Diedrich recommended that, first and foremost, you undertake research before heading out in search of gems.

'Do the research. Starting at home is the best place to get into it because it’s risk-free, and you don’t have to put any money down,' he said.

He also suggested testing the market by selling a few items first to gauge their potential and pinpoint items with significant value.



Educate yourself on the items that sell well and know the market prices so you won’t be scammed.

Look for unusual or rare items that aren’t widely available and always inspect what you’re buying to ensure it’s in working condition and worth the money you’re spending.

If you’re unsure what you’re getting your hands on, always consider the worst-case scenario, so you don’t bite off more than you can chew.



Capture the interest of potential buyers by utilising your selling prowess through storytelling, providing additional information, and demonstrating its functionality.

Finally, try to keep your margins competitive to allow yourself to make back what you’ve invested and more.

Key Takeaways
  • Flipping is the act of buying and fixing up second-hand items and reselling them at a higher price.
  • Matt Diedrich names shoes, clothes, video games, and DVDs as the most profitable items to flip.
  • Research before heading out and understand the market prices, so you won’t be scammed.
  • Utilise online platforms to reach more potential buyers and keep your margins competitive.



With this new knowledge, it’s time to take a good hard look at your home and see if there are any hidden gems lurking in your drawers or cupboards. Don’t be afraid to take risks and above all else, have fun!

Members, do you have any treasures lying around the house? Has anyone made any successful resells? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!

Also, for those who are looking to get started on selling on eBay, we recommend checking out this step-by-step guide:



Credit: YouTube/The Aussie Flipper
 
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This was a hobby of mine that I've been doing for around 12 years.
I love visiting 2nd hand shops and garage sales but garage sales really don't exist anymore .
Guessing it's because they too sell on line and not wanting people in their house.

My best sale was an old Victorian wedding dress that I picked up from Salvos for $1.50 and sold for $350.00.

Also a wallet I picked up for $5 and sold for $150 that was an original Loui Vuiton.

I would pay up to $25.00 for a bag from op shops and sell from $80 up.

Its a win for me as well as a win for the shop.

People have stated that isnt it taking away from the poor, but I reply xan a poor person pay $25 for a bag ? Plus the money the shop makes from sales actually go to less fortunate people

I have also sold heaps of clothes but I do divide what I sell between my sales and donating to charities.
Most of the clothes are designer labels being mine and all of my daughters.

I love it as a hobby plus a bonus is the money.

If you have items eg old Artari games or consoles then you are sitting on a gold mine
 
This was a hobby of mine that I've been doing for around 12 years.
I love visiting 2nd hand shops and garage sales but garage sales really don't exist anymore .
Guessing it's because they too sell on line and not wanting people in their house.

My best sale was an old Victorian wedding dress that I picked up from Salvos for $1.50 and sold for $350.00.

Also a wallet I picked up for $5 and sold for $150 that was an original Loui Vuiton.

I would pay up to $25.00 for a bag from op shops and sell from $80 up.

Its a win for me as well as a win for the shop.

People have stated that isnt it taking away from the poor, but I reply xan a poor person pay $25 for a bag ? Plus the money the shop makes from sales actually go to less fortunate people

I have also sold heaps of clothes but I do divide what I sell between my sales and donating to charities.
Most of the clothes are designer labels being mine and all of my daughters.

I love it as a hobby plus a bonus is the money.

If you have items eg old Artari games or consoles then you are sitting on a gold mine
I have a suede fringed sheepskin lined jacket that I bought in Canada on my way down to the first Woodstock back in 1969, the only thing it needs is a leather button and I think it maybe missing a couple of the fringes. I wonder if it's worth much?
 
I have a suede fringed sheepskin lined jacket that I bought in Canada on my way down to the first Woodstock back in 1969, the only thing it needs is a leather button and I think it maybe missing a couple of the fringes. I wonder if it's worth much?
Omg you went to Woodstock !!! If you have pictures please post.

I'm thinking that jacket would be worth a bit. Don't add a button as it will decrease value.

Please 🙏 post photos .
 
That's not the point, they are there to help the poor. Shonks!
And that's EXACTLY what they do. I'm not talking privately owned thrift shops here but those owned and run by charitable organisations.

Having worked for a large charitable organisation for over 12 years, I know how the system works. Goods are donated to them for a couple of reasons -

1 . To resell to make money to provide ongoing assistance to those who are struggling.
2. Vouchers are also provided to clients who are struggling for purchase of clothes, household goods, furniture and food, etc
3. To raise funds to employ the best possible workers to provide quality care, advice, encouragement, solutions, etc. etc for those most vulnerable.
So, Shonks!!! No way mate. The money these shops make goes back to the community big time.
 
That's not the point, they are there to help the poor. Shonks!
Items like these they know they can get much more money for which then gives them more money to help those less fortunate .
Usually plenty of other items at cheaper prices. At the end of the day they need to do what is best.

If it is a vintage store that is not charity based then it's up to them as vintage items are in high demand . These stores are different to charity stores
 
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And that's EXACTLY what they do. I'm not talking privately owned thrift shops here but those owned and run by charitable organisations.

Having worked for a large charitable organisation for over 12 years, I know how the system works. Goods are donated to them for a couple of reasons -

1 . To resell to make money to provide ongoing assistance to those who are struggling.
2. Vouchers are also provided to clients who are struggling for purchase of clothes, household goods, furniture and food, etc
3. To raise funds to employ the best possible workers to provide quality care, advice, encouragement, solutions, etc. etc for those most vulnerable.
So, Shonks!!! No way mate. The money these shops make goes back to the community big time.
Well said !!
 
I don’t know how anyone can rip people off and try & justify it. There’s no justification. It’s 100% greed. Would rather give something away than exploit people.
 
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I don’t know how anyone can rip people off and try & justify it. There’s no justification. It’s 100% greed. Would rather give something away than exploit people.
How is it exploiting people. The money charities make goes to helping people with food and bills.

They also give vouchers so the needy will actually get clothes and shoe for free. But they need money to do this and buy selling goods they make that money
 
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I don’t know how anyone can rip people off and try & justify it. There’s no justification. It’s 100% greed. Would rather give something away than exploit people.
I regularly do & the better off people ask me why l do it.

(I have spoken of this before but for me it is a good example). Working for a Real Estate Agent l went to mow the lawns of a rental property. The elderly tenant asked me to cut 2 frongs off a Coconut Palm & how much would l charge. Told nothing she said, 'come on nobody does anything for nothing these days!' She had the frongs removed & at no charge. (I know for a fact the RE Agent would have charged dearly. He later lost his Trading Licence for dishonest dealings).

Whatever happened to giving someone an item or a bit of your time for no charge? My time is free to give as l wish as is everything l own.
 
Omg you went to Woodstock !!! If you have pictures please post.

I'm thinking that jacket would be worth a bit. Don't add a button as it will decrease value.

Please 🙏 post photos .
My first Missus in Nz thought it would be clever do destroy all my photos that I'd taken over the years, like working on Canterbury Cathedral, power lines etc, even the ones to be entered of her daughters. I still don't till this day what happened to my camera gear, as she was certainly too stupid to be able to use it. But here's a photo of these jacket for what it's worth
 
My first Missus in Nz thought it would be clever do destroy all my photos that I'd taken over the years, like working on Canterbury Cathedral, power lines etc, even the ones to be entered of her daughters. I still don't till this day what happened to my camera gear, as she was certainly too stupid to be able to use it. But here's a photo of these jacket for what it's worth
Can we please keep comments non-derogatory & non-sexist towards females. It speaks volumes about the person writing derogatory terms about their ex-wife. It’s a public forum and anti-discrimination laws apply.
 
My first Missus in Nz thought it would be clever do destroy all my photos that I'd taken over the years, like working on Canterbury Cathedral, power lines etc, even the ones to be entered of her daughters. I still don't till this day what happened to my camera gear, as she was certainly too stupid to be able to use it. But here's a photo of these jacket for what it's worth
That's sad ! Maybe someone who was with you has photos or was there that you can contact.
 
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