These vintage items are easy to resell for extra cash.
Whether it’s old posters, unique kitchenware, or vintage jewelry, there’s a market for these nostalgic treasures. With a bit of knowledge and an eye for what’s valuable, you can turn these old items into a profitable side hustle.
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1. Old Clothes
Just as with shoes, there are many ways to resell vintage clothes depending on what you know and who you’re selling to.
So, if you have a knack for identifying classic styles, there’s money in selling distinctive vintage pieces from iconic eras like the 70s or 80s.
You can also earn extra income from selling vintage designer clothes from luxury brands like Chanel, Christian Dior, or Yves Saint Laurent.
Similarly, there’s a market for well-preserved mainstream vintage items from brands that were popular in past decades.
2. Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are among the items you can resell fast. You can always find buyers for records from classic artists like The Beatles or Elvis Presley.
There’s also a market for special edition records or albums from famous bands.
If you don’t know anything about special editions, you can make money selling records from popular genres like rock or jazz instead.
If you can find records from hot artists or bands of a particular era, you can also make a good amount of money.
3. Furniture
Flipping vintage furniture can be a fun and profitable hobby. These pieces can often come with a unique charm and a story, which can make them high-ticket items when you find the right buyer.
People are always looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their homes, and vintage furniture fits the bill perfectly.
4. Toys
Old toys, especially from the 80s and 90s, can bring back happy memories and are often in demand. Among these, Beanie Babies hold a special place. These stuffed animals, with their unique designs and limited production runs, can sometimes be quite valuable.
Similar to Beanie Babies, other toys from these eras, like vintage action figures, Barbies, and board games, also have a market. Some people collect them for personal enjoyment, while others see them as investment opportunities.
Just like with other vintage items, the condition of the toy is important. Toys that are still in their original packaging or in excellent condition are often worth more.
Find out where to sell toys.
5. Jewelry
This is not a surprise on the list of vintage items to resell. Designer pieces from well-known brands like Tiffany & Co. or Cartier are always in demand. People love the classic designs and the luxury feel these pieces have.
Just like each era of toys or vinyl records has its own style, jewelry does too. Pieces from the Art Deco, Victorian, or Mid-Century Modern eras have unique designs that are hard to find today. This makes them valuable and sought after.
And of course, the materials used in jewelry, like gold, silver, or gemstones, hold their value over time. This is a bit like finding a rare Beanie Baby or a classic vinyl record – they are valuable because they are hard to come by.
6. Tickets
Event tickets for concerts, football games, and other big events can also be valuable items to resell. Much like vintage items, tickets to popular events or sold-out shows can become sought-after commodities.
People are willing to pay a premium for a chance to see their favorite band or sports team, especially if the event is sold out. Just like a rare vintage toy or a classic vinyl record can fetch a high price, so can a ticket to a highly anticipated event.
The key here is knowing which events are in high demand. It’s a bit like keeping track of what’s trending in the vintage market, but instead, you’re keeping an eye on popular bands, sports teams, or events coming to town.
And just as with vintage items, the condition and authenticity of the tickets are crucial. A genuine ticket in good condition could be your ticket to making a good profit in the resale market.
7. Books
A book from a bygone era carries with it a slice of history, a whisper of the past.
Collectors and enthusiasts often seek out first editions, signed copies, or books from certain historical periods.
However, not all old books are valuable; the key is in finding those gems that have a demand. It’s a lot like hunting for rare toys or unique jewelry pieces – it requires a bit of knowledge, a keen eye, and sometimes a stroke of luck.
And then there’s the condition. A well-preserved book, especially with its original dust jacket, can fetch a higher price compared to one that’s falling apart.
8. Watches
This may be a surprise for you, but old watches can be quite valuable and good to resell.
Brands like Rolex or Omega are always in demand. These are like the designer labels in the watch world. But it’s not just the high-end brands. Even watches from more common brands like Seiko or Citizen can be worth something if they are old or rare models.
9. Sports Memorabilia
Things like old jerseys, baseball cards, or signed items can be worth a lot to sports fans.
The value of sports memorabilia often lies in the rarity and the story behind the item.
10. Postcards
Old postcards can be fun items to resell. They often have pictures of famous landmarks, cities, or events, which many collectors find interesting.
The price of old postcards can go up if they are rare or very old. For example, a postcard from a historic event or a famous place can be worth more. It’s a bit like how a signed baseball or a rare book might be more valuable.
11. Kitchenware
Items like old Pyrex dishes or unique utensils can be popular among those who appreciate vintage kitchenware. The value of reselling vintage kitchenware can sometimes be surprising.
For instance, certain patterns of Pyrex dishes or rare colors can fetch a good price.
12. Posters and Art
Old posters, especially movie or concert posters, and art can be quite collectible. You can pick them up at garage sales, thrift stores, or even online, and with the right eye, turn a nice profit.
The value in reselling comes from their rarity, condition, and the demand among collectors. A well-preserved poster from a famous band’s concert or a unique piece of art from a recognized artist can fetch a good price.
13. Coins
Coins are easy to sell if they are rare. You might find coins at estate sales, auctions, or even in your own home. And with a bit of research to understand what makes certain coins valuable, you could make a tidy profit reselling them.
Peter is a serial entrepreneur and founder of DollarSanity blog who created and ran a variety of businesses. You can learn more about him at the DollarSanity About Me page. He’s been featured in the Washington Post, Yahoo Finance and MSN Money.