Let’s be honest—Goodwill isn’t what it used to be. Prices are up, flippers are everywhere, and inventory moves fast. If you’re tired of walking into a store and finding nothing worth flipping, this guide is for you.

Here are 7 underrated places to source profitable inventory locally—without fighting every reseller in town for the last underpriced Funko Pop.

1. Facebook Marketplace (With Filters)

Set up search alerts by category and price. Filter for “New” or “Used – Like New,” and check daily. Pro tip: Target “Porch Pickup” listings in upscale zip codes. They often underprice to get rid of stuff fast.

2. Local Church or Community Rummage Sales

Most of these only advertise offline. Check community boards, library bulletin boards, or ask local churches when their next sale is. Prices are usually dirt cheap, and competition is light.

3. Neighborhood Moving Sales (Not City-Wide Events)

Garage sale weekend sounds good—until you’re elbow-to-elbow with 40 other flippers. Instead, watch for one-off moving sales on weekdays or Fridays. Less traffic, better deals.

4. Habitat for Humanity ReStores

These get overlooked, but they’re gold for tools, vintage hardware, lighting, and even sealed building sets. If you’re flipping furniture or home goods, it’s a must-visit.

5. Flea Markets on Rainy Days

Fewer shoppers show up in bad weather, but the vendors are still there—usually more flexible on price. Take cash and be ready to bundle.

6. University Buy/Sell Pages

College kids dump dorm stuff, textbooks, electronics, and clothes every semester. Join Facebook groups or Craigslist listings tied to nearby campuses. Go hard in May and December.

7. Craigslist “Free” + “For Sale” Sections

Flip free stuff? Absolutely. Check the “Free” section daily for furniture, toys, tools, or electronics. In the “For Sale” section, filter by “By Owner” and sort by newest for underpriced local gems.

Pro Tip: Track Mileage and Receipts

If you’re flipping seriously, track your miles and expenses. You can write off mileage during tax season, and tools like receipt organizers and mileage tracking apps make it easy to stay organized.

Need Ideas on What to Flip?

Start with LEGO sets that still flip for profit or check your old binders using our shadowless Pokémon card spotting guide.

Final Thought

Flipping success doesn’t come from where you source. It comes from how consistent and creative you are with the sourcing you do. Skip the crowded shelves—go where no one else is looking.