Where Do Online Resellers Source Their Inventory?

Reselling continues to be a profitable business model, with many entrepreneurs sourcing inventory from various channels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned reseller, understanding where to get your products is key to maximizing profits. The market is full of opportunities to find goods at competitive prices, but employing the best strategies for sourcing is just as important.

In this guide, we’ll explore where to source products in 2025 and provide actionable tips for success.

One of the most accessible places to find items to resell is through online platforms. Digital marketplaces, e-commerce stores, and auction sites provide an extensive selection of products, often at prices that are suitable for resale.

Popular platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart offer opportunities to find discounted stuff that can be flipped for profit. Some online arbitrage (OA) sellers even purchase items from eBay and resell them on Amazon for a higher price. Additionally, platforms like AliExpress, Banggood, and DHGate provide affordable goods that resellers can import and sell domestically.

The key to success with online sourcing is monitoring price fluctuations, finding undervalued products, and leveraging promotions.

Buying directly from wholesale distributors and manufacturers is another highly profitable way to source inventory. This method allows resellers to acquire cheap products in large quantities, which helps to reduce per-unit costs and maximize margins.

Many resellers turn to Alibaba and its competitors to find reputable suppliers. You can check out the top 7 Alibaba alternatives for sourcing wholesale products globally for more good sources. Other reliable wholesale suppliers include SaleHoo, Worldwide Brands, and ThomasNet.

Retail stores regularly hold clearance sales, which can provide great ways to score significant discounts on overstocked or discontinued items. This presents a golden opportunity for resellers to stock up on good inventory at bargain prices.

Major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy frequently sell heavily discounted goods during seasonal sales. Retail arbitrage resellers can visit physical stores or monitor their websites for these opportunities. Flash sale sites like Slickdeals and Rakuten also help sellers find great deals.

Thrifting has become one of the most popular ways to find unique items to resell. With careful selection, resellers can flip second-hand treasures for profit.

Local thrift stores, Goodwill, and Salvation Army locations offer everything from clothing to electronics at rock-bottom prices. Luxury consignment stores are great places to find luxury products like designer handbags and sneakers for resale.

For resellers who are willing to invest time hunting, thrift stores can yield high-value products at unbeatable prices. The key is knowing which brands and items offer good resale value.

Liquidation pallets and bin stores provide a cost-effective way to acquire bulk inventory. These sources offer returned, overstocked, and clearance goods at significantly reduced prices.

Platforms like B-Stock, Liquidation.com, and Direct Liquidation specialize in selling pallets of merchandise from major retailers. These pallets often include electronics, apparel, and household supplies.

Buying liquidation goods requires some risk, as the condition of products can vary. However, with thorough research and careful selection, resellers can secure highly profitable inventory.

Local yard sales, estate sales, and flea markets remain excellent places to find affordable stuff for resale. Many sellers undervalue their goods, allowing resellers to turn a great profit.

Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Yard Sale Search list upcoming garage sales. These events are particularly useful for sourcing vintage sneakers, furniture, and collectibles.

For those who are willing to dig, many garage sales offer hidden gems at bargain prices. With a keen eye and knowledge of resale trends, resellers can make substantial profits.

Successfully buying products in bulk and reselling them with high margins requires a solid understanding of the market, strategic sourcing, and precise financial management. By following some key principles, resellers can boost their profit margins significantly while minimizing the inherent risks of bulk purchasing. Let’s break down how to approach this process effectively.

Knowing where resellers get their products starts with defining a niche and choosing a sales platform. Before diving into making bulk purchases, a reseller must first have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve and who they want to serve. This means choosing a niche and the right sales platform.

Here’s how:

Once you have answers to these questions, you can move on to the next step.

The ability to understand what’s hot and what’s not is one of the most valuable skills a reseller can possess. Market trends shift constantly, and it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve.

The easiest and most effective option is not to do the research on your own, but to utilize special services like those offered by Sellerhook, as effective research requires great skills and experience. Sellerhook’s team of professionals will conduct thorough research of the market trends for you, so you will get a comprehensive report you can use right away. Here’s how to place an order:

1. Visit Sellerhook. Tap “Order Your Product Research”. Then, you will need to select an option for your preferred format.

2. Provide your personal information. Once you select the type of report you need, enter your personal details, including your payment information.
3. Describe your criteria. Next, you’ll need to fill out a special form sharing your preferences for your future product.
4. Get your report. In 8-10 business days, you’ll receive a full report on the desired product. The report will contain lots of information about your optimal product, why it’s a profitable choice, and where you can get it from.

To make sure this type of resource fits your needs, check out a sample report.

The key to buying products in bulk at a lower cost is timing. Discounts, sales events, and clearance promotions allow resellers to purchase products at a fraction of the cost, which directly boosts profit margins when resold.

The backbone of any bulk reselling operation is a trustworthy supplier. If you’re sourcing your products from third-party platforms like Alibaba, or directly from manufacturers, reliability is key.

Taking the time to research and diversify your suppliers will protect your operation from risks and ensure long-term growth.

Managing the financial aspects of reselling is just as important as sourcing products. To ensure that your business remains profitable, it’s important to keep track of all expenses and income.

By following these strategies, resellers can set themselves up for success when buying products in bulk to resell. Taking the time to research, plan, and monitor all aspects of the process will not only minimize your risks but also increase profitability in the competitive world of reselling.

In case you still have additional questions in mind, you’ll find more information below.

Look for high-quality vintage clothing, designer brands, and unique fashion pieces that are in good condition. Collectibles, rare books, vinyl records, and antique home décor also have good resale value. Electronics, cameras, and branded kitchenware (like Le Creuset or Pyrex) can sell for a profit if they’re functional and well-priced. You can also find more information in this article.

Amazon, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are among the top platforms for resale. The best marketplace depends on the type of inventory you sell and your target audience.

Yes, you can buy products in bulk and resell them, as long as you follow all legal requirements and have a reliable supply chain. Be sure to calculate your costs accurately, set appropriate profit margins, and choose the right platform for selling to maximize your profitability.

Resellers in 2025 have numerous options for where to source inventory, from thrift stores to liquidation sites and wholesale suppliers. By leveraging a strategic sourcing approach, monitoring market trends, and maintaining financial discipline, entrepreneurs can build a successful resale business for profit.