Op Shop Flipping in Australia — How to Make It Profitable

Best Op Shop Chains for Reselling

Not all op shops are equal for resellers. The major Australian chains each have their strengths:

• Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul): Consistent stock turnover, reasonable prices, good for clothing and homewares
• Salvos (Salvation Army): Often the cheapest prices, large stores in suburban areas with high volume
• Brotherhood of St Laurence: Strong in Melbourne, curated stock, slightly higher prices but better quality items
• Lifeline: Excellent for books and media, with dedicated book shops in many areas
• Independent charity shops: Often the best finds, as they receive donations from affluent areas without the corporate pricing structure

What to Look For

Successful op shop flippers develop an eye for value. Key things to look for: quality brand labels (check tags), unusual or vintage items (pre-2000 is increasingly valuable), items in excellent condition (no stains, tears, or damage), and items that photograph well. Speed matters — the best op shop items get picked up fast, so visit frequently and know your target categories.

Research Before You Buy

Always check eBay sold listings before buying an item to flip. This takes 30 seconds on your phone and prevents expensive mistakes. If a similar item hasn't sold on eBay recently, or has only sold for less than what the op shop is charging plus your costs, put it back on the shelf.

Track Your Purchase Costs

Every item you buy at an op shop needs its purchase price recorded. This is your COGS (cost of goods sold) and it's essential for calculating true profit and claiming accurate deductions. Keep the receipt from every op shop visit. If receipts don't show individual items, write the breakdown on the receipt before you leave the store. See our COGS guide for more details.

When Op Shop Flipping Becomes Taxable

If you're regularly visiting op shops to source stock for resale with the intent of making a profit, you're running a business. This means ABN registration, income declaration, and proper record keeping. The casual feel of op shopping doesn't change the ATO's view. Our reseller tax guide covers the full obligations.