Finding the right stock at the right price is the foundation of a profitable reselling business.
Op shops remain the best margin source for most Australian resellers. The major chains (Vinnies, Salvos, Brotherhood of St Laurence, Lifeline) each have different strengths. Visit regularly — good stock moves fast. Build relationships with staff who may alert you to new donations. Suburban and regional stores often have less competition than inner-city locations.
Community markets, car boot sales, and deceased estate auctions offer sourcing opportunities that op shops don't. Estate auctions, in particular, can yield high-value vintage and collectible items at below-market prices. Online auction houses (GraysOnline, Pickles) sometimes have liquidation lots worth investigating.
Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are excellent for finding underpriced items from motivated sellers. Set alerts for your target categories and respond quickly. Online retail arbitrage — buying clearance items from major retailers to resell — is another strategy, though margins are typically tighter.
Every item you source must have its purchase price recorded for COGS purposes. Keep receipts from every sourcing trip. For cash purchases from private sellers, log the date, seller, item, and price paid. This record is essential for accurate profit calculation and ATO compliance. See our COGS guide and op shop flipping guide.
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