How to Source Inventory Like a Pro: 10 Strategies That Actually Work

Finding profitable inventory is the foundation of any successful reselling business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, these 10 proven strategies will help you source inventory consistently and profitably.

1. Thrift Stores and Goodwill

Thrift stores remain one of the most reliable sources for resellers. The key is consistency—visit regularly, build relationships with staff, and learn what sells in your niche. Many stores have specific restock days, so ask and plan your visits accordingly.

Pro tip: Join your local Goodwill's "Good Stuff" email list to get notified about auctions and special items.

2. Estate Sales

Estate sales are goldmines for unique and valuable items. Use apps like EstateSales.net to find local sales and preview photos before you go. Arrive early for the best selection, or go on the last day for discounted prices.

Estate sales are particularly good for:

• Vintage clothing and accessories
• Collectibles and antiques
• Electronics and media
• Sports equipment and memorabilia

3. Garage and Yard Sales

The classic sourcing method still works. Map out sales in advance using Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Start early—serious resellers often arrive before the listed start time.

"I made my first $10,000 month almost entirely from garage sale finds. The key is volume—hit 10-15 sales every weekend." — Marcus J., LimeStack user

4. Retail Arbitrage

Retail arbitrage involves buying clearance and sale items from retail stores to resell at a profit. Use scanning apps to check prices in real-time. Target, Walmart, and CVS are popular stores for retail arbitrage.

5. Online Arbitrage

Similar to retail arbitrage, but done online. Tools like Keepa and CamelCamelCamel help you track prices and find deals. Watch for:

• Lightning deals on Amazon
• Clearance sections on major retailer websites
• Coupon stacking opportunities
• Credit card cashback and rewards

6. Wholesale and Liquidation

As you scale, wholesale and liquidation become more viable. Platforms like Liquidation.com, B-Stock, and BULQ offer pallets of returned and overstock merchandise. Start small to learn how to evaluate lots.

7. eBay (Yes, Really)

You can find underpriced items on the very platform you sell on. Use specific search techniques:

• Search for misspelled listings
• Filter by "newly listed" and act fast
• Look for auctions ending at odd hours
• Use LimeStack's Source feature to monitor favorite sellers

8. Facebook Marketplace and Local Groups

Facebook Marketplace has become one of the best sources for local deals. Set up alerts for keywords in your niche. Join local buy/sell/trade groups—they often have less competition than Marketplace.

9. Storage Unit Auctions

Made famous by reality TV, storage unit auctions can still be profitable if you know what you're doing. Attend a few auctions without bidding first to learn the process and set a strict budget.

10. Build Relationships

The best sourcing strategy is often the simplest: build relationships. Let friends and family know what you're looking for. Connect with other resellers for referrals. Build rapport with thrift store employees who might set items aside for you.

Putting It All Together

The most successful resellers use a mix of these strategies. Start with 2-3 methods that fit your schedule and capital, then expand as you learn what works for your niche.

Track everything in LimeStack—where you source, what you pay, and what sells. Over time, you'll see patterns that help you focus on your most profitable sources.

Ready to level up your sourcing game? Start your free LimeStack account and use our Source feature to find deals from your favorite eBay sellers.