How do I find clearance items to resell?
In-Store Strategies
Visit stores often, especially after holidays or at the end of a season when clearance discounts deepen. Check endcaps, back aisles, and dedicated clearance shelves. Ask employees when new markdowns happen—many stores follow a set schedule.
Use a scanning app like the Amazon Seller App or Scoutify to check an item's current selling price and rank. Only buy if the potential profit after fees is worth your time, typically at least $3-$5 per item.
- Check endcaps and clearance aisles weekly
- Scan barcodes to compare online prices
- Shop after major holidays for deep discounts
- Look for items with a 70%+ discount
- Build relationships with store employees
Online Clearance
Many retailers have online clearance sections that are easy to miss. Sign up for email alerts and follow deal forums like Slickdeals. You can also use online arbitrage tools that scan retailer websites for price drops.
Keep in mind that online clearance often sells out fast, so you need to act quickly. Set a budget and don't overbuy just because something is cheap.
Common mistakes
- Buying anything on clearance without checking its sales rank—slow movers tie up your money.
- Assuming clearance means a good deal; sometimes the 'clearance' price is still above what it sells for online.
- Only checking one store; different locations may have different clearance prices and stock.