How to Build a Reselling Side Hustle with Just $20 at a Bin Store

ByMarcus Reid
Interior of a bin store with rows of wooden tables filled with assorted discounted merchandise under fluorescent lighting, promoting budget-friendly reselling opportunities.

Starting a side hustle doesn’t require a large investment—sometimes, all it takes is $20, a sharp eye, and a solid strategy. Bin stores offer a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to enter the reselling game with minimal risk and high potential reward. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or eventually scale into a full-time business, bin stores can be your starting line.

Let’s walk through how you can build a reselling side hustle from just $20 and turn everyday deals into real profit.

Understanding the Bin Store Advantage

Bin stores operate by selling liquidation, overstock, or returned products from major retailers. Items are typically tossed into large bins and sold at flat prices that decrease throughout the week. This means you can find valuable products at incredibly low costs, sometimes just $1–$7 apiece.

Timing your visit is crucial. The best inventory is usually stocked at the beginning of the week or on specific restocking days. Plan accordingly, and get there early for the highest-quality finds.

Set a Clear Reselling Goal

Before you dive into the bins, decide what your $20 should accomplish. A good starting goal is to flip your initial investment into at least $60–$100 in resale value. This benchmark helps you stay focused and ensures you’re not spending on low-margin or hard-to-sell items.

Research What Sells

Don’t guess—know what sells. Electronics, small home appliances, brand-name accessories, toys, and fitness gadgets often fetch higher resale prices. Use apps like eBay and Facebook Marketplace to quickly scan barcodes and check sold listings while shopping.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start with categories you’re personally familiar with. Having some insider knowledge gives you an edge when assessing item value and market demand.

Smart Shopping with Your $20

Head into the store with a strategy. Depending on the day and pricing structure, you might walk out with one high-value item or a few lower-cost pieces.

Here’s a sample breakdown of a $20 strategy:

  • Day 1 (flat $7 items): Buy two promising electronics or home gadgets for $14, save $6 for cleaning supplies or shipping materials.
  • Day 3 ($3 day): Pick up three lightly used accessories or toys for $9, reserve $11 for shipping or reinvestment.
  • Pro Tip: If you find high-turnover brands, like Apple accessories or known kitchenware, prioritize them—even if they’re slightly over budget.

Remember to evaluate condition, completeness (are all parts included?), and sell-through rate before committing to a purchase.

Where to Sell for Maximum Return

Once you’ve secured inventory, your next step is choosing the right platform:

  • Facebook Marketplace: Great for quick local flips without shipping costs.
  • eBay: Ideal for items with a broad or niche audience. Be mindful of fees and shipping.
  • Mercari or OfferUp: Good alternatives for consumer gadgets and household items.

Use quality photos and honest descriptions. Highlight condition, original packaging (if any), and include keywords buyers search for.

When evaluating resale competition, you might come across listings with titles like “brand new” or “open box.” Use similar phrasing where applicable to enhance your item’s appeal.

If you’re located in a dense retail area, searching for an amazon bin store near me can reveal new sources of inventory to keep your business growing.

Reinvest and Scale

Once you’ve made your first few sales, resist the urge to pocket all the profits. Reinvest a portion—say 50%—into your next bin store trip. With every cycle, your buying power grows, letting you source more valuable or numerous items.

Keep a simple spreadsheet to track purchases, costs, sales, and net profit. This helps you measure growth and identify your top-performing categories.

Final Thoughts

Turning $20 into a sustainable side hustle is completely doable with the right approach, especially when bin stores are part of your sourcing strategy. With consistency, research, and a bit of hustle, you can create a small but powerful business from the bins—one profitable flip at a time.