Is Flipping Walmart Items on eBay a Legit Side Hustle? Here’s the Truth You Need to Know

In the world of side hustles, one of the most popular claims is that you can buy cheap items at places like Walmart and resell them for a tidy profit on eBay. On the surface, this side hustle seems almost too good to be true, right? After all, buying something for \$27 and flipping it for \$38.70 sounds like an easy way to make money.

But here’s the catch: Flipping Walmart items on eBay isn’t as easy or profitable as it seems. In fact, many people who dive into this side hustle quickly realize that there’s a lot more involved than just finding a cheap item and listing it online. If you’re considering trying this side hustle, keep reading. We’ll break down what you need to know before jumping in.

What Is the Walmart-to-eBay Flipping Side Hustle?

The concept behind the Walmart-to-eBay flipping hustle is simple: You buy items at discounted prices in stores like Walmart and resell them online at higher prices, often on platforms like eBay. The idea is that, by finding products that are in high demand, you can turn a profit by reselling them to people who are willing to pay more.

Example: I recently found a bag of cat food at my local Walmart for \$27. On eBay, the same product was listed for \$38.70. At first glance, this seemed like a straightforward \$11.70 profit. But as with any business model, the devil is in the details.

What You Need to Know Before Flipping Walmart Products

Before you start flipping products from Walmart on eBay, it’s essential to understand the hidden costs and challenges involved. Many sellers don’t mention these issues upfront, and failing to account for them could turn your hustle into a financial drain.

1. eBay Fees Add Up Quickly

One of the biggest factors to consider when flipping items on eBay is the platform’s fee structure. eBay charges several fees that can eat into your profits. Here’s a breakdown:

• Final Value Fee: This fee is based on the total selling price of your item and can range from 10% to 15%, depending on the category of the product.
• PayPal and Payment Processing Fees: When you receive payments, PayPal or other payment processors will charge a fee of 2.9% + \$0.30 per transaction.
• Shipping Costs: Even if buyers pay for shipping, you’ll often have to cover the upfront cost of shipping materials and the shipping service.

Takeaway: In many cases, after accounting for fees, your \$11.70 profit could shrink significantly.

2. The Scalability Issue

At first, flipping a single product may seem like an easy way to earn some extra cash. However, scalability is a huge problem. To make this hustle worth your time, you’ll need to source a large inventory of products with consistent demand. This isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Finding a single item that you can flip for a modest profit isn’t going to build a sustainable business. You’ll need to:

• Source multiple products regularly
• Track trends and demand
• Calculate the logistics of storing, shipping, and fulfilling orders

Takeaway: To make a significant income, you need a steady stream of products with high demand—and this requires time and effort that many beginners don’t anticipate.

3. Beware of Paid Product Lists

Some creators sell curated lists of "profitable products" to flip. While these lists may sound tempting, they often come with inflated claims. Many people who have purchased these lists report that the products were either overpriced, poorly targeted, or didn’t have the demand they were promised.

The bottom line: These lists often don’t deliver the returns they advertise. You’re better off doing your own research and learning how to spot truly profitable items on your own.

Takeaway: Don't fall for high-priced product lists. You’re often better off doing the legwork yourself.

Why Do People Pay More on eBay?

You might wonder, "Why would anyone pay more for an item on eBay when they can just buy it at Walmart?" Here are a few reasons why some buyers are willing to pay a premium:

• Convenience: Not everyone has access to Walmart, especially if they live in areas without a store nearby. For them, eBay might be the most accessible option.
• Trust: eBay buyers often feel more secure making purchases from verified sellers who offer guarantees or warranties. They might also assume that sellers on eBay offer unique or rare products.
• Urgency: Some buyers need an item quickly and are willing to pay extra to get it delivered to their doorstep faster than if they had to buy it in-store.

Takeaway: Buyers often pay a premium for items on eBay because of factors like convenience, trust, and urgency.

Is Flipping Walmart Items on eBay Profitable?

So, is flipping Walmart items on eBay a good side hustle? It can be, but it requires a deep understanding of the market and costs involved. Here’s a quick list of pros and cons to consider before diving in:

Pros:

• Potential for Profit: You can make money if you find the right items.
• No Need for an Established Storefront: You don’t need to worry about building an online store or website; eBay handles the platform for you.
• Scalable with the Right Strategy: If you’re strategic about sourcing products and scaling your inventory, you can grow this side hustle into a more significant revenue stream.

Cons:

• Hidden Fees: eBay takes a cut, and PayPal/transaction fees can add up quickly.
• Limited by Supply: You’re reliant on the availability of discounted products at Walmart, and the selection may not always be consistent.
• Competition: Many people are already doing the same thing, making it harder to stand out in a crowded market.

FAQs About Flipping Walmart Items on eBay

Is flipping Walmart products on eBay a reliable side hustle?

While it can be profitable, it’s not without its challenges. It requires a lot of time, research, and attention to fees to ensure profitability.

How much can I really make flipping Walmart items on eBay?

It depends on your inventory and profit margins, but most successful sellers diversify their product sources and build a larger inventory for consistent returns.

Can I flip Walmart clearance items on eBay?

Yes, clearance items can be profitable if there’s demand on eBay, but remember to account for fees and shipping costs when calculating potential profits.

Should I buy a list of profitable products to flip?

Be cautious. Many paid product lists have inflated claims and don’t provide the value they advertise. It’s better to research and source your products independently.

Conclusion: Is the Walmart-to-eBay Side Hustle Right for You?

Flipping Walmart items on eBay can work, but it’s not as simple as just buying and reselling. Hidden fees, scalability issues, and a competitive market can quickly eat into your profits if you're not careful.

If you’re serious about making this hustle work, you need to do your homework. Research products, calculate fees, and understand the dynamics of eBay selling before jumping in.

Ready to start? Start small, track your profits, and adjust your strategy as you go. The more you learn, the more successful your flipping hustle can be!

Have you tried flipping Walmart items on eBay? What’s been your experience? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below