Flipping Items from Bin Stores on eBay and Facebook
eBay and Facebook Marketplace are the two most popular platforms for flipping bin store finds. Here's how to use each effectively to turn finds into profit.
Two Platforms, Two Different Strengths
The two platforms that dominate bin store reselling are eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Both are powerful tools, but they work very differently. Understanding the strengths of each and matching your inventory to the right platform is one of the key skills of a profitable bin store reseller.
This guide covers both platforms in depth — how they work, what sells best on each, and how to optimize your approach.
eBay: The National Marketplace
Why eBay Works for Bin Store Resellers
eBay's nationwide (and global) reach means you're connecting with buyers across the country. This dramatically expands your potential buyer pool beyond your local area. If you find a niche item — a specific gaming accessory, a discontinued kitchen appliance, a vintage toy — eBay gives you access to the exact buyer who wants that exact thing.
eBay's search function, feedback system, and structured listing format create a trusted environment that many buyers are comfortable purchasing from without physical inspection.
What Sells Well on eBay
Electronics: Headphones, speakers, tablets, gaming accessories — even broken ones (sold for parts)
Shoes and sneakers: eBay has a strong sneaker community and verified sneaker authentication for high-value pairs
Brand-name clothing: Especially menswear, athletic brands, and outdoor apparel
Collectibles and toys: Action figures, board games, vintage items
Tools and hardware: Hand tools and power tool accessories
Kitchen appliances: Small appliances from known brands
Auto parts and accessories: When they appear in bins
How to List Effectively on eBay
Title Optimization: Include the brand, model, condition, and any key specs. Think about what a buyer searching for this item would type. Example: "Sony SRS-XB43 Bluetooth Speaker Black TESTED WORKING" beats "Bluetooth Speaker."
Photos: Minimum 4–6 photos. Show the item from multiple angles, close-ups of condition issues, and (for electronics) a photo of the powered-on/working state when possible.
Condition Description: Be accurate and detailed. Describe what works, what doesn't, what's included, and what's missing. Honest, detailed descriptions build positive feedback and avoid disputes.
Pricing Strategy: Use "sold listings" (completed sales, filter by Sold) to establish your price. Start at a competitive price rather than anchoring high and cutting — items that sell quickly are better than items that sit.
Calculated Shipping: Use calculated shipping based on the buyer's zip code. This ensures you don't undercharge on heavy or oversized items.
eBay Fees to Know
Final value fee: approximately 13% of the total transaction (including shipping)
PayPal/payment processing: often included in the above
Listing fees: free for up to 250 listings per month (standard accounts)
Factor these into your pricing. An item selling for $40 yields roughly $35 after eBay fees.
Facebook Marketplace: The Local Powerhouse
Why Facebook Marketplace Works for Bin Store Resellers
Facebook Marketplace has zero selling fees for local sales. If you can connect with a local buyer and complete the transaction face-to-face, you keep 100% of what you charge. This makes your margins dramatically better than any fee-based platform.
Facebook Marketplace also excels for large, heavy, or hard-to-ship items. A $150 small kitchen appliance that would cost $30 to ship is much more attractive when a local buyer picks it up.
What Sells Well on Facebook Marketplace
Furniture and large home goods: The "not worth shipping" problem doesn't apply locally
Exercise equipment: Dumbbells, exercise bikes, yoga mats
Kitchen appliances: Coffee makers, air fryers, Instant Pots
Children's gear: High chairs, strollers, play equipment (check recalls first)
Tools: Hand and power tools
Electronics: TVs, monitors, audio equipment
Bulk lots: Bundles of similar items (e.g., 10 sets of kitchen utensils)
How to List Effectively on Facebook Marketplace
Photos: Clear, bright photos against a neutral background. Facebook's algorithm promotes listings with good photos.
Price: Research comparable listings in your area to set competitive prices. Facebook Marketplace buyers expect to negotiate — price 10–15% above your target.
Description: Clear, honest description of condition, dimensions (for furniture), and what's included. Answer likely questions proactively.
Availability: Respond quickly to inquiries. Buyers on Facebook Marketplace often message multiple sellers — the first to respond wins the sale.
Safety for Meetups: Meet in public, well-lit locations when possible. Many police stations offer designated "safe exchange zones" for marketplace transactions.
Facebook Marketplace Fees
For local in-person sales: zero fees. For shipped sales processed through Facebook: 5% (minimum $0.40). This is still much lower than eBay.
Choosing the Right Platform for Each Item
| Item Type | Better Platform |
|---|---|
| Small electronics | eBay (wider buyer pool) |
| Large appliances | Facebook (no shipping) |
| Brand-name clothing | Either (eBay for brand reach; Facebook for local speed) |
| Furniture | Facebook only |
| Collectibles/niche items | eBay (find the exact buyer) |
| Bulk lots | Facebook (local buyers take everything) |
| High-value sneakers | eBay (authentication program) |
| Tools | Either |
Cross-Listing Strategy
Many serious resellers list the same items on both platforms simultaneously and take whichever sale comes first. This maximizes exposure and reduces the time items sit in your inventory. Just be sure to promptly take down the listing from the other platform when an item sells.