If you’ve ever Googled “how to start a resale business,” you’ve probably come across claims that you can buy pallets of high-end, brand-name merchandise for cheap and flip them for profit. Sounds like a dream, right? Unfortunately, for most resellers, that dream started with a myth—likely one created by scammers.

Can you buy pallets? Yes. But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you.

1. The High-End Pallet Fantasy Is Mostly a Myth

You can buy liquidation pallets, but the idea that you’ll find perfectly sorted, high-end, brand-name goods in pristine condition, ready to sell at a massive profit—without a license, a truck, or a huge upfront investment—is mostly fiction.

Most major brands don’t even liquidate this way. And if they do, it’s not ending up in an accessible pallet for under $1,000 on a random website.

2. Most Big Sellers Aren’t Sourcing from Pallets Anyway

While many resellers might store inventory on pallets, that’s not how most of us source inventory. Especially in the vintage and antique world (jewelry, ephemera, decor), and even in fashion, successful sellers hustle in the real world.

3. Inventory Comes from the Grind, Not a Shortcut

Want to know how top resellers actually get the good stuff? Here’s what real sourcing looks like:

Start Early: I’m up early every Friday, Saturday and Sunday to hit flea markets. These aren’t just for shopping—I’m networking too. Estate Sales and Liquidations: I use Estate Sales.Net to find sales near me. Sometime I check out Storage treasures to see if there’s anything promising in my area.

I also swing by local thrift stores daily. I personally take my packages to the post office Monday thru Friday so while I’m out I’ll pop into the thrift and usually am able to get a few gems.

4. This is How You End Up With the “Good Stuff”

The best inventory doesn’t arrive pre-sorted on a perfect pallet. It’s earned through relentless sourcing, relationship-building, and the willingness to do the work. Yes, sometimes you strike gold. Most times, you don’t. But this is the job.

5. If a “Magic Pallet” Ever Appears, I’m Buying Them All

If that elusive unicorn appears—a pallet full of high-end resellable inventory, already sorted and ready to flip—you better believe I’m buying every last one. Until then, real reselling success comes from grit, not gimmicks.

Final Thoughts: Want to Start Reselling? Start Small, Start Smart

If you’re serious about becoming a reseller, don’t chase shortcuts. Learn how to source locally, build relationships, and know your market. Whether you’re into vintage clothing, antiques, or collectibles—this is how the pros do it.

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk sourcing strategies next.