How to Make Money at Goodwill Bins
If you love a good bargain or enjoy treasure hunting, Goodwill Bins might be the best place to make extra money. People all over the country shop at these outlet stores to find cheap items they can resell online for a profit. You don’t need a business or special skills to start - just a little patience and curiosity.
👉 Free Download: The Goodwill Bins Reseller Checklist.
What Are Goodwill Bins?
Goodwill Bins, also called Goodwill Outlets, are large warehouse-style stores where donated items are placed in big blue bins. Instead of being priced one by one, everything is sold by the pound. That means you can fill your cart for just a few dollars.
Shoppers never know what they’ll find - clothes, electronics, books, shoes, or even collectibles. It’s a little messy, but that’s what makes it fun.
Why Resellers Love the Bins
Many people make real money shopping at Goodwill Bins. They buy low and sell high. Some do it full-time, while others just want to earn a bit extra.
Because prices are so low, you can often find items that cost only a few dollars but can sell online for $20, $50, or even more. Resellers use websites like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace to list their finds.
The trick is learning what’s valuable and what’s not. A used sweater might sell for $5, but a vintage band T-shirt could sell for $100 or more.
How to Start Making Money
Not sure which categories to start with? Our beginner’s category guide breaks down the five best items to resell at the Bins, with margin math and platform recommendations for each.
- Bring a smartphone. Download the eBay app so you can check prices while you shop. Search for an item, then tap “Sold Listings” to see what people actually paid for it.
- Start small. Don’t buy too much at first. Pick a few items you think will sell, list them, and see how it goes.
- Avoid heavy or bulky items. Since shipping can be expensive, lighter items like clothes, shoes, or small gadgets are easier to sell and ship.
- Be patient. You won’t find treasure every time, but with practice, you’ll learn what sells quickly.
Shopping at Goodwill Bins isn’t just about money - it’s also about recycling and reusing. Every time you buy something secondhand, you help keep it out of the landfill.
So, if you love hunting for deals and don’t mind a little digging, Goodwill Bins can be both fun and profitable. With time, you’ll start seeing patterns in what sells - and you might even find your own niche.
For more practical tips, be sure to check out our free Goodwill Bins Reseller Checklist
