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Looking for a flexible and profitable side hustle while studying in the UK or the US? Flipping items—buying low and selling high—is one of the easiest ways to make extra money as a student.
Whether you’re based in the UK or the US, platforms like eBay and Depop are making it simpler than ever to resell items for a profit.
But before diving into this reselling side hustle for students, it’s important to understand the legal restrictions, especially if you’re studying on a visa. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with flipping and the key legal issues you must keep in mind.
What is Flipping or Reselling?
Flipping, or reselling, is a simple concept. You buy products at a low price—often from thrift stores, charity shops, or online marketplaces—and resell them at a higher price for a profit.
The best part? You don’t need to invest much to get started. Many students begin flipping items from their own wardrobes or unwanted household goods.
This side hustle can be a fantastic way for students to make extra cash while managing their studies.
Why Reselling is a Perfect Student Side Hustle
- Flexible Hours: Flip items during breaks between classes or on weekends.
- Low Startup Cost: Start with items you already own or find cheap bargains.
- Fast Profits: Some students sell items and make a profit within days.
- Entrepreneurial Skills: Gain valuable experience in pricing, marketing, and customer service.
What Can You Flip for Profit?
You can flip almost anything for profit, but some items have higher resale potential:
- Clothing & Accessories: Branded vintage clothes and designer items are popular, especially on Depop.
- Sneakers: Limited edition sneakers are in high demand and can be flipped for huge profits.
- Books & Textbooks: Sell used textbooks to other students who need them.
- Electronics: Phones, headphones, and other gadgets that are still in good condition.
- Home Decor & Furniture: Small but trendy home decor items can often fetch a good resale price.
Getting Started with eBay Flipping
eBay remains one of the best platforms for flipping due to its massive audience. Here’s how to succeed with eBay flipping:
- Start with Personal Items: Sell clothes, gadgets, or books you no longer use.
- Do Your Research: Check “sold listings” on eBay to set competitive prices.
- Take High-Quality Photos: Clear, well-lit photos help sell products faster.
- Write Detailed Descriptions: Transparency is key to building trust with buyers.
- Use Relevant Keywords: Utilize keywords like “brand new,” “vintage,” and “limited edition” to boost visibility.
Depop Selling Tips for UK Students
Depop is incredibly popular among students in the UK, especially for vintage clothing and accessories. To stand out, try these Depop selling tips UK:
- Create Styled Listings: Show how the item can be worn by using models or styling tips.
- Use Tags Effectively: Tag products with specific keywords like “vintage” and “designer” to increase discoverability.
- Engage with Followers: Respond to comments and direct messages promptly to build trust and encourage repeat business.
- Offer Discounts for Bundles: Incentivize buyers by offering a discount on multiple items.
Legal Considerations for International Students: Can You Flip Items on a Visa?
Before you dive in, it’s crucial to know the legal implications, especially if you’re an international student on a visa. Both UK and US visa holders have restrictions on self-employment.
In the UK:
- Work Limitations: International students on a Tier 4 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
- Self-Employment Rules: Most Tier 4 students cannot be self-employed, which may include running a business, even a small reselling operation. If you’re flipping items as a casual hobby (without making it a full-time business), it may be acceptable.
Tip: Always check with your university’s international student office or an immigration advisor if you plan to scale up your flipping business.
In the US:
- Work Limitations: Students on an F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks.
- Self-Employment Restrictions: Most F-1 visa holders cannot engage in self-employment. However, occasional flipping of personal items or reselling items occasionally is usually allowed as long as it doesn’t become a full-time business or interfere with your academic schedule.
Tip: Consult with your university’s international student office or an immigration attorney before starting a full-scale reselling operation.
Tips to Avoid Legal Issues
- Limit your sales: If you’re on a visa, it’s safer to treat flipping as a hobby rather than a full-time business. Keep sales occasional and don’t rely on it as your primary income.
- Don’t advertise as a business: Avoid setting up a business entity, as this could violate visa restrictions.
- Stay within the limits: Keep track of how much you’re earning. If you earn above the threshold (e.g., £1,000 in the UK or $600 in the US), you may need to report the income.
Final Thoughts: Flipping Items for Profit as a Student
Flipping items for profit is a great way for students to make extra money. It’s flexible, low-risk, and can be scaled over time.
However, if you’re on a student visa, make sure you understand the legal restrictions regarding self-employment.
Keep your flipping side hustle casual, stay within your work limits, and consult with advisors if you’re unsure.
Want more student money-making tips? Check out our blog Hello Student for the latest in side hustles, online jobs, and money-saving tips for students in the UK and US.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Always consult a legal expert or immigration advisor for advice specific to your visa status.
đź’Ľ FAQ: Reselling Side Hustle for Students in the UK and US
1. What is a reselling side hustle?
A reselling side hustle involves buying items at a low price and selling them at a higher price to make a profit. Students often flip clothing, books, or electronics using platforms like eBay and Depop.
2. Is reselling a good side hustle for students?
Yes! It’s flexible, requires low startup capital, and can be done in your spare time. Plus, you gain valuable entrepreneurial experience in marketing, pricing, and negotiation.
3. What can I flip as part of my reselling side hustle?
Popular items to resell include:
- Branded or vintage clothing
- Limited-edition sneakers
- Used textbooks
- Gadgets like phones and headphones
- Trendy home décor
4. Which platforms are best for reselling?
For UK and US students, eBay and Depop are top choices.
- eBay: Great for a wide range of items and reaching global buyers
- Depop: Best for fashion and popular with UK students
5. Can international students do a reselling side hustle on a visa?
Not usually as a formal business.
- UK (Tier 4 visa): You’re restricted from self-employment, but occasional reselling may be allowed if it’s treated as a hobby.
- US (F-1 visa): You can’t run a business, but selling personal items occasionally is typically fine.
💡 Always check with your university’s international student office or an immigration advisor.
6. How much can I earn from a reselling side hustle before I need to report it?
- UK: If you earn over ÂŁ1,000 in a tax year, you may need to report it to HMRC.
- US: If you earn more than $600 from platforms like eBay, you may receive a 1099 form and need to report it to the IRS.
7. How do I avoid legal trouble while flipping items?
- Keep it casual—don’t scale into a business if you’re on a visa.
- Don’t register a company or advertise as a business.
- Stay within work limits and track your earnings.
8. Do I need to pay taxes on income from reselling?
Yes, if you go beyond the hobby level or earn above tax thresholds. You may need to file taxes even if it’s a side hustle. Keep good records of what you sell and what you paid.
9. What are quick tips for success in reselling as a student?
- Start small with items you own
- Use high-quality images and honest descriptions
- Research prices using eBay’s sold listings
- Be responsive and professional with buyers
10. Where can I learn more about student side hustles like reselling?
Check out our blog Hello Student for more tips on money-making ideas, side hustles, and student jobs in the UK and the US.
Read More
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenbousquet/article/how-to-make-money-reselling