Places to hunt.
When it comes to flipping TVs for profit, the first step is always finding the right deal—and that starts with knowing where to look. In my experience, Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace are your best bets. These platforms have a steady stream of used TVs being listed, and with the right timing and eye for value, you can consistently find great flips.
Refresh Often. Act Fast.
The key to success on both platforms is refreshing as much as possible. New listings can pop up any time of day, and the best deals often go within minutes. I usually check Marketplace multiple times a day—sometimes while waiting in line or just taking a break. If something looks good, I message right away. Don’t hesitate, especially if the price is right.
Facebook Marketplace: Better for Selling
While both sites are great for buying, Marketplace tends to be better for selling. It has built-in features like buyer/seller ratings, easy messaging, and a broader local reach. When you list a TV there, you’re tapping into a huge audience, and serious buyers often show up fast—especially if your photos and price are solid.
Look for Trustworthy Sellers When buying, try to buy from sellers with good reviews or at least someone who seems normal and responsive. If it’s a non-smart TV, consider adding a streaming device such as a firestick or Roku, you can usually get them used pretty cheap or even new when on sale.
How to Start: Stick to the Budget
If you’re new to this, I recommend starting with a TV priced around $150 or less. Your goal should be to get as close to doubling your money as possible after testing and cleaning it up. A sweet spot for beginner flips is 40 to 43-inch smart TVs for $100 or under, or 50-inch 4K TVs for $150 or less. Brand, age and condition does of course matter, so do keep that in mind and a remote is always good to come with it.
Make sure it’s not too old—ideally from 2016 or newer—and always confirm the model number. A quick search will tell you if it’s a good one. I’m actually grabbing a 55 inch Samsung smart TV tomorrow for 80 bucks, and imagine will make a decent return on it. It’s 2015 so it’s certainly possible to make money on older televisions as well. Not even 2 years ago I sold my mint condition 46 inch Samsung from 2011 for over $200, so try not to let the age be too much of a factor, not all TV’s are the same anyway. Some models are much higher when bought new compared to others. I don’t deal with heavy old plasma’s or generally TV’s over 10 years old for the most part.
Real Flip Example:
A few weeks ago, I grabbed a 4K 43” TCL Smart TV off Marketplace for just $75. The seller was moving and needed it gone that night. I picked it up, tested it for a day, cleaned it up, and listed it with clean photos and a short video. Two days later, it sold for $220 cash—no questions asked. That’s nearly triple the buy price, minus gas and a bit of time. It ended up being still a good deal for the buyer, and a good deal for me. I got plenty of interest in that TV as it was like new condition and only a few years old.
Final Tip: Be Patient but Ready
You won’t find a flip every time you look—but be patient and consistent. Sometimes the deal of the week pops up at 11 p.m., and other times it’s early morning. The more active you are, the better your chances.
In the next post, I’ll talk more about some TV’s to look for, best brands, and ways to negotiate (if needed) to maximize your profits! Take care, happy flipping!
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