Used Phone Flipping
Buy, fix and resell used smartphones (the resale flip)
Video published Nov 2, 2026 by Wealth Wired
Startup cost: Low startup cost (a few hundred dollars of starting inventory plus small parts) (our estimate; the video doesn’t give figures)
Source video
Wealth Wired · 9 Businesses That Will NEVER Go Out of Business | These 9 Businesses Will Survive Almost Anything ↗
One of 4 gigs covered in this video
What It Is
Buy used smartphones cheaply, fix minor problems like a dead battery, and resell them for more. The video's example is buying a phone for $60, spending $15 on a fix, and selling it for $120, about $45 gross profit before fees. It can be started from home with a few hundred dollars of inventory.
The Pitch
The video points out that many people want newer tech but can't afford new prices, which keeps demand for good refurbished phones steady.
Who It’s Best For
People handy with small repairs who are comfortable buying and selling on marketplaces and checking devices for locks or damage.
The Truth (as we see it)
Phone flipping is a real and common side hustle, and the example margin is plausible on the right deals. The risks are buying blacklisted, carrier-locked or stolen phones, hidden faults, and marketplace fees eating the spread, so learn to check IMEI status and test thoroughly. Sourcing good deals is the hard part and may mean meeting local sellers. The video covers it in a few sentences without method details.
Our assessment, based on the video and what’s typical across similar videos. We don’t independently verify income claims or prices.
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