10 Beginner Flipping Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Caleb Foster

Mar 26

3 min read

Updated: 3 hours ago

Every flipper makes mistakes. I’ve made most of these myself. The goal is to make them cheap and only make them once. Here are the big ones.

1. Buying before you know the market

This is the biggest one. I went from patio furniture to couches without learning the couch market, bought two, and ended up giving them away for free weeks later. Learn what things sell for before you spend money. Use the risk-free method in How to Choose What to Flip (With Zero Risk).

2. Picking a niche that doesn’t fit your life

Flipping is find, move, sell. Don’t pick patio furniture with no truck, or cars if you’ve never worked on one. Pick what you can actually move, store, and fix. See How to Flip Stuff Without a Truck.

3. Assuming free or cheap means broken

Sometimes there’s something wrong. But if it isn’t obvious, assume the best and send the message. Messaging is free, and it gets you way more deals than being overly cautious. See How to Flip Free Stuff.

4. Skipping the in-person check

The flip side of #3. Just because it looks fine in the photos doesn’t mean it is. Always check it in person before you pay. For cars, use the inspection checklist.

5. Overthinking before you message

When a deal pops up, message first, then do your research. Spending 45 seconds zooming in on photos is how you end up fifth in line. Being first and backing out costs nothing. See Three Ways to Find Deals.

6. Sending “Is this still available?”

On hot deals, that message gets ignored. Lead with “I can come now with cash” and ask for the address. See Facebook Marketplace Messaging.

7. Negotiating at the wrong time

Don’t haggle in Messenger on something that’s already a great deal. Lock it down, go see it, and only negotiate if you find something that lowers the value. Save your offers for listings that have been sitting. See How to Negotiate When Flipping.

8. Bad photos and lazy listings

A dark garage photo and a one-word title leave money on the table. Clean it, stage it, use all your photos, and write a specific title. See How to Take Photos and Write Listings That Sell.

9. Chasing a home run on every flip

Even $20 over what you paid is a profit. If nothing serious happens for a week or two, drop the price. A small profit this week beats a big one that never comes. See How to Price Your Flips So They Actually Sell.

10. Paying before you pick up

Never send Zelle, Apple Pay, or gift cards to hold an item a seller asked you to pay for. Buy in person, with cash, after you’ve seen it. See How to Spot a Facebook Marketplace Scam.

Bonus: not tracking your flips

Write down what you paid, what you sold for, and how long it took. After 10 flips you’ll know exactly what’s making you money and what’s wasting your time.

If you’re ready for your first one, start with How to Start Flipping Stuff: Your First Flip, Step by Step. And if you have questions, email me. I’m happy to help.