I’ve been experimenting with flipping small stuff arbitrage and honestly the hardest part isn’t finding items it’s missing out on the good deals. Most days it feels like a signal vs. noise thing. By the time I check shipping, condition, seller reliability someone else already bought it. Right now I'm using saved searches, spreadsheets, and alerts. It works but im open to know other systems? I keep seeing other buyers who seem to be killing it like they’ve figured out ways to do it or just decide quicker.
What systems are you guys using to stay ahead on sourcing?
byu/Valuable_Control4855 inEntrepreneur
Posted by Valuable_Control4855
3 Comments
Dude, I know exactly what you mean. The good stuff gets snatched up while you’re still double-checking condition or shipping costs. What’s been working for me lately:
* **Saved searches + instant alerts** (eBay, OfferUp, Mercari) → set them to push to your phone so you don’t miss the drop.
* **Browser monitors** like [Distill.io](http://Distill.io) or VisualPing → they’re great for keeping tabs on niche sites that don’t have good alert systems.
* **Discord groups** → tons of sourcing/reselling servers where people share live finds. Honestly, they’ve become faster than marketplaces sometimes.
* **Decision rules** → I’ve got a quick checklist (price ceiling, shipping cap, condition). If it hits, I buy immediately. No more overthinking.
* **AI price trackers** → been testing a couple newer tools that track price history + send “buy now” nudges when an item dips below my threshold. Way better than just eyeballing it.
It’s less about finding some hidden trick and more about tightening your system so you’re not losing deals to hesitation.
I totally get what you mean sometimes it feels like the good deals are gone before you even finish checking them.
For me, using saved searches alerts has helped a lot, but I’ve also started noting sellers who consistently have good listings.
I’m experimenting with quick decision rules: if it meets my price and condition criteria, I go for it immediately instead of overthinking.
Also thinking of exploring AI price trackers anyone here tried them and had good results?
I was stuck doing it manually too but ubuyfirst sped things up a ton like everything shows up instantly so I can decide fast instead of missing deals.