How to Flip 500 Dollars (10+ Proven Ways in 2024)

By Forrest McCall •  Updated: 01/14/24 •  9 min read

Looking to flip $500 into more money? I've put together some of the best ways you can flip your money into more money.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Some of the best ways to flip $500 include:

  • Investing in real estate with Arrived
  • Investing in stocks with Acorns
  • Flipping things on Facebook Marketplace

1. Investing in Real Estate with Arrived

Arrived offers you a chance to get into real estate investing without needing a massive initial investment. Think of it as a way to start building a passive income stream with as little as just $100. It's accessible even if you're not an accredited investor, which is why I'm a huge fan of this platform.

Arrived Homes Investing

When investing with Arrived, you're actually investing in fractional shares of a home – meaning you're pooling your money with other investors to invest in properties collectively. Then, you split the profits accordingly.

Your earnings come from rental income, distributed to you and other investors each quarter. If managing property isn't your thing, this is a hands-off approach that requires less commitment and expertise on your part which is all the reason to get started.

Remember, making money fast with Arrived isn't the objective here. Rather, you're in for the longer haul, watching your investment grow over time. If you want to double $500 – this is my go-to.

2. Invest in Stocks with Acorns

If you're looking to flip your $500 dollars, consider investing in stocks through Acorns. As a micro-investing platform, Acorns allows you to start with small amounts and automatically invest spare change from everyday purchases, making it one of my favorite ways to invest.

Acorns Investing

This approach to investing in stocks trims down the complexity commonly associated with the stock market. Because you're not engaging in picking and choosing stocks yourself, this can be a more hands-off way to grow your money.

Do your research to understand how Acorns fits into your overall investing goals. While it's an attractive option for beginners, every investment carries risk and it's vital you're comfortable with the level of exposure you're taking on.

Need another reason to get started? Acorns is currently offering a free $20 to new users!

3. Flip Things on Facebook Marketplace

When you're aiming to flip $500, Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine.

Start with what you know. For example, furniture and electronics are always in demand and can be a great way to make money.

To get started, you can scope out local garage sales or even Craigslist for underpriced goods that could fetch a higher price online.

You'll also want to get your timing right. Weekends are peak times for folks to browse, making it perfect to list your finds. Take clear, appealing photos and write honest, detailed descriptions. Remember, transparency builds trust and helps avoid post-sale hassles, which can be a huge pain.

With every flip, you can reinvest your profits to further grow your money. It's not just about making quick cash but gradually increasing your buying power over time.

I've seen people have major success by staying patient and responsive. You should also engage promptly with potential buyers so you can secure a faster sale.

Overall, flipping on Facebook Marketplace is a great way to flip your money, but it's going to take some time and sometimes you might have inventory sitting. Be sure to consider this when starting out. You might not be able to double your money overnight.

4. Start a Business

Starting a profitable business can be a smart way to flip $500.

You can explore various business models, and thanks to the internet, launching an online business is more accessible than ever.

If stocking products isn't your thing, an online store without inventory is possible with affiliate marketing. Here, you'll be promoting other people's products and earning a commission. It’s a lighter way to dip your toes into the waters of online business without the commitment of managing inventory and the hassle of dealing with customers.

If you don't want to start an online business, there are tons of service based businesses that can make some serious money.

Remember, every business requires time and effort to grow. Patience and persistence are your allies here, so you'll need to give your business the attention it needs to flourish.

5. Rent Things Out

If you're looking to flip $500 into more, consider renting out items you own. Your garage could be a goldmine of power tools that DIYers would pay to use. You can list them online or use social media to find people willing to pay.

Got extra space? Platforms like Neighbor.com let you rent out storage space, turning your empty attic or shed into passive income. It's like a yard sale that never ends, where your unused square footage works for you – which I'm a big fan of.

Remember, flipping $500 isn't just about quick cash. It's about learning how to create earning opportunities that continue over time. Your approach to making money online or offline can start small and grow, just like your initial $500.

6. Flip Domain Names

Investing in domain names can be a savvy way to use a small amount of money with the aim to generate larger returns. Think of it like website flipping, but you're only dealing with the domain itself. To get started, platforms like Namecheap offer a marketplace to find domains at lower prices, usually around $10 to $15.

Browse domain names

Your first step is research. You want to catch domain names that have the potential to sell for a higher price. Sometimes, you’ll find ones related to emerging trends or short, catchy names that businesses would love. Remember, though, that patience is key; you might hold onto a domain for a while before it sells.

Next, buy a domain that's within your budget. Be ready to spend a bit from that $500 to secure your domain. The buying price matters because it affects your flipping margin – buy low, sell high, that's the name of the game here.

Finally, you need to have a selling strategy. Price them competitively but be sure to leave room for negotiation. Sales can take time, and not every domain will sell, but staying persistent is key. With great research and picks with a bit of luck, you might just see that small amount turn into a tidy sum.

7. Consider Retail Arbitrage

Trying retail arbitrage could be a smart strategy to flip your $500 if you're willing to put in the time and effort.

You'll start by scouring retail stores for undervalued items. With a keen eye, you might find clothing and household goods at significant discounts.

Amazon and eBay are will often be your go-to platforms for reselling. Utilizing the Amazon Seller app, you can easily scan products to determine profitability before purchasing them in-store. Remember, you're looking for clearance sales, seasonal discounts, and items that can be bought low and sold high.

When you find potential products, it's time to consider the costs. Factor in fees and shipping, ensuring you're still on track to make a profit.

Retail arbitrage involves patience and persistence, but your $500 could grow if you're diligent. Keep your focus on the end goal: buy low, sell high, repeat.

8. Start a Blog or Niche Website

Starting a blog or a niche website can be an exciting way to potentially flip your $500. By choosing a topic you're passionate about, you can create content that attracts visitors and makes you money.

You'll need a domain and hosting; I recommend SiteGround for hosting because they offer affordable options to get you up and running.

Once your site is live, you can use social media, SEO, or even email marketing to drive traffic and build an audience. Share your posts on platforms where your target audience hangs out. If you are blogging about cryptocurrency, join related forums and engage in conversations, leading them back to your blog.

Monetizing your site comes next and there are several ways you can get started. With affiliate marketing, you can earn money by promoting products or services and earning a commission. Additionally, you can go with display advertising. This is an easy way to cash in on the traffic that your site gets without the hassle of dealing with affiliate networks and offers.

Growing a blog will certainly take time, but with enough effort, you can certainly turn $500 into $1000 or more.

9. Flip Collectables or Antiques

Flipping collectibles can be a smart way to turn your $500 into a larger sum. You can often find treasures at garage sales or flea markets, where valuable items might be hiding in plain sight that can be worth a fortune. The key is to recognize items that are undervalued and in demand.

Try browsing auctions on eBay or listings on Facebook Marketplace for potential finds. Sometimes, you can score an antique that requires a bit of restoration, which may significantly increase its value.

When you start flipping, consider platforms like Poshmark or Mercari, which cater to specific categories of goods, making it easier to target the right buyers. Craigslist is another option, especially for larger antiques, since it allows local pickups and avoids shipping costs. Finally, you can use eBay – which opens up your buying pool because anyone from around the world can make purchases.

Remember to research before you invest. Understanding the market for collectibles and antiques will guide your purchases and sales, maximizing your returns without overspending on inventory that won't flip quickly.

10. Start an Etsy Business

If you're looking to turn $500 into more, Etsy can be an amazing playground to make money. With an initial investment, you can set up a shop selling handcrafted goods, vintage items, or unique supplies.

Setting up an online store on Etsy is straightforward. You'll create an account and follow the steps to open your storefront. The key is to choose products that stand out and define your niche. This helps attract a specific audience, eager for your unique items.

Remember, selling items online requires effort but can lead to a substantial passive income. Keep track of your finances and reinvest smartly. Your $500 can grow as you fine-tune your business and build your presence in the online marketplace.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of ways to flip $500 but I recommend proven methods like investing in real estate with Arrived or investing in stocks with Acorns.

Forrest McCall

Forrest is passionate about helping others grow their passive income streams so they can reach financial freedom. He has been quoted in many popular finance publications including Business Insider, Bankrate, CNET Money, and more.