The business of flipping

This ESL worksheet focuses on flipping items for profit and reselling second-hand goods. It is most suitable for B1+-B2-level learners. Students learn useful vocabulary related to second-hand selling and flipping, practice discussing buying and selling experiences, explore different ways to source items, and learn how to increase an item’s market value. Other lessons you might like include “Start and grow your side hustle“, “Throwaway culture“, “Moving house“.

Vocabulary: Flipping and Second-Hand Selling

The worksheet begins with questions about students’ experiences of buying and selling items on second-hand platforms such as Vinted, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Wallapop. Students then learn and practise useful vocabulary connected with flipping and reselling, including listing, lowball offer, fixer-upper, side hustle, thrift store, flea market, hidden gem, and market value. Students practice this vocabulary with a few discussion questions given.

Vocabulary: Sourcing and Increasing Value

Learners develop their vocabulary further with useful expressions for the flipping process, including resell, source, refurbish, part out, and price it to sell. Students match the expressions to their definitions and then practise using them in context. They also discuss ethical questions around buying undervalued items, sourcing products, and reselling them for a higher price.

Speaking: What Can You Flip?

Students brainstorm items that could be flipped, different ways to source them, and ways to increase their market value. They consider which products are likely to sell quickly, which are easiest to source, and which require the most time and effort before they can be resold.

Listening: How to Make Extra Money Flipping Items

Students watch a video called “How to make extra money by flipping items” and identify different ways of sourcing products. They then discuss which sourcing strategies they would be most likely to try, what kinds of products they could refurbish themselves, and the personality traits, skills, and knowledge that can help someone become a successful flipper.

Writing: Create a Marketplace Listing

Students choose an item they could realistically sell and write a listing for a second-hand marketplace such as Vinted, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Wallapop. They include important information such as the item’s condition, age, specifications, damage, repairs, price, delivery or collection options, and reason for selling.

Speaking: Buyer and Seller Negotiation Role-Play

Students exchange their marketplace listings and take part in a buyer-and-seller role-play. The buyer asks questions about the item, identifies any missing information, makes an offer, and negotiates with the seller. The seller can accept, reject, or make a counter-offer as students practise realistic language for buying and selling second-hand items.

For more speaking practice, you can use the printable conversation cards.