How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your purchase price — what you paid for the iPhone on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or elsewhere.
- Add your expected sale price — based on current sold listings on eBay or Swappa for that exact model and condition.
- Select your selling platform — fees vary significantly between eBay, Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, and local cash sales.
- Add repair costs — cracked screens, battery replacements, charging port repairs if applicable.
- Include shipping costs — boxes, bubble wrap, labels, and postage if selling online.
- Click Calculate — see your real net profit after every fee and cost is deducted.
💡 Key insight: Platform fees alone can eat 10–15% of your sale price. A phone that looks like a $150 profit on paper can quickly become $60 after eBay fees, PayPal, and shipping. Always calculate before you buy.
Understanding iPhone Flip Profits
iPhone flipping is one of the most accessible side hustles available today. Unlike car flipping, you don't need a garage, a trailer, or mechanical knowledge. All you need is a smartphone, a few hundred dollars in starting capital, and the ability to research sold prices accurately.
The model is simple: buy iPhones locally at below-market prices from people who want quick cash, and resell them to buyers who want a specific model at a price below what Apple or carriers charge. The key is knowing which models hold value, which carriers are unlocked, and what condition actually sells for top dollar.
📱 Best Models to Flip (2025)
- iPhone 13 / 13 Pro — strong demand
- iPhone 14 / 14 Pro — high volume
- iPhone 15 series — top margins
- iPhone 12 — budget buyer market
- Unlocked models always sell faster
💰 Platform Fee Comparison
- eBay: ~13.25% of sale price
- Swappa: flat $10–15 fee
- Facebook Marketplace: 0% local / 5% shipped
- OfferUp: 12.9% for shipped sales
- Local cash: 0% fees, fastest close
The most profitable flippers work across multiple platforms simultaneously — listing locally for quick cash sales while maintaining eBay listings for buyers willing to pay a premium for specific models. Knowing where your buyer is determines how much margin you keep.
Sourcing, Grading & Selling Smarter
Where to Source iPhones
Facebook Marketplace is the single best source for underpriced iPhones. Sellers often list phones without knowing the exact resale value, especially older family members selling a deceased relative's device or someone upgrading and wanting quick cash. Set up keyword alerts for iPhone models you target and respond within minutes — the best deals move fast.
Condition Grading Matters
A cracked screen can drop an iPhone's value by $80–$150, but a screen replacement from a reputable shop costs $60–$90. That's a $60–$90 margin opportunity on top of your normal spread. Learn to identify screen quality (original vs. aftermarket) and always check: Face ID functionality, battery health percentage, whether the phone is iCloud locked, and carrier lock status.
Never Buy iCloud Locked Phones
An iCloud locked iPhone is effectively worthless for resale to a normal buyer. Always ask the seller to show you the phone unlocked and verify there is no activation lock before purchasing. This is the single most common mistake new phone flippers make.
Battery Health Is a Selling Point
Phones with battery health above 85% command a premium. If you buy a phone with 75% battery health, a $50 battery replacement can add $80–$100 to your sale price and make your listing significantly more competitive. Always list the battery health percentage in your ad — buyers specifically search for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to start flipping iPhones?
You can start with as little as $150–$300. Focus on older but still-popular models like iPhone 12 or 13 in the $150–$250 buy range to minimize risk while you learn the market. Once you're consistently profitable, reinvest your earnings to move into higher-margin newer models.
What's the average profit per iPhone flip?
Beginners typically net $40–$80 per phone. Experienced flippers who know how to source, grade, and repair devices commonly make $80–$200 per flip. Volume is key — flipping 10–15 phones per month at $80 average profit adds up to $800–$1,200 per month in additional income.
Is it better to sell locally or ship iPhones?
Local cash sales eliminate platform fees and shipping costs, maximizing your margin. However, selling on eBay or Swappa opens your listing to national buyers willing to pay more for specific models, especially newer or rare configurations. Most successful flippers do both — price local listings slightly below online price to move inventory fast, and list online for buyers willing to wait and pay more.
How do I know what price to buy at?
Always research sold listings on eBay (not just active listings — sold listings show what people actually paid). Search the exact model, storage size, color, and condition. Take the average sold price, subtract your target profit margin and all fees, and that's your maximum buy price. Never anchor to the seller's asking price — anchor to the data.
What if I buy a phone that doesn't sell?
If a phone isn't selling at your target price after 7–10 days, reduce the price by 5–10% rather than holding. Capital velocity matters more than squeezing every dollar out of one flip. A slightly smaller profit that frees up capital for the next deal is almost always the right move.