In a viral TikTok video, user Jride Flips shared how he turned his shopping trips to TJ Maxx into a lucrative side hustle, claiming it can easily net you $1,000 in just one week. However, while the hustle has gained traction, it has also drawn a fair share of criticism.
The side hustle: retail arbitrage
Retail arbitrage, Jride’s method, involves purchasing popular items at discounted prices from retailers like TJ Maxx and reselling them online at a profit, typically on platforms like eBay. Jride explained how he scouts for trending items that can sell for significantly higher prices. One notable example he shared was ceramic Care Bears Halloween mugs, which he purchased for $7 at TJ Maxx. According to Jride, these mugs are hot sellers online, fetching around $30 on eBay, plus a shipping fee. He stocked up on several of these mugs, anticipating a strong demand as the Halloween season approaches.
In his TikTok video, Jride also showed off another find—a pink “Sunday Morning” coffee mug, purchased for $5, which he noted could be sold for $25 on eBay. His basic strategy is straightforward: find items with a proven demand and mark them up significantly online. His success has encouraged others to explore retail arbitrage as a way to earn extra income.
Jride’s content is part of a larger trend on TikTok where creators showcase their success with various side hustles, often blending shopping with profit-making. Retail arbitrage, in particular, has gained momentum, with shoppers taking advantage of stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross, which frequently offer discounted items that can be resold for more elsewhere. With relatively low upfront costs, this side hustle is accessible to many who want to supplement their income without a significant initial investment.
As a side hustle, retail arbitrage has become a go-to for people looking for flexible ways to make money. On TikTok, the appeal lies in its simplicity: the hustle doesn’t require specialized skills or certifications—just a knack for finding deals. Jride, like others, urges viewers not to overlook retail arbitrage, calling it the “best side hustle of 2024″ due to its low risk and high potential returns.
Divided reactions and criticism
Despite its profitability, Jride’s hustle hasn’t escaped criticism. After posting the video, his TikTok page exploded with over 500 comments, sparking debate among viewers. While some praised the side hustle as an easy way to make extra money, others slammed Jride for hoarding popular items, making it harder for others to purchase them at retail price.
One commenter remarked, “Oh, this is why I can’t find what I’m searching for,” echoing the frustration felt by many shoppers who go to stores like TJ Maxx only to find shelves empty of popular items. Another criticized Jride’s method, saying, “Leave a few for other people.” These sentiments reflect the broader ethical debate around retail arbitrage.
Critics argue that it encourages overconsumption and reduces accessibility for regular shoppers, particularly when popular, affordable items are bought in bulk for resale at higher prices.
However, Jride did not back down from his critics. Responding to one comment, he stated, “You had the same opportunities as me and you didn’t pull through. You can’t blame anyone else for you not going.” His response highlights a common viewpoint among retail arbitrageurs—that anyone can do it if they put in the effort.
