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Unilever surprised investors on Tuesday by ousting chief executive Hein Schumacher and replacing him with finance chief Fernando Fernandez, who will focus on speeding up the execution of the consumer group’s turnaround strategy. Unilever’s board, which includes billionaire activist investor Nelson Peltz, was unified in its decision to oust CEO Schumacher, a source familiar with the board’s thinking told Reuters. Schumacher was surprised by the move, but the decision involved “nothing untoward”, the person said. In an email to associates, Schumacher defended his approach and record as CEO and said he regretted leaving the company earlier than anticipated. “The board is eager to step up the pace of our strategy execution and realise swift value creation underscored by a change in leadership,” he said in the email, which was shared with Reuters. The CEO’s sudden departure after less than two years in the job hit Unilever’s shares, which fell as much as 3.4% on Tuesday. They had gained more than 9% since Schumacher took the helm on July 1, 2023. The consumer goods industry has had a difficult time coping with a supply chain crunch triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, plus sky-high commodity prices and an energy crisis after Russia invaded Ukraine. Profit margins have been squeezed and sales volumes hit by consumers switching to cheaper options. Unilever, which gave no specific reason for the CEO change, is facing pressure from investors to revitalise its fortunes and the top management upheaval comes just weeks after Unilever announced underwhelming full-year earnings. Nestle CEO Mark Schneider was ousted last year after several quarters of weak sales volume growth. Unilever’s management change was made after a board meeting on Monday, another source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The board concluded that Fernandez, who has been with Unilever for nearly 40 years, was the right person to execute the company’s strategy, the source said. Schumacher’s appointment and strategic changes had been welcomed by Peltz, who built a stake in the company in 2022 and sits on Unilever’s board. “We are gobsmacked at the news that Unilever’s very highly regarded CEO Hein Schumacher is to step down,” RBC Capital analyst James Edwardes Jones said in a note. When Schumacher became CEO, analysts and investors had applauded the choice of an external candidate as CEO. Schumacher reset the group’s strategy to address years of underperformance and laid out cost cuts last year, including plans to separate its ice cream division and cut thousands of jobs. The company has tried to step up the pace of asset sales, although some categories, like plant-based meat, are proving hard to exit. Chairman Ian Meakins said the board was impressed by Fernandez’s “decisive and results-oriented approach”, and had given him the task of executing the growth strategy. “There is much further to go to deliver best-in-class results,” Meakins said in a statement. Execution Analysts and investors said the news was unexpected, but Fernandez was a good choice to lead Unilever’s turnaround strategy. “We agree with the board that Fernandez is best placed to accelerate the value unlock,” Barclays analyst Warren Ackerman said in a note. UBS analyst Guillaume Delmas said “execution is key” in the new phase of the company’s strategic journey. Fernandez, 58, has been with Unilever since 1988. Before he became CFO last year, he held a number of roles such as President Latin America and CEO Brazil and President of the Beauty & Wellbeing business. Harsharan Mann in the Global Equities team at Aviva Investors, a Unilever shareholder, said: “We were surprised by the announcement but have a positive view of the CFO … He is a 30-year veteran of the business who ran the Beauty and Wellbeing division very well.” In January, Fernandez took up extra responsibilities including overseeing supply chain and procurement. Unilever, which owns Hellmann’s mayonnaise, Dove soap and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, said there was no change to its 2025 outlook or medium-term forecast and the board was committed to “further accelerating” Schumacher’s growth plan. Schumacher, 53, will step down as CEO in March and leave the company on May 31. He is leaving by mutual agreement, the company said. He will be treated as a “good leaver” and will continue to get his 1.85 million euros ($1.94 million) fixed pay until he leaves the business, the company said. He will then get an undisclosed payment for the remainder of this notice period, it said. Srinivas Phatak, currently Unilever’s deputy chief financial officer and group controller, will become acting CFO, while the company looks for a permanent replacement. ($1 = 0.9549 euros) —Yadarisa Shabong and Josephine Mason, Reuters View the full article

"Red flags are emerging for the US economy," said Elias Haddad, senior market strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman. "Another month or two of poor US economic data would deliver a blow to the US exceptionalism narrative." View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Pixel 9 Pro is the latest, most premium model in the Pixel lineup. It was released in August 2024, and already the unlocked 128GB Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is discounted to $799 (down from $1,099). That's the lowest price it has yet reached on Amazon, according to price-tracking tools. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Operating System: Android 14, Ram Memory: 16 GB, Memory Storage: 128 GB, Screen Size: 6.8 Inches. $799.00 at Amazon $1,099.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $799.00 at Amazon $1,099.00 Save $300.00 This Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with 16GB of RAM, 128GB of memory storage, a 120 HZ refresh rate, and the Android 14 operating system. As Michelle Ehrhardt explained in Lifehacker's review of the Pixel 9 Pro, the phone's hardware is the best Google has produced, but its AI features aren't quite there yet. The XL version is bigger than the regular Pro size, but smaller than previous XL versions at 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.3 inches. If you have the Pixel 8 Pro, you might not notice a huge difference. However, if you're upgrading from an older phone or switching from a non-Pixel phone, the 9 Pro XL has a lot to love, especially if you prioritize good cameras. One of the best aspects of Pixel phones is their future-proofing: They tend to receive ongoing support for many years. My Pixel 6A still gets all of the updates and tons of AI features that make the phone feel fresh many years later. With the Pixel 9 Pro XL, you'll be getting a quality phone that will receive software updates for some time (as long as seven years). View the full article

Denny’s is the latest restaurant chain to add a temporary egg surcharge due to the rising cost of eggs caused by a nationwide shortage and the current bird flu outbreak. Last month, Waffle House added an upcharge of 50 cents per egg. Meanwhile, many supermarket chains, including Trader Joe’s, Market Basket, and big-box retailers including Walmart, Costco, and Sam’s Club, have raised prices and limited the number of cartons shoppers can buy. “This pricing decision is market-by-market, and restaurant-by-restaurant due to the regional impacts of the egg shortage,” Denny’s told Fast Company in a statement. “We will continue to look for ways to provide options on our menu, including our $2 $4 $6 $8 Value Menu.” The restaurant said it would not specify which of its 1,500 locations would see the surcharge as the situation is “fluid.” Once an inexpensive food staple, eggs have soared in price in recent months. As of last week, a dozen white eggs was $8.07, according to CNBC. Bird flu, or avian influenza, has had a crippling effect on the nation’s egg supply, resulting in the death of 18.9 million birds in just the past 30 days, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is a double whammy for Denny’s, which announced more store closings earlier this month as part of the restaurant chain’s plan to jumpstart its waning growth. Like many fast-food and casual-dining chains, it has been struggling in recent years due to inflation, changing customer habits, and skyrocketing food prices. “We have taken a close look at every restaurant in our domestic portfolio; and as a result, at the end of last year, we announced the decision to close approximately 150 restaurants by the end of 2025,” Denny’s previously told Fast Company. “We began the closing process last year, and we are continuing to work through our plan. More than half of these locations have already closed.” Denny’s said the closures will enable its franchises to open “upwards of 20 new locations in 2025 . . . and remodel some current locations.” View the full article

Decision strips power from news organisations and upends decades-old precedent View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. As tech reviewers get their hands on the latest TVs and write their reviews, a picture starts to take shape on which are the best TVs for every category. For those looking for the best bang-for-your-buck a tier above "budget TVs," the jury is still out between TCL's QM7 and Hisense's U7N. Really, it comes down to preference or a good deal—and right now, Hisense's U7N lineup is seeing great discounts. The best one is the 75-inch U7N currently going for $859.99 (originally $1,499.98) after a 43% discount, its lowest price ever, according to price-tracking tools. Panel Type: QLED, Screen Size: 55 inches, Resolution: 3,840 by 2,160, Refresh Rate: 144Hz. 55-inch Hisense U7N $498.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $798.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $498.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $798.00 Save $300.00 Panel Type: QLED, Screen Size: 65 inches, Resolution: 3,840 by 2,160, Refresh Rate: 144Hz. 65-inch Hisense U7N $698.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Get Deal Get Deal $698.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Panel Type: QLED, Screen Size: 75 inches, Resolution: 3,840 by 2,160, Refresh Rate: 144Hz. 75-inch Hisense U7N $859.99 at Amazon $1,499.98 Save $639.99 Get Deal Get Deal $859.99 at Amazon $1,499.98 Save $639.99 Panel Type: QLED, Screen Size: 85 inches, Resolution: 3,840 by 2,160, Refresh Rate: 144Hz. 85-inch Hisense U7N $1,297.96 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $2,199.99 Save $902.03 Get Deal Get Deal $1,297.96 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $2,199.99 Save $902.03 SEE 1 MORE The U7N came out last summer and has been head-to-head with the QM7. The U7N is a QLED TV, which is the best technology for a TV before crossing over to OLED. The U7N is bright for a midrange QLED, reaching levels of over 1,500 nits, and the colors are accurate, according to PCMag's "excellent" review. I like Google TV's interface, since I get to cast my phone directly onto the screen, and all the free channels never hurt. Of course that also means you can use Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay to control your TV. If you're a gamer, you'll enjoy the U7N's 6.2 millisecond input lag when you switch to Game mode. The 144Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro will make games look smooth (as well as sports). For those who like to know if you're getting what you're paying for in specs, the Google TV has a Game Bar feature that shows you specs like frame rate and resolution, as well as quick access to other settings gamers use. The main complaint on the U7N is that details on shadows can look a bit washed out, but this isn't something most people will notice. At the current price, this U7N is a better deal than the QM7 and the value QLED TV you can buy right now. View the full article

Keir Starmer’s government warns of further sanctions unless Kigali withdraws troops from its east African neighbourView the full article

Texas Capital is arguing against summary judgment, saying prior assertions about reverse mortgages' initial and subsequent draws need to be examined in court. View the full article

CAVA hopes to expand its physical footprint after a year of financial success, CEO Brett Schulman announced in the company’s fourth quarter earnings call Tuesday. Over the 2024 fiscal year—CAVA’s first full calendar year as a public company—the Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain saw a revenue growth of 28.3% and delivered four straight quarters of free cash flow. And after opening 58 new restaurants this past year, the company anticipates new market openings in Detroit, South Florida, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis. “We’re very excited to continue to grow those markets and build upon the presence we have in existing regions,” Schulman tells Fast Company. The anticipated launches in these four new markets come after a successful launch in the greater Chicago metropolitan area, where three new CAVA locations opened in 2024. Schulman says that was “our best market opening ever.” The Maryland-based chain currently operates inside 25 states and Washington, D.C. as the demand for health-conscious dining continues to grow. ‘You can’t discount your way to prosperity’ In the last fiscal year, CAVA experienced 8.7% traffic growth, while many industry competitors saw negative traffic growth. Schulman says that around two in three customers enter CAVA’s physical spaces to place an order, speaking to the chain’s emphasis on “Mediterranean hospitality.” Much of this success, Schulman says, comes from an increased focus on providing value, rather than price discounting. “You can’t discount your way to prosperity with guests,” Schulman says. “We look at value as a combination of quality, relevance, convenience and experience.” He claims that all of his decisions are guided by CAVA’s mission of bringing “heart, health and humanity” into food, from importing olive oil from Greece to putting fresh dill in the tzatziki dip. In a difficult economy, especially for fast-casual restaurants, CAVA appears to be bucking industry norms. Roti, a different Mediterranean-style fast-casual chain, filed for bankruptcy in August. Buca di Beppo and Red Lobster also both filed for bankruptcy in the past year. According to Schulman, CAVA stands out from the fast-casual chains that may be struggling because it “looks at people as assets, not expenses.” “The demise of the dining room is greatly exaggerated,” he says. “People are feeling a void of human connection, and they’re craving it. And brands that are able to deliver that are the ones that are gaining market share and gaining brand affinity.” Cava’s success in a struggling industry After its “blockbuster” IPO in June 2023, the build-your-own-bowl chain has only seen success. Its stock price has soared 158% since the IPO, and Yelp named CAVA its fastest growing brand of 2024. And according to fast-casual competitor Chipotle’s most recent earnings report, sales growth in the past fiscal year for its set of comparable restaurants only increased by 7.4%—a little over a quarter of CAVA’s revenue growth. Another large factor in last year’s success is CAVA’s reimagined loyalty program—a system similar to Chipotle’s points-based program. Frequent customers can exchange points (ten are awarded for every dollar spent) for free drinks, cookies, and even entrees. Since the new loyalty system rolled out nationwide in October, CAVA has seen a 2.3% increase in revenue going through the pool, hitting a record high revenue from loyalty transactions last year. In the coming year, CAVA hopes to add rewards that are brand centric rather than food based. “We’ve expanded our audience,” Schulman says. “We’ve got our audience more highly engaged, which allows us to have much more personalized one-to-one communication.” View the full article

The eyes might be the window to the soul, but how their overall health impacts our own souls is rarely discussed. VSP Vision Care, an eye insurance company, partnered with Workplace Intelligence to survey 800 HR leaders and 800 full-time employees in the United States about the state of their eye health. Here are the key findings: We live on our screens: In a typical week, employees report spending 97 hours on screens, which translates to 210 days a year. Thirty-four of these hours are on a computer for work, 17 on a computer for personal use, 23 hours watching TV, and 23 hours on a cellphone. The majority of people have at least one eye problem: 63% of respondents reported at least one eye issue, an increase from last year’s 50%. Meanwhile, 73% reported wearing contacts or glasses, an increase from 67% last year. The most common issues were blurred vision (41%), dry or itchy eyes (24%), and eye strain or fatigue (23%). This is taking a toll on work and personal life: 69% of respondents said that eye problems are impacting their ability to be productive, 60% said eye problems impacted their ability to focus, and 46% said the problems took a toll on their mental health. The survey included a range of employees across generations and types of work arrangements, including on-site, hybrid, and remote work. All survey participants used a computer or laptop for work at least “sometimes,” according to the study’s methodology. As Kristi Cappelletti-Matthews, chief human resources officer at VSP Vision, noted in the report, “[When] you consider the importance of our vision and its link to our health and day-to-day work, it’s imperative that there’s a collective effort to support better workplace health through exceptional vision care.” View the full article

One of the annoying things about using PowerShell in Windows, if you're used to Linux, is having to run it as an admin in order to make system changes. The simplest way to do this is right-clicking the application in the start menu and clicking "Run as administrator," which isn't exactly elegant. It's particularly frustrating because most Linux distributions fixed this a long time ago: the sudo command. Basically, on Linux, if you need to run a single command as an administrator you can just put "sudo" at the beginning and run it—you're asked for an administrator password and the process runs. It's such a useful feature that it even inspired one of the most famous XKCD comics. Someone at Microsoft apparently noticed: sudo is now included in Windows. Sort of. A feature that allows you to run single commands as an administrator, called sudo, is now included in Windows, but this feature is not technically related to the sudo included on Linux systems (Microsoft, as always, is using a confusing name). Anyway: this pseudo-sudo feature is included with Windows 11 version 24H2, released in October 2024 and still rolling out to Windows users as of February 2025. You can check whether you have access to the feature by opening System Settings and heading to System > For developers. Scroll down and you'll see the option to enable sudo (if you don't see the option, you're not using 24H2). Credit: Justin Pot There are three options here regarding how sudo runs. By default, command will run in a new window. There are two more options: Inline, which will run the command in the same window; and Input closed, which runs the command in the same window but without input from other commands in the window. The official documentation heavily recommends leaving the default setting for security reasons, though Inline is much closer to the Linux-style sudo command. Using the feature is straightforward: when running a command that requires administrator privileges, start with sudo. You will see a pop-up asking to confirm. Credit: Justin Pot Click Yes and the command will run as administrator. That's really it: just put sudo at the beginning of your commands to run as administrator. Credit: Justin Pot Try it with your usual commands and see how you like it. If the answer is that you don't, that's fine: go back to opening Powershell as administrator. There are reasons Microsoft's sudo may not work for you. Maybe you're not yet using the 24H2 version of Windows. Maybe you can't get sudo working with the applications you're trying. Or maybe you just want to quickly change your current session into an elevated session. If so, gsudo might work better for you. This open source tool is recommended in Microsoft's documentation as offering features more similar to the Linux version of sudo and can quickly be installed using the winget package manager. View the full article

Scientists have finally given the all-clear to Earth from a newly discovered asteroid. After two months of observations, scientists have almost fully ruled out any threat from the asteroid 2024 YR4, NASA and the European Space Agency said Tuesday. At one point, the odds of a strike in 2032 were as high as about 3% and topped the world’s asteroid-risk lists. ESA has since lowered the odds to 0.001%. NASA has it down to 0.0017% — meaning the asteroid will safely pass Earth in 2032 and there’s no threat of impact for the next century. Paul Chodas, who heads NASA’s Center for Near Earth Objects Studies, said there is no chance the odds will rise at this point and that an impact in 2032 has been ruled out. “That’s the outcome we expected all along, although we couldn’t be 100% sure that it would happen,” he said in an email. But there’s still a 1.7% chance that asteroid could hit the moon on Dec. 22, 2032, according to NASA. Chodas expects the odds of a moon strike will also fade. The world’s telescopes will continue to track the asteroid as it heads away from us, with the Webb Space Telescope zooming in next month to pinpoint its size. It’s expected to vanish from view in another month or two. Discovered in December, the asteroid is an estimated 130 feet to 300 feet (40 meters to 90 meters) across, and swings our way every four years. “While this asteroid no longer poses a significant impact hazard to Earth, 2024 YR4 provided an invaluable opportunity” for study, NASA said in a statement. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Marcia Dunn, Associated Press aerospace writer View the full article

Recent housing trends more favorable to buyers will ease some of the pressure for higher down payments in order to secure a winning bid, Redfin finds. View the full article

It's not surprising at this point to find out that a company you entrusted your data to turned around and sold it without your knowledge or consent—as antivirus provider Avast did for years through its software and browser extensions. And while monetary compensation doesn't undo the potential damage, nearly 3.7 million Avast customers are eligible for a refund for the trouble. Last year, Avast reached a $16.5 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, which includes compensation for users who bought Avast software between August 2014 and January 2020. The FTC found that the company collected information on religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, financial status, and location without user consent and sold it through a subsidiary (also without consent). Now, customers can start to claim refunds from the settlement. According to the FTC, customers eligible for a refund from Avast will be notified via email between Feb. 24 and March 7. The notice will include a claim ID—you'll need this to complete the Avast settlement claim form online. If you want more information about the process or need help filling out the application, you can call the refund administrator at 866-290-0165. Your claim must be filed by June 5, 2025 to be eligible for a payment. The FTC expects to mail payments in 2026, and the amount will depend on how many people apply for refunds. View the full article

FedEx has released its 2025 E-Commerce Trends to Watch Report, detailing how shifting consumer expectations are shaping the competitive landscape for digital retailers. The report, produced in collaboration with C Space, underscores the growing importance of convenience, seamless returns, and social media-driven brand engagement as key factors for success. Consumer expectations in e-commerce are increasingly centered around a frictionless shopping journey. According to the report, more than 80% of shoppers prioritize convenience, with home delivery (81%), free shipping (76%), and real-time tracking (68%) cited as essential features. Returns also play a significant role in customer satisfaction, with 97% of shoppers having abandoned a purchase due to inconvenient shopping experiences. Retailers that simplify return policies and offer hassle-free post-purchase experiences are better positioned to secure repeat customers. “E-commerce success in 2025 isn’t just about having the right product selection—it’s about delivering a seamless end-to-end customer experience,” said Jason Brenner, senior vice president, digital portfolio at FedEx. “Retailers that prioritize convenience, including easy returns, fast and transparent shipping, and frictionless digital engagement will ultimately lead the market.” Generational Preferences Shaping Digital Engagement Brands must refine their marketing strategies to align with generational shopping behaviors. The report highlights distinct trends among different age groups: Gen Z consumers are heavily influenced by social media, with 70% of engagement occurring online and platforms like TikTok (51%) and Instagram (40%) serving as primary brand discovery tools. Millennials focus on brand values, with 81% considering a company’s treatment of employees before making a purchase. Additionally, 27% prefer direct-to-consumer purchases via brand websites or apps. Boomers continue to favor traditional shopping, with 53% still shopping in physical stores more than any other generation. To capture consumer attention, brands are increasingly turning to video-driven storytelling, nostalgia-based marketing, and personalized digital content. Holiday Shopping Extends Beyond the Traditional Season The report also identifies a shift in holiday shopping behavior, with consumers spreading their purchases throughout the year rather than relying on last-minute holiday sales: 22% of shoppers begin holiday shopping as early as August to manage expenses and avoid price hikes. 30% of consumers plan to shop for winter gifts year-round by 2026. 16% of shoppers already follow a year-round holiday shopping approach. This trend presents a strategic opportunity for retailers to engage customers outside of peak shopping seasons by offering early-bird discounts and exclusive promotions. This article, "FedEx Report Highlights Convenience and Digital Trends Driving E-Commerce in 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

FedEx has released its 2025 E-Commerce Trends to Watch Report, detailing how shifting consumer expectations are shaping the competitive landscape for digital retailers. The report, produced in collaboration with C Space, underscores the growing importance of convenience, seamless returns, and social media-driven brand engagement as key factors for success. Consumer expectations in e-commerce are increasingly centered around a frictionless shopping journey. According to the report, more than 80% of shoppers prioritize convenience, with home delivery (81%), free shipping (76%), and real-time tracking (68%) cited as essential features. Returns also play a significant role in customer satisfaction, with 97% of shoppers having abandoned a purchase due to inconvenient shopping experiences. Retailers that simplify return policies and offer hassle-free post-purchase experiences are better positioned to secure repeat customers. “E-commerce success in 2025 isn’t just about having the right product selection—it’s about delivering a seamless end-to-end customer experience,” said Jason Brenner, senior vice president, digital portfolio at FedEx. “Retailers that prioritize convenience, including easy returns, fast and transparent shipping, and frictionless digital engagement will ultimately lead the market.” Generational Preferences Shaping Digital Engagement Brands must refine their marketing strategies to align with generational shopping behaviors. The report highlights distinct trends among different age groups: Gen Z consumers are heavily influenced by social media, with 70% of engagement occurring online and platforms like TikTok (51%) and Instagram (40%) serving as primary brand discovery tools. Millennials focus on brand values, with 81% considering a company’s treatment of employees before making a purchase. Additionally, 27% prefer direct-to-consumer purchases via brand websites or apps. Boomers continue to favor traditional shopping, with 53% still shopping in physical stores more than any other generation. To capture consumer attention, brands are increasingly turning to video-driven storytelling, nostalgia-based marketing, and personalized digital content. Holiday Shopping Extends Beyond the Traditional Season The report also identifies a shift in holiday shopping behavior, with consumers spreading their purchases throughout the year rather than relying on last-minute holiday sales: 22% of shoppers begin holiday shopping as early as August to manage expenses and avoid price hikes. 30% of consumers plan to shop for winter gifts year-round by 2026. 16% of shoppers already follow a year-round holiday shopping approach. This trend presents a strategic opportunity for retailers to engage customers outside of peak shopping seasons by offering early-bird discounts and exclusive promotions. This article, "FedEx Report Highlights Convenience and Digital Trends Driving E-Commerce in 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

More social platforms are increasingly axing third-party fact checking as a control against misinformation in favor of user-generated notes on existing content. Last month, Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to cut fact-checking programs on Meta platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and Threads—and replace them with Community Notes, which add corrections and context to posts that are "confusing or potentially misleading." A similar feature launched on Twitter in January 2021 as the Birdwatch program, which was rebranded as Community Notes and expanded after Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022. Community Notes exist in lieu of the ability to report misleading content on X. Musk has both praised the feature as "awesome" and said he is "working to fix" it. X users can still apply to contribute their own notes. YouTube has also tested a community notes feature that allows users to add context to videos on the platform. Those who meet eligibility criteria can sign up for the program's waitlist in the YouTube mobile app (under Profile > Settings > General > Help inform viewers). When Community Notes are submitted on Meta's platforms by approved contributors, other approved contributors have to agree that the context is helpful before the note is actually published on a post (though the threshold for what constitutes a "helpful" note isn't clear). According to Meta's FAQ, Community Notes will be phased in and visible to users across its apps "over the next few months." How to sign up to write Meta Community NotesAs of this writing, Meta has a waitlist for users to be notified once the Community Notes beta launches. You can join the waitlist via Facebook, Instagram, or Threads. Only U.S.-based users are eligible, and you must be over 18, have an account that is older than 6 months and in good standing, and have either a verified phone number or two-factor authentication set up on your account. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Garmin is introducing a feature to many of its watches that Apple Watch users have been able to enjoy for a while. That’s a device passcode, so you can lock your data when your watch isn’t on your wrist. The feature will be rolling out to Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, and Vivoactive users, or you can get it right now with the beta program. Garmin Vivoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch With AMOLED Display (Black) $239.99 at Best Buy $299.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $239.99 at Best Buy $299.99 Save $60.00 How the Garmin device passcode worksIn the old setup—what you have right now if you aren’t on the beta program—devices that have a “wallet” feature will ask you to set up a passcode to use the wallet. Then, when you tap your watch to use Garmin Pay at a store checkout, you’ll have to enter a four-digit code. The new update adds the ability to lock your entire watch, not just the wallet. Here’s how to turn it on: Enroll in the beta program (more about that below) Go into your Settings menu Select System Under Passcode, you’ll have the option for “On” or “Wallet only.” Select “On” if you want to have to enter the passcode each time you put your watch on. What you can and can’t do with a Garmin passcodeWith the passcode enabled, you’ll have to punch in your code when you put your watch on, but otherwise things will work as usual—for you. For someone who doesn’t know the code, they can pick up the watch and look at it, but most things beyond the watch face will be locked behind the passcode. To a stranger who doesn’t know the code, here’s what is still available: The watch face is visible as usual The light button works to turn the watch face or light on and off If an activity was running when you took the watch off, it will remain running You can still answer a phone call The flashlight and emergency assistance shortcuts still work And here is what is not: The glances (data you reach by scrolling down from the watch face) are locked The settings menu is locked The activity menu is locked, so you can’t start a new activity The shortcuts menu (hold the top left button on a Forerunner) only contains five options: power off, lock device, turn the touchscreen on or off, flashlight, and emergency assistance. Everything else that might be on that menu, like your wallet, timers, find my phone, etc.—all are missing. Which Garmin watches are getting the device passcode feature?Garmin says that the following watches are getting the device passcode feature, so long as you are enrolled in the beta, you have the latest beta software installed, and you have the most recent version of the Garmin Connect app: Enduro 3 Fenix 8 (AMOLED or Solar) and Fenix E Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965, and their variations (including S and Music) Venu 3 and 3S Vivoactive 5 How to enable the beta to get the passcode featureIf you like getting new Garmin features, I’d recommend signing up for the beta. I haven’t found things to be buggy, although that’s always a risk with any beta program. Garmin’s instructions for enrolling in the beta program are here. Basically, you’ll use your Garmin Connect app to select your device, then tap Join Beta Software Program, and agree to the terms. Within an hour, you should be able to install the latest software. To check for an update at any time, go into the Settings menu on your device, then System, Software Updates, and Check for Updates. View the full article

Health secretary reveals that tighter Whitehall control will form part of government’s ‘plan for change’View the full article

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a fantastic security measure, but not all 2FA is created equal. SMS-based 2FA is by far the least secure authentication option, and yet, far too many companies use this method as default. Hackers know this, which is why they target users' 2FA codes to commit fraud and steal access to Google accounts. All that said, any 2FA is better than no 2FA, so it's worth tolerating SMS-based authentication if it's the only 2FA option offered. Now, however, the winds are changing: Google is the latest company looking to switch from SMS codes to an alternative method. As reported by Forbes, the company is planning to shift from SMS codes to QR codes. This is a good thing, even if it changes how you sign into your Google Account. SMS 2FA isn't secure enoughIt's surprisingly easy to get hold of an SMS code. If someone steals your smartphone, for example, they'll be able to access all of the SMS codes it receives. But scammers don't need physical access to intercept your SMS codes. In fact, they can do this while sitting in another part of the globe. Scammers can trick carriers into taking over your phone's SIM card. From here, they can disable your SIM card, and transfer all the services over to their own, so they can remotely access all SMS codes sent to your number. If your bank account is protected by SMS-based 2FA, for instance, they'll receive the code on their own device, authenticate themselves, and break into your account. Some scammers are even engaging in a practice know as traffic pumping, where they fool organizations into sending a large number of SMS messages to numbers the scammers own. They make a profit from those messages, while the rest of us deal with a deluge of spam. By moving away from SMS-based 2FA, Google hopes to limit this scam. Instead of relying on SMS-based authentication, I've recommended using a dedicated authenticator app, or the password-less Passkeys system that Google itself is pushing quite a bit. When using an authenticator app, the code generates every 30 seconds on a secure service that is controlled by you, not by carriers. Authenticator apps themselves require biometric authentication, and can be password protected as well, which adds an extra layer of security. You can use a physical key for maximum authentication security, but a properly setup authenticator app will be plenty secure. If you're game to ditch passwords altogether, passkeys are even more secure. Passkeys are cryptographically generated keys for each login, and they are unique to the device or passwords app. A passkey generated for Google, on your Mac, never leaves the device. Even if someone gets their hands on the key file, it can't be hacked as it's encrypted. Google is shifting default 2FA to QR codesPasskeys are the future, but in the meantime, Google is shifting to QR codes as the default verification method for phone numbers. When users log in on a new device, they'll be prompted with a QR code that they can scan using their smartphone to authenticate. Using a QR code for verification stops phishing attacks, as there's no code to share. And because the QR code scanning is happening in person, between two devices in proximity, there are no carrier codes involved, or online servers. There's no timeline for this yet, as all that Google has said is to "look for more from us on this in the near future." As the feature rolls out, I'll detail those steps here. View the full article

There’s a new entrant in the scam hall of fame. The Chengdu Snow Village—a newly opened destination in the suburban Chengdu, Sichuan province—advertised a picturesque snow landscape for guests to enjoy during the Lunar New Year celebrations last month. Photos of the event resembled scenes from a Christmas card, featuring thick layers of snow blanketing log cabin roofs. However, unseasonably warm weather meant the main feature was a no-show. Rather than canceling the events, organizers got creative. White sheets were stapled to cabin roofs, white sand and large cotton wool sheets were scattered across the grounds, and soapy foam drifted through the air in a feeble attempt to create a winter wonderland. Photos posted online by disappointed visitors showed the reality: sad wisps of cotton scattered across a greenish-brown field, clinging to the branches of bushes. China’s tourism industry is really outdoing itself with its creativity! Welcome to ‘Snow Village’ in Chengdu- where snow is made of cotton balls, the ground is white sand, and the fake waterfalls flow… with imagination.1/2 @MM81792127@GundamNorthrop@SolomonYue pic.twitter.com/2fZr2ORrLl — Ava Olivia (@AvaOlivia27) February 18, 2025 The fake wonderland quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, prompting the Chengdu Culture and Tourism Bureau to launch an investigation into the project. The village later apologized and offered refunds to guests, according to Reuters. “In order to create a ‘snowy’ atmosphere, the tourist village purchased cotton for the snow . . . but it did not achieve the expected effect, leaving a very bad impression on tourists who came to visit,” the village shared on its official WeChat account. “Following the precedents of previous years, we typically have snow in winter. So we set up this spot for a photo shoot in advance to wait for the snow to come,” a Snow Village staff member told the state-run paper Global Times. “However, this year, the weather didn’t cooperate, and it didn’t snow.” The Chengdu Snow Village has removed all images of the attraction from its social media pages, and the venue has since closed down. This isn’t the first time a tourist attraction in China has been caught misleading visitors. Last year, hidden artificial pipes were discovered at the Yuntai Mountain Waterfall in Henan province, used to boost the waterfall’s flow and maintain its spectacular appearance during the dry season. Just a few weeks ago, an amusement park in Zibo City, Shandong province went viral after internet users realized that its zebras weren’t actually zebras, but donkeys painted with black and white stripes. A+ for creativity, everyone. View the full article

Microsoft is testing a new way to make sharing files a lot easier. In a beta version of Windows 11, the company has released a temporary shelf that appears when you drag files to the top of the screen. You can use this to drop files directly to the apps you use the most, such as Outlook or WhatsApp. Additionally, the company is also testing an improved version of Windows Search on CoPilot+ PCs to help you find photos in the cloud, and two new layouts for the Start menu. All of these features are a part of the Windows Insider program, but they're available in different channels of this program. Here are some details about each new feature and how you can try it if you want to get it ahead of the release to the general public. The drag tray to make sharing easierPerhaps the most exciting among the new updates, the drag tray is a way to make sharing simpler on Windows 11. When you drag a file to the top of the screen, a hidden drag tray reveals itself and you'll see a few apps listed there. You can drag the file into any app to share it quickly. There's also a More button to send it to apps not listed in the tray. If you drag a file to the More button, it'll open the Windows share menu to help you send it to other apps. While sharing has been fairly easy on computers for a long time, this drag tray is great for dumping files into apps that you use frequently. New views for the Start menu Credit: Microsoft The Start menu is the hub for everything you want to launch on your PC and it's now getting two additional views—name grid and category. The name grid lists all apps in an alphabetical order and groups them by alphabet, whereas the category view looks a lot like app folders on your smartphone. The category view groups apps by type and creates multiple folders to let you see more apps in one go. Both these views are available in the All page of the start menu if you're a part of the correct Windows Insider beta. An improved Windows Search Credit: Microsoft For Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft is testing a version of Windows Search that lets you find photos stored on the cloud. You can type a search term and the results will try to find the photo based on your description, even if the photo is named IMG0012.JPG. At the moment this is supported for personal OneDrive accounts, as long as you're signed in and connected to the internet. This feature is not supported for work or school OneDrive accounts. Microsoft says third-party cloud storage providers will be able to add support for this search feature, which is great if you don't use OneDrive. How to try these new Windows featuresTo try these new features, you need to sign up for the Windows Insider program and ensure that you have the right hardware and are on the correct beta version. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as jumping to the beta version and looking for the feature, but this is what you can do for now. On your Windows 11 PC, go to the Microsoft website and click the Register button to sign up for Windows Insider. Then, go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program on your PC and follow the on-screen prompts to join the program. Be aware that this program involves installing beta software on your PC, which can lead to issues such as data loss, crashing software, or even a PC stuck at the boot screen. Ensure that you've backed up your Windows PC before you attempt to join the Windows Insider Program. Once you're on the beta, you can try the drag tray feature and the new Start menu views by selecting the beta channel and updating to Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078). This isn't available to those who are receiving beta updates based on Windows 11's 24H2 build as of now, but it's expected to be on that channel soon. If you decided not to update to this cycle and opted to receive beta updates on the previous beta channel, then you'll be able to try those two features right away. As for the enhanced search, it's available to those who have a Copilot+ PC running Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080). Microsoft currently labels this as an optional update and will change it to a recommended one later this year. Even if you're on the right update channel, you may have to wait a while to get the enhanced Windows Search working as Microsoft is rolling it out gradually. This update channel also includes improvements to Windows Recall, the controversial feature that records everything you do on your PC, and adds a new Trim tool to let you edit screen recordings using the Snipping Tool in Windows 11. View the full article

UK pressure on Apple for data access could leave the majority less safeView the full article

Selling items online and in person can be a great source of income and a way to get more life out of used items. There are many types of items to flip, so there is plenty to choose from. To help you start flipping, we’ll look at some of the best things to flip for this article. What is Flipping? Flipping is a straightforward concept wherein you purchase items and resell them straight away rather than holding on to them. Some items may need to be repaired or have some maintenance involved before they can be flipped. But the general idea when it comes to flipping items is to purchase things at a low price and sell them for a profit. Identifying the Best Items to Flip for Profit: Our Methodology When it comes to flipping items for profit, selecting the right products is key. In guiding our readers towards selecting items that can yield a good return on investment when flipped, we use the following criteria. Each one is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the highest level of importance and 1 is the lowest. Purchase Price vs. Potential Resale Value Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Items with a low purchase price relative to their potential resale value are ideal for flipping. Market Demand Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: High-demand items are more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price. Ease of Restoration or Improvement Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Items that require minimal effort and cost to restore or improve are preferable, as they reduce time and investment for the flipper. Storage and Transportation Costs Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items that are easy and inexpensive to store and transport reduce overhead costs. Sales Venue Suitability Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Items that are easy to sell through common venues like online marketplaces, thrift stores, or flea markets are ideal. Seasonality and Trends Importance Scale: 6/10 Rationale: Understanding seasonality and current trends can assist in choosing items that are more likely to sell well during specific times of the year. Niche Popularity Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items within popular niches or with a dedicated following can often command higher prices. Authenticity and Legal Considerations Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Ensuring the authenticity of items, especially branded goods, and adhering to legal resale requirements is critical. Time to Sell Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items that typically sell faster are preferable for quick turnover and cash flow. Knowledge and Expertise Required Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Flipping items that demand less specialized knowledge or expertise can make the process more accessible to a broader audience. By applying these criteria, we aim to guide our readers toward selecting items to flip that not only offer a high potential for profit but also align with their resources, skills, and market trends. The Best Items to Flip Many items can be flipped, so if you want to flip for profit, you’re in luck. Selecting the right things to flip can often be challenging, but it will largely depend on your local market, broader trends you can capitalize on, and how much of a profit you can gain from flipping the item. Let’s look at some of the best things to flip for profit. Power Tools They are in high demand due to their utility in DIY projects and home repairs. Their durability means they retain value well. Outdoor Furniture Seasonal demand peaks in warmer months, offering profitable resale opportunities, especially for high-quality, durable pieces. Wood and Vintage Furniture These items have timeless appeal and can often be restored to increase their value. Vintage pieces, in particular, can fetch high prices due to their uniqueness and historical value. Vintage and Designer Clothing These items are sought after for their unique styles and quality construction. Vintage and designer pieces can become more valuable over time, appealing to collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Wedding Dresses High initial value and limited use make this ideal for resale. Many seek budget-friendly options for weddings, creating a steady market. Exercise Equipment Growing health consciousness drives demand for home gym equipment. Quality items retain value and are sought after in the secondhand market. Old Books and Textbooks Rare books or textbooks in current curricula have a dedicated market. Collectors and students alike seek out these items, often at premium prices. They are easy to sell online, at markets, or even to used bookstores. Old Board Games Nostalgia and the resurgence of board gaming culture make these items popular. Rare or vintage games can be particularly valuable. Electronics and Games High demand and rapid innovation in technology create opportunities for profitable resale, especially for items in good condition or with a cult following. Baby Items Babies quickly outgrow their items, creating a constant supply and demand. High-quality, gently used items are particularly sought after by budget-conscious parents. Hockey Equipment Sporting goods, especially for popular sports like hockey, have a strong resale market due to high new retail prices and seasonal demand. Toys and Vintage Toys Nostalgic appeal and collectibility can significantly increase the profitability of these items, particularly if they are rare or in excellent condition. Shoes and Sneakers High demand, especially for designer or limited-edition sneakers, combined with a culture of collecting, can lead to significant profits. Trading Cards Niche markets and collectors value rare or limited-edition cards, making them potentially lucrative resale items. There are many stores that will buy these from you, or you can easily sell them online. Vintage Cars Classic cars often appreciate value, especially if they are rare or have been well-maintained or restored. Houses Real estate can be a highly profitable investment, especially if purchased at a low price and sold after renovation or market appreciation. Household Appliances Good-condition appliances are always in demand, as they are essential in every home and can be expensive to purchase new. Lego Sets Discontinued or rare sets can be highly collectible and increase in value, appealing to both children and adult collectors. They’re easy to sell online and at markets that are popular with collectors. Scrap Metal While not glamorous, scrap metal can be profitable due to consistent demand in the manufacturing and recycling industries. Websites and Domain Names Digital real estate can be highly valuable, especially if the site or domain has high traffic, a niche market, or a memorable name. Bicycles Cycling’s popularity and the high cost of new bikes create a strong market for secondhand bicycles, especially high-quality or unique models. Musical Instruments and Equipment High-quality instruments retain value and are in demand by both beginners and experienced musicians. Cameras Photography enthusiasts and professionals are always on the lookout for good quality equipment, making cameras a profitable flip. Picture Frames Unique or high-quality frames are always in demand for home decor and art display, offering opportunities for profitable resale. These are easy to transport, ship, and sell in various venues. Photography Gear As with cameras, photography gear such as lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment holds value well and is sought after in the secondhand market. This is a popular niche where collectors and professional photographers will often pay a premium for quality items. Luxury Handbags Their high initial value and brand recognition make them appealing for resale, especially when they’re well-maintained or rare, appealing to both fashion enthusiasts and collectors. Stocks and Options The financial market offers a high potential for profit through strategic buying and selling, appealing to those with good market knowledge and risk management skills. Houses Real estate investment can yield significant returns through strategic renovations and market timing, appealing to entrepreneurs with knowledge of property management and real estate markets. Raw Land This represents a blank canvas with various profitable possibilities, from development to resale after appreciation, appealing to long-term investors. VCRs and VHS Tapes Nostalgia and the scarcity of working units contribute to the collectibility of these items, attracting both enthusiasts and individuals seeking unique or vintage media. Clearance Items Purchasing items at clearance prices and selling them at market value can yield significant profit margins, particularly for products that are in high demand or seasonal. Artwork Unique pieces can be appreciated in value, especially from sought-after artists or limited editions, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts. Home Decor Trendy or unique home decor items can be resold at a premium, appealing to individuals interested in interior design and decoration. Records and Record Players Vinyl records have experienced a revival in popularity, making them highly sought after and profitable, particularly rare or vintage editions, which are among the best items to flip. Collectibles Items like figurines, comics, or themed merchandise can appreciate in value and have a dedicated collector market, offering profitable flipping opportunities. Board Games Classic and niche board games are in demand, with rare or out-of-print editions fetching high prices among enthusiasts. Antiques Their historical value and uniqueness make antiques highly sought after, with potential for high profit, especially with rare or well-preserved items. Rare or Retro T-Shirts Nostalgia and uniqueness drive demand, with certain prints or vintage band tees being highly collectible and profitable. These are easy to store and ship, and they can be sold online or in-person with ease. Concert T-Shirts Limited edition or vintage concert tees can be highly sought after by fans and collectors, often fetching high resale prices. Concert Tickets Buying and reselling tickets for popular events can be profitable, especially for sold-out shows or in-demand performances. Sports Memorabilia Items like signed jerseys, cards, or game-used equipment have a dedicated collector base and can appreciate in value, particularly rare or historical pieces. Upcycled Items There is an expanding market for innovative, eco-friendly products such as upcycled glass, jewelry, and furniture, which attract environmentally conscious consumers. #Item to FlipReason for Being Ideal to Flip 1Power ToolsHigh demand for DIY projects and home repairs; durable and retain value well. 2Outdoor FurnitureSeasonal demand peaks in warmer months; profitable for high-quality, durable pieces. 3Wood and Vintage FurnitureTimeless appeal; can be restored to increase value; vintage pieces fetch high prices. 4Vintage and Designer ClothingSought after for unique styles and quality; can become more valuable over time. 5Wedding DressesHigh initial value and limited use; steady market for budget-friendly options. 6Exercise EquipmentGrowing health consciousness; quality items retain value in the secondhand market. 7Old Books and TextbooksDedicated market for rare books or current textbooks; collectors and students seek these. 8Old Board GamesNostalgia and resurgence of board gaming culture; rare/vintage games valuable. 9Electronics and GamesHigh demand and rapid innovation; profitable for items in good condition or with cult following. 10Baby ItemsConstant supply and demand due to quick outgrowing; high-quality items sought after. 11Hockey EquipmentStrong resale market due to high new retail prices and seasonal demand. 12Toys and Vintage ToysNostalgic value and collectibility; rare or well-conditioned items highly profitable. 13Shoes and SneakersHigh demand for designer or limited-edition; culture of collecting. 14Trading CardsNiche markets value rare or limited-edition cards; lucrative resale potential. 15Vintage CarsAppreciate in value, especially if rare or well-maintained/restored. 16HousesHighly profitable investment; potential returns through renovation or market appreciation. 17Household AppliancesAlways in demand; essential in every home and expensive when new. 18Lego SetsDiscontinued or rare sets highly collectible; appealing to children and adult collectors. 19Scrap MetalProfitable due to consistent demand in manufacturing and recycling industries. 20Websites and Domain NamesValuable digital real estate; high traffic, niche market, or memorable name. 21BicyclesStrong market due to cycling popularity and high cost of new bikes. 22Musical Instruments and EquipmentRetain value and in demand by both beginners and experienced musicians. 23CamerasPhotography enthusiasts and professionals seek good quality equipment. 24Picture FramesIn demand for home decor and art display; unique or high-quality frames. 25Photography GearHolds value well and sought after in the secondhand market. 26Luxury HandbagsHigh initial value and brand recognition; appeal to fashion enthusiasts and collectors. 27Stocks and OptionsHigh potential for profit through strategic buying and selling. 28Houses (Real Estate)Yield significant returns through strategic renovations and market timing. 29Raw LandBlank canvas with various profitable possibilities; appealing to long-term investors. 30VCRs and VHS TapesNostalgia and rarity of functioning units make these items collectible. 31Clearance ItemsHigh margins by reselling clearance items at market value. 32ArtworkUnique pieces can appreciate in value; appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts. 33Home DecorTrendy or unique items can be resold at a premium. 34Records and Record PlayersVinyl resurgence in popularity; rare or vintage editions highly collectible. 35CollectiblesCan appreciate in value; dedicated collector market. 36Board GamesIn demand, rare or out-of-print editions fetch high prices. 37AntiquesHistorical value and uniqueness make them highly sought after. 38Rare or Retro T-ShirtsNostalgia and uniqueness drive demand; highly collectible and profitable. 39Concert T-ShirtsLimited edition or vintage highly sought after by fans and collectors. 40Concert TicketsProfitable for popular events, especially sold-out shows or in-demand performances. 41Sports MemorabiliaSigned jerseys, cards, game-used equipment appreciate in value. 42Upcycled ItemsGrowing market for eco-friendly, creatively upcycled products. Where to Flip: Flip Items Online and Sell Items locally There are many ways to build a profitable reselling business; you can sell online and in person. Some of the best places to find items for flipping include the following: Finding Items to Flip You can find items to flip in the following places: Garage Sales If you can find a local garage sale or are willing to drive out further to find good sales, you can find great items to flip for profit. Yard Sales Like garage sales, going to a yard sale is another option to find cheap items you can purchase for just a few dollars to flip for extra cash. Thrift Stores Thrift stores and consignment stores are filled with hidden gems and cheap items that can make all the difference for flipping. Check your nearest thrift store for apparel, good-quality shoes, costume jewelry, and more. Estate Sales Many hidden gems have been discovered in estate sales, including vintage items and unique items such as upcycled art and upcycled jewelry. Facebook Marketplace You can find items and resell items on the Facebook Marketplace. It’s easy to make money selling items in high demand without incurring massive shipping costs since you can meet locally to deliver the items. Auctions Auctions are another way to find items to flip, but you must be careful about how much you spend. When bidding for items, think about the regular retail price and whether you could compete with that based on the amount it is being bid for. Flea Markets You can easily become a flea market flipper and make all your money by searching for items at flea markets in your spare time House Clearance sales Many people undertake spring cleaning or house cleaning efforts, and you can go to these sales to find cheap items that you can sell high on online platforms and locally. Your own home If you’d like to start your flipping business and make serious cash but are not sure where to start – start with your own home! You can find items you no longer use, such as baby gear or baby stuff that children have outgrown video games, and other items, and sell them for a decent profit. Selling Items to Flip Once you find items you’d like to flip, plenty of flipping websites are available for you to sell on. Many platforms such as Poshmark, Mercari, and Vinted generate free shipping label options so you can ship items domestically to customers, making it easy to turn flipping from a fun hobby to something more. These platforms have a large user base looking for a good deal and looking to save money by purchasing secondhand items. Facebook Marketplace ThredUp Amazon eBay OfferUp Etsy Craigslist Mercari Poshmark Varagesale Vinted Your own online store Flipping to Make Extra Money There are many ways to flip items to make money. You can find things in secondhand stores, thrift shops, and online platforms such as Etsy, Mercari, and more. Additionally, you can make extra money by finding items to flip in local places such as garage and yard sales, estate sales, and other events where people sell secondhand items at a low cost. Final Thoughts: What is The Most Profitable Item to Flip? The world of flipping items for profit offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to generate income and extend the life of used goods. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting started, there are numerous items and niches to explore, and your success ultimately depends on your local market, your knowledge, and your ability to identify profitable opportunities. Flipping, at its core, is a simple and effective concept: acquire items at a low cost and resell them for a profit. While some items may require repairs or maintenance before they are ready for resale, the key is to maximize your profit margin through smart buying and selling strategies. The list of 42 best items to flip presented in this article offers a diverse range of options, catering to various interests and expertise. From power tools to vintage clothing and wedding dresses to electronics, there’s something for everyone. The key to success lies in finding the items that align with your knowledge, passion, and market demand. When it comes to sourcing items for flipping, there are numerous avenues to explore. Garage sales, yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, online marketplaces, auctions, flea markets, and even your own home can serve as treasure troves of items waiting to be flipped. The choice of where to find your inventory depends on your location, preferences, and the type of items you intend to flip. Once you’ve acquired your items, you can sell them through various channels, both online and locally. Platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, Etsy, and eBay offer access to a broad online audience, while local options like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and community-based apps can connect you with nearby buyers. The key is to leverage these platforms to reach potential customers effectively. While the profitability of flipping varies depending on factors like the item’s condition, rarity, and demand, some specialized items tend to yield higher profits. Tech gadgets, exercise equipment, vintage clothing, and designer fashion items are among the most lucrative options. These items often command higher prices, and with some minor repairs or refurbishments, you can significantly increase their resale value. In the realm of flipping, innovation, and creativity can be your allies. Consider upcycling items, such as furniture, glass, jewelry, and even artwork, to breathe new life into old pieces and make them more appealing to buyers. These unique creations can not only fetch higher prices but also showcase your craftsmanship and attract a dedicated customer base. In conclusion, flipping items for profit is a dynamic and rewarding venture that offers a sustainable source of income. Whether you’re a part-time flipper looking to earn extra cash or a full-time entrepreneur seeking a thriving business, the world of flipping has something to offer. Keep your finger on the pulse of market trends, continually expand your knowledge, and, most importantly, embrace your passion for turning forgotten items into valuable assets. With the right strategy and a keen eye for opportunity, you can flip your way to success and financial prosperity. FAQs What is the Easiest Thing to Flip? Power tools are an easy item to item to flip as they are always in demand, and not many people tend to have these tools in their homes. Rather than purchasing new power tools, they can buy them secondhand, which is why flipping them is easier. What Flipping Items Make the Most Money? Another option if you’re looking to start an upcycling business is to flip vintage clothing and high-end designer fashion items. The secondhand apparel market is steadily growing, and clothing items are easy to find and resell. Wedding dresses are another option if you’re looking to make a full-time income by flipping clothing. Many brides are looking for beautiful wedding dresses at deep discounts, so you can make a nice profit by flipping and selling wedding dresses. What Can I Resell Quickly? To make money online by reselling an item quickly, you can sell used books and textbooks to students and others via reselling platforms. You can find books online, in library sales, and in secondhand stores that you can resell quickly. What is the Best to Resell? The best item to resell is old furniture. For spring and summer, consider flipping items such as wicker chairs, patio tables, and other types of furniture perfect for backyards and gardens. Many people are looking for good-quality wood furniture and beautiful vintage furniture to add to their homes, so upcycled furniture is an option for flipping items. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Hidden Gems: Top Items to Flip for a Profit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Selling items online and in person can be a great source of income and a way to get more life out of used items. There are many types of items to flip, so there is plenty to choose from. To help you start flipping, we’ll look at some of the best things to flip for this article. What is Flipping? Flipping is a straightforward concept wherein you purchase items and resell them straight away rather than holding on to them. Some items may need to be repaired or have some maintenance involved before they can be flipped. But the general idea when it comes to flipping items is to purchase things at a low price and sell them for a profit. Identifying the Best Items to Flip for Profit: Our Methodology When it comes to flipping items for profit, selecting the right products is key. In guiding our readers towards selecting items that can yield a good return on investment when flipped, we use the following criteria. Each one is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the highest level of importance and 1 is the lowest. Purchase Price vs. Potential Resale Value Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Items with a low purchase price relative to their potential resale value are ideal for flipping. Market Demand Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: High-demand items are more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price. Ease of Restoration or Improvement Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Items that require minimal effort and cost to restore or improve are preferable, as they reduce time and investment for the flipper. Storage and Transportation Costs Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items that are easy and inexpensive to store and transport reduce overhead costs. Sales Venue Suitability Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Items that are easy to sell through common venues like online marketplaces, thrift stores, or flea markets are ideal. Seasonality and Trends Importance Scale: 6/10 Rationale: Understanding seasonality and current trends can assist in choosing items that are more likely to sell well during specific times of the year. Niche Popularity Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items within popular niches or with a dedicated following can often command higher prices. Authenticity and Legal Considerations Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Ensuring the authenticity of items, especially branded goods, and adhering to legal resale requirements is critical. Time to Sell Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items that typically sell faster are preferable for quick turnover and cash flow. Knowledge and Expertise Required Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Flipping items that demand less specialized knowledge or expertise can make the process more accessible to a broader audience. By applying these criteria, we aim to guide our readers toward selecting items to flip that not only offer a high potential for profit but also align with their resources, skills, and market trends. The Best Items to Flip Many items can be flipped, so if you want to flip for profit, you’re in luck. Selecting the right things to flip can often be challenging, but it will largely depend on your local market, broader trends you can capitalize on, and how much of a profit you can gain from flipping the item. Let’s look at some of the best things to flip for profit. Power Tools They are in high demand due to their utility in DIY projects and home repairs. Their durability means they retain value well. Outdoor Furniture Seasonal demand peaks in warmer months, offering profitable resale opportunities, especially for high-quality, durable pieces. Wood and Vintage Furniture These items have timeless appeal and can often be restored to increase their value. Vintage pieces, in particular, can fetch high prices due to their uniqueness and historical value. Vintage and Designer Clothing These items are sought after for their unique styles and quality construction. Vintage and designer pieces can become more valuable over time, appealing to collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Wedding Dresses High initial value and limited use make this ideal for resale. Many seek budget-friendly options for weddings, creating a steady market. Exercise Equipment Growing health consciousness drives demand for home gym equipment. Quality items retain value and are sought after in the secondhand market. Old Books and Textbooks Rare books or textbooks in current curricula have a dedicated market. Collectors and students alike seek out these items, often at premium prices. They are easy to sell online, at markets, or even to used bookstores. Old Board Games Nostalgia and the resurgence of board gaming culture make these items popular. Rare or vintage games can be particularly valuable. Electronics and Games High demand and rapid innovation in technology create opportunities for profitable resale, especially for items in good condition or with a cult following. Baby Items Babies quickly outgrow their items, creating a constant supply and demand. High-quality, gently used items are particularly sought after by budget-conscious parents. Hockey Equipment Sporting goods, especially for popular sports like hockey, have a strong resale market due to high new retail prices and seasonal demand. Toys and Vintage Toys Nostalgic appeal and collectibility can significantly increase the profitability of these items, particularly if they are rare or in excellent condition. Shoes and Sneakers High demand, especially for designer or limited-edition sneakers, combined with a culture of collecting, can lead to significant profits. Trading Cards Niche markets and collectors value rare or limited-edition cards, making them potentially lucrative resale items. There are many stores that will buy these from you, or you can easily sell them online. Vintage Cars Classic cars often appreciate value, especially if they are rare or have been well-maintained or restored. Houses Real estate can be a highly profitable investment, especially if purchased at a low price and sold after renovation or market appreciation. Household Appliances Good-condition appliances are always in demand, as they are essential in every home and can be expensive to purchase new. Lego Sets Discontinued or rare sets can be highly collectible and increase in value, appealing to both children and adult collectors. They’re easy to sell online and at markets that are popular with collectors. Scrap Metal While not glamorous, scrap metal can be profitable due to consistent demand in the manufacturing and recycling industries. Websites and Domain Names Digital real estate can be highly valuable, especially if the site or domain has high traffic, a niche market, or a memorable name. Bicycles Cycling’s popularity and the high cost of new bikes create a strong market for secondhand bicycles, especially high-quality or unique models. Musical Instruments and Equipment High-quality instruments retain value and are in demand by both beginners and experienced musicians. Cameras Photography enthusiasts and professionals are always on the lookout for good quality equipment, making cameras a profitable flip. Picture Frames Unique or high-quality frames are always in demand for home decor and art display, offering opportunities for profitable resale. These are easy to transport, ship, and sell in various venues. Photography Gear As with cameras, photography gear such as lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment holds value well and is sought after in the secondhand market. This is a popular niche where collectors and professional photographers will often pay a premium for quality items. Luxury Handbags Their high initial value and brand recognition make them appealing for resale, especially when they’re well-maintained or rare, appealing to both fashion enthusiasts and collectors. Stocks and Options The financial market offers a high potential for profit through strategic buying and selling, appealing to those with good market knowledge and risk management skills. Houses Real estate investment can yield significant returns through strategic renovations and market timing, appealing to entrepreneurs with knowledge of property management and real estate markets. Raw Land This represents a blank canvas with various profitable possibilities, from development to resale after appreciation, appealing to long-term investors. VCRs and VHS Tapes Nostalgia and the scarcity of working units contribute to the collectibility of these items, attracting both enthusiasts and individuals seeking unique or vintage media. Clearance Items Purchasing items at clearance prices and selling them at market value can yield significant profit margins, particularly for products that are in high demand or seasonal. Artwork Unique pieces can be appreciated in value, especially from sought-after artists or limited editions, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts. Home Decor Trendy or unique home decor items can be resold at a premium, appealing to individuals interested in interior design and decoration. Records and Record Players Vinyl records have experienced a revival in popularity, making them highly sought after and profitable, particularly rare or vintage editions, which are among the best items to flip. Collectibles Items like figurines, comics, or themed merchandise can appreciate in value and have a dedicated collector market, offering profitable flipping opportunities. Board Games Classic and niche board games are in demand, with rare or out-of-print editions fetching high prices among enthusiasts. Antiques Their historical value and uniqueness make antiques highly sought after, with potential for high profit, especially with rare or well-preserved items. Rare or Retro T-Shirts Nostalgia and uniqueness drive demand, with certain prints or vintage band tees being highly collectible and profitable. These are easy to store and ship, and they can be sold online or in-person with ease. Concert T-Shirts Limited edition or vintage concert tees can be highly sought after by fans and collectors, often fetching high resale prices. Concert Tickets Buying and reselling tickets for popular events can be profitable, especially for sold-out shows or in-demand performances. Sports Memorabilia Items like signed jerseys, cards, or game-used equipment have a dedicated collector base and can appreciate in value, particularly rare or historical pieces. Upcycled Items There is an expanding market for innovative, eco-friendly products such as upcycled glass, jewelry, and furniture, which attract environmentally conscious consumers. #Item to FlipReason for Being Ideal to Flip 1Power ToolsHigh demand for DIY projects and home repairs; durable and retain value well. 2Outdoor FurnitureSeasonal demand peaks in warmer months; profitable for high-quality, durable pieces. 3Wood and Vintage FurnitureTimeless appeal; can be restored to increase value; vintage pieces fetch high prices. 4Vintage and Designer ClothingSought after for unique styles and quality; can become more valuable over time. 5Wedding DressesHigh initial value and limited use; steady market for budget-friendly options. 6Exercise EquipmentGrowing health consciousness; quality items retain value in the secondhand market. 7Old Books and TextbooksDedicated market for rare books or current textbooks; collectors and students seek these. 8Old Board GamesNostalgia and resurgence of board gaming culture; rare/vintage games valuable. 9Electronics and GamesHigh demand and rapid innovation; profitable for items in good condition or with cult following. 10Baby ItemsConstant supply and demand due to quick outgrowing; high-quality items sought after. 11Hockey EquipmentStrong resale market due to high new retail prices and seasonal demand. 12Toys and Vintage ToysNostalgic value and collectibility; rare or well-conditioned items highly profitable. 13Shoes and SneakersHigh demand for designer or limited-edition; culture of collecting. 14Trading CardsNiche markets value rare or limited-edition cards; lucrative resale potential. 15Vintage CarsAppreciate in value, especially if rare or well-maintained/restored. 16HousesHighly profitable investment; potential returns through renovation or market appreciation. 17Household AppliancesAlways in demand; essential in every home and expensive when new. 18Lego SetsDiscontinued or rare sets highly collectible; appealing to children and adult collectors. 19Scrap MetalProfitable due to consistent demand in manufacturing and recycling industries. 20Websites and Domain NamesValuable digital real estate; high traffic, niche market, or memorable name. 21BicyclesStrong market due to cycling popularity and high cost of new bikes. 22Musical Instruments and EquipmentRetain value and in demand by both beginners and experienced musicians. 23CamerasPhotography enthusiasts and professionals seek good quality equipment. 24Picture FramesIn demand for home decor and art display; unique or high-quality frames. 25Photography GearHolds value well and sought after in the secondhand market. 26Luxury HandbagsHigh initial value and brand recognition; appeal to fashion enthusiasts and collectors. 27Stocks and OptionsHigh potential for profit through strategic buying and selling. 28Houses (Real Estate)Yield significant returns through strategic renovations and market timing. 29Raw LandBlank canvas with various profitable possibilities; appealing to long-term investors. 30VCRs and VHS TapesNostalgia and rarity of functioning units make these items collectible. 31Clearance ItemsHigh margins by reselling clearance items at market value. 32ArtworkUnique pieces can appreciate in value; appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts. 33Home DecorTrendy or unique items can be resold at a premium. 34Records and Record PlayersVinyl resurgence in popularity; rare or vintage editions highly collectible. 35CollectiblesCan appreciate in value; dedicated collector market. 36Board GamesIn demand, rare or out-of-print editions fetch high prices. 37AntiquesHistorical value and uniqueness make them highly sought after. 38Rare or Retro T-ShirtsNostalgia and uniqueness drive demand; highly collectible and profitable. 39Concert T-ShirtsLimited edition or vintage highly sought after by fans and collectors. 40Concert TicketsProfitable for popular events, especially sold-out shows or in-demand performances. 41Sports MemorabiliaSigned jerseys, cards, game-used equipment appreciate in value. 42Upcycled ItemsGrowing market for eco-friendly, creatively upcycled products. Where to Flip: Flip Items Online and Sell Items locally There are many ways to build a profitable reselling business; you can sell online and in person. Some of the best places to find items for flipping include the following: Finding Items to Flip You can find items to flip in the following places: Garage Sales If you can find a local garage sale or are willing to drive out further to find good sales, you can find great items to flip for profit. Yard Sales Like garage sales, going to a yard sale is another option to find cheap items you can purchase for just a few dollars to flip for extra cash. Thrift Stores Thrift stores and consignment stores are filled with hidden gems and cheap items that can make all the difference for flipping. Check your nearest thrift store for apparel, good-quality shoes, costume jewelry, and more. Estate Sales Many hidden gems have been discovered in estate sales, including vintage items and unique items such as upcycled art and upcycled jewelry. Facebook Marketplace You can find items and resell items on the Facebook Marketplace. It’s easy to make money selling items in high demand without incurring massive shipping costs since you can meet locally to deliver the items. Auctions Auctions are another way to find items to flip, but you must be careful about how much you spend. When bidding for items, think about the regular retail price and whether you could compete with that based on the amount it is being bid for. Flea Markets You can easily become a flea market flipper and make all your money by searching for items at flea markets in your spare time House Clearance sales Many people undertake spring cleaning or house cleaning efforts, and you can go to these sales to find cheap items that you can sell high on online platforms and locally. Your own home If you’d like to start your flipping business and make serious cash but are not sure where to start – start with your own home! You can find items you no longer use, such as baby gear or baby stuff that children have outgrown video games, and other items, and sell them for a decent profit. Selling Items to Flip Once you find items you’d like to flip, plenty of flipping websites are available for you to sell on. Many platforms such as Poshmark, Mercari, and Vinted generate free shipping label options so you can ship items domestically to customers, making it easy to turn flipping from a fun hobby to something more. These platforms have a large user base looking for a good deal and looking to save money by purchasing secondhand items. Facebook Marketplace ThredUp Amazon eBay OfferUp Etsy Craigslist Mercari Poshmark Varagesale Vinted Your own online store Flipping to Make Extra Money There are many ways to flip items to make money. You can find things in secondhand stores, thrift shops, and online platforms such as Etsy, Mercari, and more. Additionally, you can make extra money by finding items to flip in local places such as garage and yard sales, estate sales, and other events where people sell secondhand items at a low cost. Final Thoughts: What is The Most Profitable Item to Flip? The world of flipping items for profit offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to generate income and extend the life of used goods. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting started, there are numerous items and niches to explore, and your success ultimately depends on your local market, your knowledge, and your ability to identify profitable opportunities. Flipping, at its core, is a simple and effective concept: acquire items at a low cost and resell them for a profit. While some items may require repairs or maintenance before they are ready for resale, the key is to maximize your profit margin through smart buying and selling strategies. The list of 42 best items to flip presented in this article offers a diverse range of options, catering to various interests and expertise. From power tools to vintage clothing and wedding dresses to electronics, there’s something for everyone. The key to success lies in finding the items that align with your knowledge, passion, and market demand. When it comes to sourcing items for flipping, there are numerous avenues to explore. Garage sales, yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, online marketplaces, auctions, flea markets, and even your own home can serve as treasure troves of items waiting to be flipped. The choice of where to find your inventory depends on your location, preferences, and the type of items you intend to flip. Once you’ve acquired your items, you can sell them through various channels, both online and locally. Platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, Etsy, and eBay offer access to a broad online audience, while local options like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and community-based apps can connect you with nearby buyers. The key is to leverage these platforms to reach potential customers effectively. While the profitability of flipping varies depending on factors like the item’s condition, rarity, and demand, some specialized items tend to yield higher profits. Tech gadgets, exercise equipment, vintage clothing, and designer fashion items are among the most lucrative options. These items often command higher prices, and with some minor repairs or refurbishments, you can significantly increase their resale value. In the realm of flipping, innovation, and creativity can be your allies. Consider upcycling items, such as furniture, glass, jewelry, and even artwork, to breathe new life into old pieces and make them more appealing to buyers. These unique creations can not only fetch higher prices but also showcase your craftsmanship and attract a dedicated customer base. In conclusion, flipping items for profit is a dynamic and rewarding venture that offers a sustainable source of income. Whether you’re a part-time flipper looking to earn extra cash or a full-time entrepreneur seeking a thriving business, the world of flipping has something to offer. Keep your finger on the pulse of market trends, continually expand your knowledge, and, most importantly, embrace your passion for turning forgotten items into valuable assets. With the right strategy and a keen eye for opportunity, you can flip your way to success and financial prosperity. FAQs What is the Easiest Thing to Flip? Power tools are an easy item to item to flip as they are always in demand, and not many people tend to have these tools in their homes. Rather than purchasing new power tools, they can buy them secondhand, which is why flipping them is easier. What Flipping Items Make the Most Money? Another option if you’re looking to start an upcycling business is to flip vintage clothing and high-end designer fashion items. The secondhand apparel market is steadily growing, and clothing items are easy to find and resell. Wedding dresses are another option if you’re looking to make a full-time income by flipping clothing. Many brides are looking for beautiful wedding dresses at deep discounts, so you can make a nice profit by flipping and selling wedding dresses. What Can I Resell Quickly? To make money online by reselling an item quickly, you can sell used books and textbooks to students and others via reselling platforms. You can find books online, in library sales, and in secondhand stores that you can resell quickly. What is the Best to Resell? The best item to resell is old furniture. For spring and summer, consider flipping items such as wicker chairs, patio tables, and other types of furniture perfect for backyards and gardens. Many people are looking for good-quality wood furniture and beautiful vintage furniture to add to their homes, so upcycled furniture is an option for flipping items. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Hidden Gems: Top Items to Flip for a Profit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article