How to Make Money Thrifting
Research what thrift stores are in your area., Spend some time on your local Craiglist and other local selling websites to see what's selling., Hit the stores!, Pick up different items and research the shape that your item is in before anything...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Research what thrift stores are in your area.
If you already enjoy thrifting, you'll know where to shop. -
Step 2: Spend some time on your local Craiglist and other local selling websites to see what's selling.
You can also look on Etsy, eBay, and Amazon but your local sites will be the best indicator as to what prices are like.
Decide what you'll be on the look out for and pick your specialty. , Start shopping on a day when you're not rushed and have the time to browse. , There's no use in getting your heart set on something only to discover that its about to break. When items are donated, they are generally checked for holes (in the case of clothes) or broken pieces (a wooden dresser) or it should be marked accordingly. , For an example, this article uses finding a dresser.
Are there any markings in the wood? Google the name.
Do all the drawers move smoothly? To make an easy flip, the better shape its in, the less repair work you will have to do.
What is the price? Are you able to make any money if you list it on your local Craigslist site? Consider the time you're going to put into it too
- taking it home, storing it, possible meeting with potential buyers, delivery? Check for insect damage too; people won't buy furniture with borers inside. , If you think you can make some money on it, buy it.
Make sure you have the ability to get it home, such as a truck or SUV, if needed.
If you need to pay to take it home, this decreases or even wipes out your profit margin. , What did you look at when you just bought it? You looked in the drawers to see if they were clean.
You checked the top surface for scratches.
Take pictures of the item in your home vs. the one you took in the thrift store. , Make sure you post it in the correct category and that you have a catchy headline.
Post measurements if needed and keep your description simple and to the point. , If someone asks 'how long you've had something' there's no need to make up a story that your grandma has had the dresser for the last 30 years.
There's no shame in buying and reselling from thrift stores and you'd be surprised how many people do it! -
Step 3: Hit the stores!
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Step 4: Pick up different items and research the shape that your item is in before anything else.
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Step 5: Do some on site research with your smart phone.
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Step 6: Purchase the item.
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Step 7: Take pictures of your item and always take more than one.
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Step 8: Post the ad online.
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Step 9: Be truthful when selling.
Detailed Guide
If you already enjoy thrifting, you'll know where to shop.
You can also look on Etsy, eBay, and Amazon but your local sites will be the best indicator as to what prices are like.
Decide what you'll be on the look out for and pick your specialty. , Start shopping on a day when you're not rushed and have the time to browse. , There's no use in getting your heart set on something only to discover that its about to break. When items are donated, they are generally checked for holes (in the case of clothes) or broken pieces (a wooden dresser) or it should be marked accordingly. , For an example, this article uses finding a dresser.
Are there any markings in the wood? Google the name.
Do all the drawers move smoothly? To make an easy flip, the better shape its in, the less repair work you will have to do.
What is the price? Are you able to make any money if you list it on your local Craigslist site? Consider the time you're going to put into it too
- taking it home, storing it, possible meeting with potential buyers, delivery? Check for insect damage too; people won't buy furniture with borers inside. , If you think you can make some money on it, buy it.
Make sure you have the ability to get it home, such as a truck or SUV, if needed.
If you need to pay to take it home, this decreases or even wipes out your profit margin. , What did you look at when you just bought it? You looked in the drawers to see if they were clean.
You checked the top surface for scratches.
Take pictures of the item in your home vs. the one you took in the thrift store. , Make sure you post it in the correct category and that you have a catchy headline.
Post measurements if needed and keep your description simple and to the point. , If someone asks 'how long you've had something' there's no need to make up a story that your grandma has had the dresser for the last 30 years.
There's no shame in buying and reselling from thrift stores and you'd be surprised how many people do it!
About the Author
Joshua Gray
Committed to making practical skills accessible and understandable for everyone.
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