It’s not that the items aren’t there, it’s that you have to be consistent!
Posted on 20. Jun, 2010 by Brigitte in Uncategorized
Hello everyone, happy Father’s Day to those of you that are fathers and to those of you have have the role of a father.
My papa is 86 years old and I am lucky to have spent it with him. My parents live in Santa Barbara while a lot of my family members live in other towns (I’m the youngest of 8 with about 27 grand and great grand kids.) I put together a paella party in Bakersfield for him. I picked him up in Santa Barbara, drove him to Bakersfield and then I just drove home to Orange County today. Me is pooped! lol
So, I share this because although I’m happy to have spent time with my family, I did not get to any eBaying, thrifting, etc. I arrived home today after a 3 hour drive just exhausted. I had that “feeling” of needing to thrift. (It’s a sickness I tell you, lol) and with a Goodwill literally down the road from me, I was contemplating whether or not I should go. It’s no fun for me to thrift when I’m exhausted but I felt like I wanted to fit in some “me” time in my weekend. So I took a shower, gave myself a pep talk and out I went.
I decided to focus only on what I call the “easy and obvious.” Those are the things that stand out like western shirts I talk about in my book, or anything with sparkle or anything really large. It did not work, I had to look at EVERYTHING! lol. And yes , I found some gems that I am really excited about.
These items would probably not have been there tomorrow. And I would not even have known anyway. No harm. But the point is that I do not want you to have the belief that either (a) your thrift stores are bad (b) everyone else gets the good stuff (c) you just can’t find anything,etc.
I receive emails from time to time from some of you sharing your frustration in finding things. Sure, some locations may get more than others. First of all, you don’t only have to look in thrift stores. Garage sales, estate sales and the best………….friends and family’s homes are all sources of inventory.
The items I found today were not luck or because my thrift store is better than another. It’s because I was there at the right time. The more you go the better the odds. It’s as simple as that. As I was checking out today, a volunteer was bringing in a new rack of items to be put away. Darn it! But I was too tired to turn back. But you know what, YOU could have been the next customer in the store getting what “I” missed.
Don’t get discouraged. Just keep memorizing the items in the book and whatever other sources you are using. Without the knowledge, what’s the point?
Graciela
20. Jun, 2010
Yeah me and my brother have these types of conversation about what to buy at the thrift stores its so funny…………. I tell him hey you just can’t go out and buy just cause its a good deal. Then I might be mistaken as a national hoarder, and come out on that weird show, he laughs and I laugh, but I tell him seriously bro you gotta know what will sell, cause if you don’t you be stuck with lots of stuff. But it is fun looking for treasure and all, we did it today and I felt like a bandit that made out with the goods so cheapy. LOL
Strayfinds
21. Jun, 2010
Hi fellow thrift fanatics! Try to say that 3 time fast lol. Well once again Brigitte is so right. I have several stores that are my favorite, one in particular is very close to my work and I go there for my “fix” and to de-stress after a hard day at my “regular” job! The key is that store I am a regular at, once a week if not more.
Still, some days I go and find so much and don’t have enough money and other days they have nothing and I might buy a book or magazine. Remember the title of her article states be consistent, it’s true with everything.
Some stores have only a few select people that are allowed to price so you won’t see such weird pricing ups and downs and they only stock certain days or times.
Other stores you find a steal and you have to wonder “what were they thinking!” It really is interesting how different each store might be on what they consider valuable, vintage etc.
Try to mix up your visit by going at different times during the week. Stock may be put out all the time and you might just be at the right place at the right time like Brigitte stated.
Also, I try to be friendly with the staff at each location. Even though they do not know that I resale they are a wealth of information on figuring out what the best time or day may be for your particular store.
Remember to be creative in your approach to finding “stock” and try to shop out of your comfort zone if you can. Some “treasures” do require a leap of faith others are buy what you like or loved as a child and have fun!
Thank you for sharing Brigitte!
Strayfinds
Deena
23. Jun, 2010
Great advice from Brigitte and “Strayfinds”…I usually go out once a week, since Savers has 30% off for seniors on Wednesdays. Some days are diamonds, some days are stones. A couple of weeks ago I hit big at Savers – found 7 Harley Davidson men’s t-shirts for under $4 each. I’ve been getting $19.99 each on eBay with free shipping. Other times there’s just nothing. I’ve been feeling a little burnt out, and haven’t done my full “circuit” in a few weeks…sometimes it’s good to just chill out and give it a rest. But here it is Wednesday again, and I’m getting the urge. I don’t worry about the ones that might have got away – there’s always more to come.
Happy Thrifting, everyone!
Alan
07. Jul, 2010
I’ve struggled with this too. I’m just starting out and I seem to really struggle to find good items to sell. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Will keep trying.
Alan´s last blog ..Having fun
Brigitte
07. Jul, 2010
Alan, do some research too on other items that sell so that you can spot them when you see them. If you have my book I show you how!