Not finding things at thrift stores? Don’t let that get you down!
Posted on 11. Apr, 2010 by Brigitte in Uncategorized
Hello friends. It is Sunday morning and I’m contemplating going to some thrift stores today but I have so much I need to list that I’m really going to try and hold back. I NEVER, and I mean NEVER leave a thrift store without finding something.
I’ve heard from a few of you that you can’t seem to find things and I can sense the disappointment and loss of energy. There have been times I’ve been standing at the counter of a thrift store only to see the person in front of me had the perfect thing to sell on eBay. Darn! I also know that whomever enters the store AFTER me missed out because I grabbed all the goods! Just because you aren’t finding things to sell in thrift stores does not mean they are not there. The book shows items that have a high success rate of selling and have been for many years over.
I want to remind you about eBay pulse. On page 50 of the book I show you how to further research what sells in the vintage category. I absolutely have all the items in the book as a list in my brain. But I look for so much more! I highly recommend trying eBay pulse like I showed you to get some pretty amazing research done.
You may also at any time look at my listings as well as closed listings of mine (keep in mind eBay only holds onto them for 30 days in search and 90 days in feedback.) You can go to my store called MyNiftyThrifty and anyone else’s too. All the items I list (well 99%) are from thrift stores.
The items I place in the book are from years of experience seeing them sell over and over and over. And seeing how crazy bidders are for them! I did not learn all of this overnight, no. I paid attention to the high selling items and noticed the same items popping up over and over. I’m confident that if you practice this too you will also see a trend of things that sell well. It might only be a certain pattern of a dish towel or perhaps a certain brand of dishes, etc. The key is to get familiar with it so that you spot it when you see it.
Most importantly though, do not let yourself get down because of any struggles you have. Easier said than done I know! But with searching in thrift stores it’s all about timing. Just like yard sales, the early bird gets the worm! And goodness gracious it’s quite a mish mash of things isn’t it? You might want to try and focus on only one type of item. Maybe you want to get really good at spotting Hawaiian shirts? If I were you in this case I would buy the book I recently bought that made me feel very confident in spotting them and that is the book called “The Hawaiian Shirt.” found on eBay itself. I recently got this book and my excitement for these shirts was renewed thanks to some up close photos of the shirts and labels.
Don’t forget you can go a step further and ask friends and family if perhaps they have some items to unload. They may be more willing if you split the profit with them. You never know.
I hope I’ve given you a bit of motivation and perhaps even some relief that it’s a numbers game and really a case by case basis. And I always tell ya, reach out to me if you need anything at all. I’m here for you and will do the best I can to help you in any way.
I do highly recommend though to make it a habit to look at the photos in the book over and over to plant them into your memory. I also recommend reading it on your computer as there are live links in that book that take you to live examples.
Until next time friends! Stay focused and good luck!
Serena
11. Apr, 2010
I’d also like to add that garage sales are also good sources for inventory, in addition to thrift stores.
From my experience, I find that I’ve been able to find items even when I go to a store or garage sale late because not everyone knows everything about every category that sells on eBay. That’s how I learn about what sells, too. Just picking things up for one or two dollars and listing them. If they don’t sell, I put them in my store. Most of the time, things sell out of my store rather than at auction. This means I have to hold onto inventory for awhile before it sells. I realize this may not be for everyone, though, but for those who have the storage space, this is a good way to build up inventory and learn about all different categories and what sells.
Brigitte
11. Apr, 2010
I couldn’t agree with you more Serena. There’s not better way to test out what sells than thrift store and yard sale items. No ones like to lose money but at a few cents or a couple of dollars it may be worth the while.
Rebecca
11. Apr, 2010
Hi Brigitte,
I was feeling this way this week, just not finding much of anything. Then Friday, after almost giving up, I found a vintage 1977 Star Wars sheet/pillowcase set for $2.00, wahoo! And then today, rainy here, so we hit up the shops. Struck out at the first two, almost didn’t go into the third, but figured what the heck. I didn’t find anything but my six year old, digging through the stuffed animals, goes “Hey Mom, look, a talking Little Bill doll” Score! They seem to be pretty rare on Ebay so I am hoping to make some $. Wish me luck! Definitely a renewed excitement.
Brigitte
11. Apr, 2010
Great! Keep us posted on those items.
This biz we’re in can really be hit or miss but keep it goin’ !
strayfinds
12. Apr, 2010
Hi Brigitte, is that the book by H. Thomas Steele? I agree about always finding something but I always try to get out of my comfort zone with items that I am not sure about. It’s a great way to educate yourself when you are researching the item. Also, the watch option with e-bay is another great tool to help you follow things that you were afraid to purchase. I set a limit for my self price wise when I am shopping thrift or tag sales so that I can at least get 9.99 for every item to make it worth my time. PS always look thru box lots at tag sales and definitely check under the table. I have even checked over to see if they have a trash can because they always throw something away because of a chip etc and some good finds are to be had! Shop fearlessly, I have seen some pretty wild things sell that I would have never dreamed they would. Thanks for a great newsletter, strayfinds e-bay seller
Brigitte
12. Apr, 2010
Hello Strayfinds. I agree 100%. I will buy something I’m not sure about if it is cheap enough to make it my while. It does not always pan out but I never know until I try. I also have a “minimum” I like to spend at thrift stores. Anything over $4.99 makes me nervous UNLESS it’s something I know for sure will sell for a good profit.