Comments on: Not finding things at thrift stores? Don’t let that get you down!

By: Brigitte

Brigitte — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:59:32 +0000

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.

By: strayfinds

strayfinds — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:22:15 +0000

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

By: Brigitte

Brigitte — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 01:09:39 +0000

Great! Keep us posted on those items.

This biz we’re in can really be hit or miss but keep it goin’ !

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:44:06 +0000

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.

By: Brigitte

Brigitte — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:32:53 +0000

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.

By: Serena

Serena — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 18:26:05 +0000

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.