Where to look in thrift stores if you don’t have much time
Posted on 24. Mar, 2010 by Brigitte in Uncategorized
Hi everyone! So who’s been thrifting lately? Better yet, who’s been looking for those items I show you in my book? I know there is a lot of info in there and where oh where do you start sometimes right? Believe me, I’ve been there and continue to be there all the time. However I have indeed gotten a rhythm down. Goodness after 25 years of thrifting I would hope so.
I find that almost every thrift store I go to is set up pretty much the same way. The housewares in one section, shoes and purses in another, fabrics and linens in yet another. So when I’m in a hurry and say I was running an errand and unexpectedly found a thrift store next door, I always hit the jackpot sections. Or should I say the “goldmine” sections.
There are so many things in thrift stores that can make you some serious cash on eBay but there are indeed some items that sell over and over. Well, that’s what my book is about really. I ALWAYS look for these items first. Always. I know for a fact that the sell through success rate of these items is very high so it behooves us to look for these items first.
Some may be easy, some not so easy. For example, gold and silver is selling like crazy right now. You can often find some deals in the jewelry cases some thrift stores have but you do have take a little bit of time to be sure of what you are looking at. Same with books. Tilting your head sideways and reading those labels. Oy!
I personally look for sparkles, bright colors, big items, loud prints,etc. Basically the items that are obvious and stand out. It depends of course on whether I’m hunting for some of the clothing items I mention or the housewares items, etc. But the point is, spend your time wisely if you don’t have much of it. And don’t think there is no point to try. I don’t care if you only have 10 minutes. Walk straight to the mens section for example and check out the Hawaiian Shirts or housewares for dishes or linens for fabric. The point is make use of your time.
Of course when you have all the time in the world then dive in!
Serena
24. Mar, 2010
I tend to always hit the housewares or toy section first, as I am most familiar with these items and have the most experience selling them. Books are fun to browse through, but they’re not as much fun to list, as I tend to include a lot of info. Same with clothing. I hate taking the measurements :0( But, I have expanded my range of items I will sell. I figure, the more merchandise I can get my hands on, the more I can list and sell. eBay, like so many other things, is a numbers game.
Deena
25. Mar, 2010
Hi, Brigitte, and thanks for your always good advice. I find that I can cruise the shoes and housewares easily since I know what I’m looking for and they just pop out at me. Same with Hawaiian shirts – it’s easy to go through the shirts and the bright colors jump out. Ditto the novelty neckties. Keep up the great ideas!
steff
25. Mar, 2010
I head for whatever is on special! Some of the thrift stores I go to now have facebook pages and they send me their specials every week. Toys were half price this week at liberty thrift and they didn’t even have a sign posted in their window–so how would I know otherwise?? I didn’t find anything to resell but I got 4 games for my grandchildren at 1.00 each! And I still looked for other good JUNK.
Linda
25. Mar, 2010
Don’t forget the sales rack and silent auction section.
I manage a small Thrift Store in San Miguel Ca.
I don’t have the time to list clothes. I only list collectables, and dishes that I know we can’t get a good price for in the store. I cry every time we clear off our sale rack to donate to another charity. There are so many clothing items that I know would do well on eBay.
Tami
25. Mar, 2010
Hi Brigitte,
I’ve heard Hawaiian shirts recommended as good items for resale, before. In watching the ebay trends, I see that some do well but a lot don’t. What do you think are the features folks are looking for, in their Hawaiian shirts- is it particular brands ? or just the brightest loudest prints ? or is one fabric favored over another ? would appreciate any pointers- thanks ! Tami
Brigitte
25. Mar, 2010
Hi Tami! Well, vintage hawaiian shirts bring in big bucks. Do you have the book? I refer to a specific website in it that shows the most insane prices!!!