Maximize Your Profits with Reselling: Thrifting Tips and Tricks

Maximize Your Profits with Reselling: Thrifting Tips and Tricks

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Tip #1: Know which areas to shop in
3. Tip #2: Go thrifting often
4. Tip #3: Start in your preferred sections
5. Tip #4: Scan every item
6. Tip #5: Keep an eye on the new racks
7. Tip #6: Check the racks by the dressing room
8. Tip #7: Think outside of the box
9. Tip #8: Shop for the upcoming season early
10. Tip #9: Be picky
11. Tip #10: Check things thoroughly
12. Tip #11: Try things on
13. Tip #12: Be kind to the employees

Best Kept Thrifting Secrets: 12 Tips for Success

Are you a thrift store enthusiast looking to up your thrifting game? Look no further! In this article, I will be sharing my best-kept thrifting secrets so that you can become an expert thrifter in no time. Whether you're a seasoned reseller or a fashionista looking for unique vintage pieces, these tips will help you navigate the thrift store aisles with confidence and efficiency.

Tip #1: Know which areas to shop in

One of the keys to successful thrifting is knowing which areas to focus on when you enter a thrift store. If you're in a small town with a lot of vintage goodies, explore the sections that house vintage items. On the other hand, if you're in a wealthy big city, head to the sections that are likely to have higher-end pieces and name brands. Don't overlook small towns, though, as they may receive inventory from other locations, making them a treasure trove for unique finds.

Tip #2: Go thrifting often

The more you visit thrift stores, the better chances you have of finding hidden gems. While it's important not to go overboard and develop a hoarding problem, visiting a thrift store two to three times a week is a good range. With time, you'll learn the best days and times to go, ensuring you get first dibs on newly stocked items. Experiment with different days and times to find what works best for you. Personally, I've found that Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are the sweet spot.

Tip #3: Start in your preferred sections

When you enter a thrift store, head straight to the sections that you gravitate towards. Whether it's the home decor section, dress section, or any other specific area, starting there sets the tone for your shopping trip. Finding a great item in one of your favorite sections will get you excited and motivated to continue exploring the rest of the store.

Tip #4: Scan every item

To uncover the best treasures, you need to be thorough. Don't be afraid to get down on the floor, reach under shelves, and dig through items. Move things around, open baskets, and scan every corner of the section you're browsing. Visit aisles multiple times, as you're likely to miss something the first time around. Spending time carefully scanning items can lead to exciting discoveries and vintage gems.

Tip #5: Keep an eye on the new racks

If you spot an employee restocking a rack with new items, take advantage of the opportunity. While it's important to be respectful and not disrupt their work, quickly scan the new rack to see if there's anything that catches your eye. Even if you're not sure about a particular item, put it in your cart and examine it later. It's better to have it in your possession than to regret leaving it behind.

Tip #6: Check the racks by the dressing room

People often try on items and decide they don't want them, leaving those items on racks near the dressing room. These racks can be a goldmine for fantastic finds. If an item was good enough for someone to try on, it just might be worth reselling. Make sure to browse these racks, as they can often hold hidden treasures that others have overlooked.

Tip #7: Think outside of the box

Don't limit yourself to specific sections or categories. Be open to exploring different areas of the thrift store. People often leave items in random places, so you never know what you might stumble upon. Check every section, including the miscellaneous shelves where stores place items they don't have a specific category for. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Tip #8: Shop for the upcoming season early

Take advantage of the retail mindset and start shopping for the upcoming season ahead of time. Thrift stores often receive and stock items before the season begins. While it may still be winter outside, stores are already putting out spring and summer merchandise. By shopping off-season, you'll have a higher chance of discovering unique pieces before others catch on.

Tip #9: Be picky

As both a reseller and a thrifter, it's essential to be selective and picky about the items you purchase. Don't fall into the trap of impulse buying just because something is cheap. Take the time to thoroughly check your garments for flaws and be 100% sure before making a purchase. Being picky ensures that you only list items you're genuinely excited about and that have a higher chance of selling.

Tip #10: Check things thoroughly

Before purchasing an item, perform a detailed inspection. Examine every inch of the garment, paying close attention to seams, zippers, and overall condition. Vintage items, in particular, may require extra scrutiny as they may have flaws that aren't immediately visible. Taking the time to check every aspect of an item will help you avoid buying damaged or unsellable pieces.

Tip #11: Try things on

If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to try on items before purchasing them. This is especially important if you plan on modeling the pieces for your customers or want to get a better idea of how they look when worn. Trying things on can help you determine if an item is flattering and gives you a chance to style it in a way that appeals to potential buyers. Additionally, trying on items can help you identify any flaws or fit issues that you may have missed initially.

Tip #12: Be kind to the employees

Being polite and respectful to thrift store employees can go a long way. They often have the power to offer discounts or provide helpful information. Building a positive rapport with employees can lead to better experiences and possibly even special treatment down the line. Remember, treating others with kindness and respect creates a pleasant thrifting environment for everyone involved.

By implementing these twelve tips into your thrift store routine, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful and savvy thrifter. Remember to have fun, stay patient, and keep an open mind. Happy thrifting!