Embarking on the journey of thrift store flipping can be exciting and profitable when you know what to look for. Reselling items from thrift stores, garage sales, and consignment shops can start as a side hustle and potentially turn into a full-time business. To succeed, you need to become familiar with the types of items that fetch a good profit upon resale.
Some of the most promising items to keep an eye out for include designer clothes, vintage toys, silverware, textiles, and even sports equipment. Navigating the world of thrift store shopping and reselling can be a profitable endeavor, as long as you arm yourself with the right knowledge and strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Knowing the most profitable items to look for at thrift stores can lead to a successful reselling side hustle or even a full-time business.
- Keep an eye out for items like designer clothes, vintage toys, and silverware to increase your chances of profiting from thrift store finds.
- Educating yourself on the best reselling strategies and platforms will maximize your thrift store reselling efforts.
The Best Things to Look For at Thrift Stores to Resell
Designer Clothing
At thrift stores, you can often find designer clothing at a fraction of the original price. Reselling them on platforms like eBay can be lucrative as these items remain in high demand. Make sure to check the condition and take high-quality photos in natural light to showcase the items effectively.
Classic Board Games
Many vintage board games are sought after, and their value can range from $30-$300, depending on the age and condition. Always check for missing parts in order to determine their resale value. Some popular vintage games include Scrabble, MahJong, and Backgammon.
Retro Glassware
Colored vintage glassware is a popular item for resale on eBay and Etsy. Look for sets of glasses, vintage jugs, and cocktail glasses. Keep in mind that packing and shipping glassware can be challenging, so ensure they are well protected to avoid breakages.
Vintage Pyrex
Collectors love vintage Pyrex, and some rare patterns can sell for hundreds of dollars. Authenticating the items by checking for the Pyrex stamp on the bottom is essential. Visit PyrexLove for more information on buying and selling these items.
Furniture
Flipping furniture found in thrift stores can turn a huge profit. With minor updates like painting or new hardware, you can sell these items at much higher prices. Focus on items other people might avoid due to shipping costs, as customers are often willing to pay more for unique pieces.
Maternity Clothing
Maternity clothes are popular resale items since they can be expensive when new. Look for these items in your local thrift stores and attract customers on platforms like eBay with well-presented listings.
Vintage Toys
Nostalgia makes vintage and antique toys popular resale items. Key factors determining the resale value include their condition and whether they come with their original packaging. Train sets, cast iron cars, and vintage Star Wars toys are some of the most popular items to look for.
Home Decor
Home decor items are in demand on platforms like eBay. Affordable options from thrift stores can turn a profit if you seek items such as picture frames, framed artwork, lighting, candlesticks, ornaments, and vases. Be cautious of items with visible damage as they can lose value.
Silverware
Vintage silverware can occasionally be discovered in thrift stores. Check for hallmarks to authenticate the items and be prepared to polish tarnished silver to improve its appearance. Look for silverware sets as they have higher resale value.
Books
Books can be a profitable resale option when sourced from thrift stores. Look for rare, collectible, and first edition books to ensure higher returns. Additionally, textbooks can be resold at a higher price as they’re costly to buy new. Browse websites like BookScouter to know the worth of specific books before purchasing.
Textbooks
Textbooks can fetch a great resale profit due to their high original cost. Ensure that they are up-to-date and in demand by checking websites like Amazon for the current pricing trends.
Baby Gear
Check thrift stores for gently used baby gear, such as strollers, high chairs, and baby carriers. Ensure they meet safety standards and are in good condition before reselling them online.
Vintage Cameras
Many people love collecting vintage cameras, making them great resale items. Check if they are functional and in good condition before listing them online.
Lego
Lego sets, particularly limited edition or discontinued ones, can have high resale value. Make sure pieces are complete and original packaging is intact for the best returns.
China and Dinnerware
Vintage china and dinnerware sets can be valuable, particularly if they have unique patterns or are part of a sought-after collection. Inspect condition and completeness before reselling.
Shoes
High-quality, brand-name shoes in good condition can be sold for a profit. Be sure to clean and present them well in your listings.
Collectible Mugs
Collectible mugs, especially those with pop culture or branded themes, can be profitable resale items. Check for any chips or cracks before listing.
Discontinued Toys
Toys that are no longer in production, particularly those with a nostalgic appeal, often sell well. Verify their condition and functionality before listing them online.
Bags and Purses
Designer and high-quality bags and purses can be found in thrift stores and sold at a higher price. Check their condition and authenticity prior to listing.
Video Games
Vintage video games and consoles are popular among collectors. Ensure their functionality, and include any original packaging or accessories, if available.
Sports Equipment & Clothing
Gently used sports equipment and branded clothing can be resold for a profit. Check the condition, and clean or repair the items to increase their resale value.
Best Sites to Resell Thrift Store Items
To make the most of your thrift store finds, consider reselling on the following platforms:
- eBay: Ideal for reselling clothing, shoes, and second-hand toys
- Amazon: Excellent for reselling books and items still new in their box
- Etsy: Perfect for vintage items such as glassware, furniture, and home decor
- Facebook Marketplace: A popular local option for all kinds of items
These websites will help you reach a wide audience and maximize your profits from thrift store purchases.
Tips for Reselling Items from Thrift Stores
To maximize your profits from thrift store items, consider these helpful tips:
- Evaluate profit margins: Account for time spent searching, as well as postage and packaging costs.
- Inspect condition: Examine each item for any damages, as clothing in poor condition is harder to sell.
- Identify well-known brands: Shoppers are more likely to purchase items from familiar and trusted brands.
- Capture quality photos: Utilize a white background and provide multiple images to give buyers a comprehensive view of the item.
- Optimize listings with keywords: Use relevant terms to make your items easily discoverable by potential buyers.
With increased confidence and experience in reselling, you can benefit from buying packaging materials in bulk and establishing accounts with couriers for efficient shipping.
Thrift Store Flipping
Thrift store flipping is an excellent side hustle opportunity that allows you to utilize your free time profitably. As you browse through thrift stores, keep an eye out for profitable items such as electronics, discounted inventory, and unique finds that could be resold at a higher price. By doing so, you can gradually build up your flipping business and potentially turn it into your primary source of income. Additionally, you can explore other online money-making avenues that do not require any upfront investment to expand your income sources. Stay confident, knowledgeable, and clear in your approach to maximize your thrift store flipping success.
