It’s been about 6 months since I started reselling online. AKA the best decision I’ve ever made. This has given me the opportunity to bring in some kind of income, given me a hobby and made me feel like I am contributing in some way. It has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. I started this on a whim after watching some resellers on YouTube. I thought “hey, I can do that!” I already loved thrifting so this seemed like a no brainer. I will make a separate post about what you will need to start reselling if you are looking to start yourself. Today i just wanted to offer a few tips about thrifting in general and what to look out for and what to avoid. I think the first thing I would go back and tell myself is just because it’s “old” just because it’s a certain brand doesn’t mean you should buy it. An example I can give is Tupperware. Sure some Tupperware is totally worth picking up, especially if it’s just for yourself, but most of it is not. This is why comps are so important in reselling! Look up what has sold, not just what is listed. Google image is your friend. Also, make sure to look up how many of that thing are currently listed. It doesn’t really matter if something is really cool. If there are 100 of them listed its not a good pickup. Now on the flip side to that, sometimes you have to trust your gut. If you aren’t finding comps or aren’t finding much about it online but you think its something special, then take the risk and get it! Only if its a good deal of course but the more you do this the more you will be able to trust your gut. When it comes to clothing you do learn pretty quickly what brands and fabrics to look out for. Obviously things like linen, wool, alpaca, organic fibers etc are good pickups usually. Vintage is great but doesn’t always equate to profitable. Make sure what you’re picking up is in style or vintage enough where it would be desired. Just because its a popular brand doesn’t mean it will sell. Take Lululemon for example. The resale on that just isn’t what it used to be but especially on their older styles that just aren’t really in fashion anymore. Look at trends, look at at social media, it is a big help! I will go into this more in my other post but also think about what you want to sell. Are you going to niche down to one specific thing or sell a variety? They both have their pros and cons. This tip goes for anything you find but thoroughly check your items before you buy!! I can not tell you how many times I have brought home something with a rip or a tear or stain and I had just completely missed it! Keep in mind a stain or rip doesn’t mean it wont sell it just means you have to disclose it and possibly reduce the price. Also, make sure clothing has the size tag! Of course this isn’t a deal breaker but it does make it harder to resell. This next tip is pretty obvious but seek out smaller locally owned thrift stores. Not only are you giving local businesses your business but they tend to be much much cheaper. Shop the sales and tags of the day and be strategic about what you buy. Thrift stores are the best place to find home decor and kitchen supplies like dishes and glassware. All of my art is from thrifting and so much better than the mass produced stuff at the retail stores. Thrifting is the best way to change up your style on a budget. Look for classic pieces that will last through the years. This tip is for my fellow bookworms out there! Get your books from the thrift store! I have over 400 books in my personal collection and I would guess 96% of them were thrifted. Im talking new books, classics and everything in between. I know I will think of more things but that is enough for now. A lof of this is common sense but I hope its helpful to someone out there. If you have questions please ask away! I will be making a lot more reselling posts in the future so keep a look out for those. Happy Thrifting!
