Thrift Shop Flipping – How To Get Started

Secondhand stores are full of clothing and furniture that is usually a snip of the price of buying it new – there are many bargains to be found. Upcycling was big news a few years ago and has continued to make money for those who got good at it. 

And as being ethical, sustainable and taking part in slow fashion becomes more on-trend (and more people know about it), there is an opportunity to flip the things you find. 

Photo by Prudence Earl on Unsplash

So long as you aren’t price hiking too much and taking what would have been financially in-reach items out of reach of those on a low income, you’re generally okay. 

So how can you start making a little bit of extra cash through thrifting? 

Slow buying

Before you head to your nearest secondhand store and start buying up things that are to your taste – start doing some investigation online. What are the coming trends you are seeing from influencers? Are there any styles that seem to be big next season? 

Buy the items slowly and carefully – unless they are a designer, and you know they will sell. 

Quality 

There is a charm to some items that have been well-worn – but think about it from a buyer’s perspective. They want to invest their cash in something that they can wear for years to come. Try to opt for items that you a) have the skills to fix or b) can see that there is little to no wear and tear or damage. 

Accessories 

While most clothing will have a label so you know the designer, accessories like rings and necklaces won’t. Sometimes you’ll need to take a risk and get it appraised at a later date – other times; you might just know it is good quality. 

When it comes to watches, the maker is usually obvious, and even better, you won’t need to find a buyer online; you can sell your watch to a store. 

Scarves and bags are often hidden treasures. 

Location

Choosing a location can be your winning ticket – higher income areas usually have fewer second hand stores, but often they have high-quality designer items inside. Professional thrifters occasionally share where they find their biggest deals, and you can go and check them out and see what you can find. 

Quiet Luxury 

Quiet luxury is a current trend, but it has been around before, and it is likely to be around in the future too. For this, you are looking for designer or high-end items that are logo-free and look a little more polished than some items. 

Anything in the quiet luxury bracket will tend to have classic cuts and timeless details. Silk, cashmere, and wool are all considered to be a quiet luxury. 

In Person

When buying items online there is only so much you can see, but when you head to the stores in person, you can check out all of the little details too. 

Look at the state of the zippers, the stitching, and the tags, and don’t be afraid to turn the item inside and out and check pockets too. Anything that could be classed as damage can reduce the sale price for you later – or get you complaints. 

Once you have some stock and a place to sell your items (eBay or your own website), you will see some costs; postage can eat into profits if you don’t price it well. Use this guide to help: How to Reduce Your Parcel Costs When Selling Online.