Thrift Shops, Resale Shops & Such!



Each week I come across so many new people looking to get into thrift shopping and reselling their finds. It's not uncommon since EBay has pretty much put this practice on the map. It has also become a popular trend even more so the past couple of years with the worsening of our economy. It's a great way to help out at home and make some extra cash. I have noticed over the years that shops have become filled with just as many resellers as regular shoppers. This industry has truly become competitive in the past five years now.

When you are looking for items to wear, collect and sell there are so many options. Most people tend to go to the local Salvation Army and/or Goodwill and call it a day. People such as myself in this business tend to be tight lipped about anywhere else they may shop. There are actually not only thrift shops but; many other places to look.

Typically most anything past a thrift shop is considered a secret in this business. Even the favorite thrift shops are considered a secret. It is customary even with a fellow reseller to NOT ask where they found their goodies. It's simply NOT done. With so many new television shows like Pawn Stars, American Pickers, Storage Wars (all of which I watch regularly) and countless others. The secrets have become exposed little by little. Yes, there remains some important secrets but; we will get to those thru out the next couple of weeks.

I am going to give you a run down of the type of places collectors and resellers frequent. I know some close personal business friends that will be upset with me. I find the information personally to not be as top secret as it used. Especially with all the shows that have recently developed.

• Thrift Shops
• Resale Shops
• Consignment Shops
• Re-use Centers
• Estate Sales
• Craigslist
• EBay
• Auctions
• Storage Unit Sales/Auctions
• Antique Malls
• Flea Markets
• Garage & Yard Sales
• Thrifty Nickel
• Penny Saver
• Flippers (homes)

Now many of you are thinking that isn't anything I didn't consider or know already. Tomorrow we are going to talk about why all of these are important and how to utilize each one of these differently. How to really find what you are looking for successfully in each different type of shop. Secrets people such as myself use to evaluate and network the top places within our circle. We will discuss the importance of networking and being a friendly community member within your favorite shops.

If you have some type of places to add to our list please feel free to comment! The photos in this article are from an adorable shop in Colorado.  The website is http://www.creationseverlasting.com/ and the business is a Boutique and Tea Room! I wish I lived closer as I would probably visit everyday personally.