We all know about reselling online and in vintage shops and fairs, but we can do better than that. As thrifters we're required to be the most creative and resourceful people alive! Let's exercise those skills on these less-often reported guerrilla reselling tactics!
1. Make a mailing list; update frequently.
Create mailing lists for your online and offline retail spaces. Send an e-mail out to members at least once a week to show off your new merchandise and/or developments.
2. Extort Your Friends! (What else are they good for?)
Tell everyone in your circle about your thrift endeavors. Let interested friends and acquaintances get first-pick on your finds. Friends can make the best repeat customers. It helps to cut them a tiny friend-break on prices within reason, of course ;)
3. Post all of your Finds on Facebook.
Increasing the amount of eyes on your products increases sales. Try posting a photo of your hauls on Facebook and let people know everything pictured is for sale.
4. The Power of Craigslist Compels You!
I try to post every single thing I find at the thrifts and flea markets on Craigslist, it really helps increase sales! Get creative with how you advertise with it, experiment!
5. Sell at arts and craft markets, shows, and events.
Art and craft market attendees and attracted to unique objects, and vintage really fits the bill. If it's allowed, find a way to sell your vintage wares (artfully staged, of course) at art shows, events, and markets.
What are your ideas for selling that are outside the norm? Let's think outside the box and sell, sell, sell!
Great list, Van! I've been thinking about setting up a mailing list. Need to get on that!
ReplyDelete-Dani
Me too, actually ;)
DeleteDid I miss the other 5?
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me know the typo, I fixed it. I originally intended 10 but edited it down to 5. Soooo busy and sleepy lately, too many typos slipping through...
DeleteHi. I love your blog and this is my first time commenting!
ReplyDeleteHow do you deal with craigslist responses? The phone calls, the no shows, the scheduling the viewing of your items? Im having a hard time with craigslist.
Thanks for commenting! I just provide them with my real number. I follow-up on no-shows but if they don't show, no biggie, move on to the others. For scheduling viewings we'll meet somewhere nearby or at my apartment.
DeleteCraigslist is a numbers game, add as much as possible, use plenty of pictures and descriptive language just like you would with any online sales postings.
Hi Van!! I would love to set up a table or two to push my extra vintage stash but I haven't come up with the best place yet. Some of the larger venues want way too much as a vendor fee and I am not about to part with that much $$$ when I'm selling smalls (and mediums) vs. large furniture items. Is there anything out there in our area that you know of? I would love to participate in one from time to time.
ReplyDeleteThere's no where I know of in particular. I get invited to do art things from time to time but it's nothing consistent. I'll keep hunting for something good, too...
DeleteThanks!! I'm afraid from my observations at the fleas that things might have to ALL go for $1.00 or less and some things I might want to price for a bit more. There's some MAJOR crank going on right now (at least there was this morning) and I'm not about to fight with people over MY stuff. They can just keep a' movin'! =)
DeleteWhen I sell at flea markets/yard sales it's to get rid of my excess. I will always go down to the lower price for 'em, I just want the junk GONE. I never use it as a real reselling venue.
DeleteI wish I had walked over to TSI and checked out your set-up. It looks sooo cute. Nice job;) Birdie's too. You've gotta do that out in hemming plaza next month!
ReplyDeleteWe definitely are. Gonna work hard at it this month to have lots of stuff and a good looking tent!
DeleteI recently joined facebook groups about vendor events. There are ones specifically for my area/state. It widens my knowing about different festivals and selling opportunities. (OK, also shopping opportunities.) In our area spring is the season of city wide (or village wide) yard sales. Set a table up in front of the house and wait for traffic to find you!
ReplyDeleteI have not had much luck with CraigsList, but I am out nothing but the time it takes to write up a posting.
Hm....interesting! I'll have to check that out. Craigslist isn't always consistent, but it really helps me make sales. I'm going to continue playing with it to see what works best. I'm behind, but my goal is to list everything I have available for sale on Craigslist in addition to Etsy.
Deleteyour comment about email lists and mailing often is interesting. i work for a non-profit and out propeller-heads recently told us that people are ignoring emails more and more. we think that sending an email is the way to go but it may not be - especially if you send too often. one thing they have told us is that mobile use is increasing, so your main source of communication should be readable on mobile phones. i've also noticed that when people post too often on facebook, i tend to "hide" them. if it's a daily deal kind of thing that's okay but more than once a day gets to be too much becuase you run the risk of cluttering someone's newsfeed. it's alot to keep track of isn't it?
ReplyDeleteYou're right about technology moving mobile. More people are checking their social media and e-mails on their phones, so e-mail lists are still helpful in making sales and connections and growing your business. I wouldn't send out an e-mail more than once per week.
ReplyDeleteYep, you're right, it's a lot to keep track of to maintain a business and brand and keep shoppers informed without being obnoxious.
Hi, can you tell me about the ABC art? Is it still for sale? What medium is it? I'd love to know/see more. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt's for sale, it's a print on canvas. I accidental forgot to take a picture of it on this week's thrift haul. It comes with two smaller matching pieces, and all of them are for sale.
ReplyDeleteI can send more photos to you,drop me a line at info@thriftcore.com
I created a Facebook Group for selling--works great, interested buyers, we have 545 folks right now buying and selling--it's feels a bit safer but of course the audience is smaller....I like having another venue to sell from
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a good idea! I shall investigate it. Got a link?
DeleteThat is booth is looking good!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It'll be much better next time ;)
DeleteThis article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives indepth information. Thanks for this nice article. reselling
ReplyDelete