Last week we discussed the unfortunate reality that a supply of second-hand, desirable housewares/necessities (vintage or otherwise) is not universally ample at thrift stores. I don't rely on Thrift Stores for my stock and I never run out of suppliers. Here are 10 unconventional tactics I've learned for finding my desired thrifty quarry:
1. Get Numbers: Notice someone has what you want at a sale? Get their number so you can buy more later.
2. Post Ads: Post ads about buying vintage on street corners, craigslist, and shop bulletins. Everywhere!
3. Curbsides: Always keep one eye on the curb, you never know what you'll find!
4. Dumpsters: Dumpsters require balls of adamantium, time, and patience, but can be fruitful.
5. Friends & Family: Ask friends and family if they have stuff they don't want. Go clean 'em out!
6. Antique Malls: Many antique mall prices are low and competitive these days.
7. Attend Auctions: Bid on lots of goodies, great way to get quality vintage/antiques as a reseller.
8. Yard/Church Sales: A classic, VERY low-cost way to yield housewares.
9. Estate Sales: Look up the ads online and in papers, go early, and attack!
10. Home Cleaning Service: Advertise a home clearing/cleaning service, keep what they're tossing. Ask to buy if there's something you want they don't seem to be using.
It pays to be a brazen crazy soul when you're on the hunt. The thrift store front may seem uncertain and other rural areas may have very few to choose from, these tactics will help you think outside the thrift when hunting to be successful.
What other ways to you hunt for merchandise to sell, second-hand housewares, and necessities?
I completely agree with all of this.
ReplyDeletePS- love the new header!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy :) ! Working to streamline things behind the scenes.
DeleteI wish we had estate sales here! Totally agree with the rest, great tips! x
ReplyDeleteGlad experienced thrifters agree :D I don't really go to many estate sales myself, need to schedule trips to more of them.
DeleteWe used to LOVE the dumpster at our apartment complex. It was before my online selling days, but we found some awesome furniture in there that we still have and use today. Amazing what people will throw away especially when they are moving.
ReplyDeleteYep, I've heard colleges are great to loot as kids are moving in and out all the time but haven't checked it out. Yet. :D
DeleteAll good ideas!!
ReplyDeleteBecky :)
Hope it helps :)
DeleteWe used to rent a storage unit, and the dumpster there was a gold mine. There's less trash and more stuff from people clearing out their storage units. In ours there was often brand new boxes of av/computer cables & Sprint mobile accessories, shelving units, vintage furniture, etc. You can really only access them if you are renting a storage unit though, so that is the downside. The coolest thing we ever got from it was an artist designed/signed retro 6' paper floor lamp with a $200 price tag on it (new in box)! The weirdest- a Fauxlex (fake Rolex). haha. :)
ReplyDeleteDayum, that's awesome. A buddy of mine rents a storage unit (the one I get packing supplies from), next time I visit with him to scoop up supplies we must explore them dumpsters. :D
DeleteI woulda suggested antique malls especially if I still relied on vintage items for resell. The fact is we all have our area of expertise and we know how to price it but you can't know it all. The spirit of antique sellers is inquisitive and has a slight what the hell flavor to it. Because of that they'll pick up something they don't know a lot about but have a gut feeling its probably good. Price it what they think it might be worth. God love em (I'm serious! I've found antique resellers are tough, inquisitive and typically for the MOST part have hearts of gold). You sell antiques or collectibles you should be haunting malls every week. Other than that, dorms of any kind and of course apartments especially now on both counts. Lots of moving going on. Oh and craigslist.
ReplyDeleteI forget to use Clist for hunting, I use it for a lot of selling and advertising when I can fit it in. Antique malls are excellent sources for merch, I have to hold back every time. Can't wait 'till I've hit my listing goals so I can go nuts and get more merch :)
DeleteCraigslist is not only a good way to advertise for stuff, but you can sometimes find cool stuff for free, too, including packing supplies. Two words of caution, though. 1) Always meet the other person in a public place, or at least go with somebody else. 2) Some people who place ads for free items don't like to give the items to resellers, so either don't bring it up, or just be upfront and tell them over the phone to see if they mind. Just tell them that you'd understand it if they would rather give the item to someone who's not a reseller.
ReplyDeleteI need to remember to make it a priority to browse the free stuff all the time, thanks for the reminder!
Delete