Things You Should Know Before You Start Thrifting and Reselling

There is something incredibly satisfying about finding a hidden gem at a thrift store. Maybe it's something you have been hoping you'd find, or maybe it's a vintage denim jacket, a barely worn pair of designer shoes, or a fun home decor piece that no one else noticed. When you start to move from casual thrifting to reselling the experience shifts. You're no longer just shopping for fun, you're shopping with purpose, strategy, and a keen eye for profit.
If you're just getting started with thrifting and reselling, there's a learning curve. The good news? It's one you can absolutely master with a little patience and a lot of curiosity. Before you fill your cart and list your first item, here are the most important things to know.

Things You Should Know Before You Start Thrifting and Reselling

I have been a thrifter all my life! Some of my earliest memories were buying baby clothes for my dolls at garage sales. I even worked at a Goodwill location in the mid 90's when I was in high school. I've been reselling for nearly 30 years, because when we were young parents living on one income, I needed a way to afford clothes and toys for my three young kids and learning the top brands allowed me to cloth my kids in top brands {from garage sales and thrift shops} and resell them for a profit. 
Last year, after hearing one too many people tell me that they'd travel more if only they had the budget, I decided to show how easy it was to create a travel budget from nothing and did a month-long series called Trash to Travel. At the end of my month-long challenge, I had enough money to take a 10 day trip to Vietnam, including airfare!
With more and more people enjoying thrifting, people are discovering that there is money to be had on the shelves of their local thrift stores. Here are my top tips for turning your thrift trip into a reselling journey.

1. The Profit is in the Purchase

This will always be my number one tip for reselling. I often see people spending a lot of money on an item and the margin for profit is quite small. 
In all my nearly 50 years of thrifting, I can only remember one time when I've lost money on an item, and that was because I messed up my shipping {I dropped off a UPS package at USPS and there was a delay forcing a return of funds} and I was out my $10 purchase price.

I like to keep my purchase price low so that I can put more money back into my pocket. 
I will never buy anything I can't make at least $20 on. It's just not worth my time listing an item and getting less than that.  
Set your own limits and decide how you want to start.

2. Don't Just Shop Your Own Size

This is one of the biggest beginner mistakes people make as they shift from thrift shopping to selling. And it's one of the easiest to fix!
When you're thrifting for resale, your goal isn't to find things you would wear. It's to find things that sell. That means looking at every size on the rack.

Pro tip: if you are just thrifting to thrift, this advice still remains true. It's the biggest rookie mistake I see people make!

Sizing can be wildly inconsistent across brands, decades, and even individual garments. A vintage size 10 might fit like a modern size 4. A large in one brand might feel like a medium in another. And don't forget about shrinkage, especially in natural fabrics like cotton and wool.
Instead of relying on size tags make sure you are giving accurate measurements and make sure you describe your item as best as you can if something is oversized, cropped or fitted.
Focus on brand, style, and condition over size.

3. Check Every Section-Including the Kids!

If you're skipping the children's section, you're leaving money behind.
Thrift stores are notorious for misplaced items. Things get tossed onto the wrong rack all the time, especially during busy donation days or quick restocks. High value items can easily end up in the wrong section, and the kids' area is one of the most overlooked. Lingerie is the other!
Here's what to look for:

• Adult sized items accidently placed on kids' racks
• Smaller vintage pieces that resemble children's clothing but are actually adult sizes
• Brand name items that were miscategorized

It might feel like it's a bit more tedious at first, but a quick scan of the kids' section can lead to surprisingly profitable finds.

4. Use Google Image Search to Identify Items

Not sure what you're looking at? That's where technology becomes your best friend.
Google Image Search {or Google Lens} can help you identify unknown brands, specific styles or collections, and retail pricing or resale comps.
You just need to snap a photo of the item while in the search function and within seconds, you might discover that the "random" jacket you found is actually a sought-after piece.
This is especially helpful when tags are missing or worn out or when you're dealing with vintage items. It's also a good way to determine if an item is valuable, but don't be tricked! Read on...

5. Learn What Actually Sells

I've fallen victim of a quick Google image search when I found an item listing for hundreds of dollars only to realize that the person who listed the item is, shall we say, a bit too optimistic. Looking at sold listings of items {easy to do on eBay with a quick filter toggle} will give you a more accurate representation of how much something will likely sell for.
Reselling does require a bit of research. Spend time browsing resale platforms like Poshmark, eBay, or Mercari to understand what's moving. Look at sold listings, not just active ones. This will give you a more realistic idea of pricing and demand.
Over time you will start to recognize brands that consistently perform well, styles that sell quickly, and seasonal trends worth stocking up on.

6. Condition is Everything

A great brand won't save a damaged item. 
Always inspect pieces carefully before purchasing.

• Check for stains {especially underarms and collars}
• Look for holes, piling, or fabric wear
• Test zippers, buttons, and closures
• Examine seams and hems

Some flaws are fixable and worth it if the items has a high resale value. But as a beginner, it's usually best to stick with items in excellent or very good condition.

Pro tip: Your reputation as a reseller depends on accurately describing and delivering quality items. If you do find a stain or defect, make sure you describe it to the best of your ability.

7. Know Your Fabrics

I know people who will solely buy based on fabric content. People love natural fibers like wool, silk, linen and cashmere. And those tend to have a higher resale value than synthetic materials.
Check the tag and feel the fabric {it's why I don't recommend wearing gloves if you are shopping at the Goodwill bins}. Over time you can learn to identify quality just by touch.

How to Shop Goodwill Outlet

8. Timing Matters More Than You Think

When you thrift can impact what you find. Try shopping early in the day for fresh inventory and visiting midweek when stores are less crowded. You can also ask employees when they restock. 
Seasonality matters too. It's hard to sell a winter coat during a heat wave, so you might need to hold onto items until that particular season rolls around. Thinking ahead is one of the easiest ways to increase your profit margins.
One of the things I hear most often from people when they see what I find is "you find the best stuff!" but here's the thing...I also shop a lot and I find nothing! If you are an occasional thriftier, you will be an occasional finder. Go more, and increase your luck.

9. Start Small and Learn as You Go

You don't need to buy an entire cart full of inventory on your first trip. In fact, it's better if you don't. Honestly, the best way to start is by starting with your own items you were wanting to get rid of. Then work your way up to buying items for inventory.
Speaking of inventory, just start by practicing with a few items.

• Practice listing them
• Learn how to photograph them
• Understand shipping and pricing

Reselling is part treasure hunt, part business. The faster you learn your workflow, the more efficient and profitable you will be.

10. Take Good Photos-They Matter More Than You Think

Even the best find won't sell if your photos don't do it justice. This is one of those things that I think has actually gotten easier through the years.
You don't need fancy equipment you do need

• good natural lighting {I try to photograph during the day}
• a clean background
• clear, detailed shots
• a good "hero" listing photo

Make sure you include:

• front and back views
• close ups of tags and fabric
• any flaws
• measurements

Your goal is to build trust with potential buyers. The more transparent and professional your listing looks, the better your chances are of making a sale. 
Also, the better you describe the item, the less surprises there are and that helps with the potential returns.

11. Be Patient! This is a Skill You Build

Thrifting and reselling isn't an overnight success story.
At first you might buy items that don't sell as quickly as you thought they would. You might misjudge pricing or buy items with flaws you missed, and you will almost always regret the items you don't buy.
That's just part of the process. On every trip you will learn something new. You'll start to get better about knowing what to look for, what to skip and what buyers actually want. 
The more you practice, the sharper your instincts become.

12. Have Fun With It!

It's easy to get caught up in profit margins and strategy, but don't forget why you started!
Thrifting is sustainable, creative, and just a little bit addictive. Some of your best finds will come when you're not even looking for them!

13. Stay in Your Lane

Everyone has an expertise. When my kids were little and I was reselling baby and kid things, I was a master at selling strollers. If you go to the Goodwill Outlet, you'll likely see the "bins bros". They are generally keeping an eye out for vintage t-shirts. I have found a few vintage t's and I just don't know enough to make a profit or know what I'm looking for. I see people who specialize in vintage clothing. 
When my oldest son was in high school, he started a reselling business with friends. This was the advice I gave them: sell what you know. They did really well using that advice.
As you get more experienced, your lane might get bigger, but when you are just getting started, stick with what you know!

Getting started with thrifting and reselling is equal parts art and strategy. You're training your eye, building knowledge and learning how to spot value where others don't.
Before long, you'll walk into a thrift store and see opportunity everywhere
Happy hunting!



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