Thrifting for Fun and Profit

Everyone loves to get a bargain. Have you ever thought you could get a new wardrobe for $50? How about new livingroom furniture for less than $100? More and more people are turning to thrift stores and yard sales to find the household items they need.

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores keep usable items out of landfills, giving them a new lease on life. You can buy everything from clothing to appliances to furniture, all at really great prices.

While shopping at thrift stores, you can also show your support for non-profit organizations. Many run thrift stores as a way to raise money for their causes.

Keep your eyes open, thrift stores usually have a high turnover rate. Visit them about every other weekend to see what has been added.

Watch for sale days. Many thrift stores have discount days every week to help make room for new items. This enables you to buy items at an even better price than normal.

Yard Sales

Who doesn't love a good yard sale? You can help your neighbors clear out stuff they no longer need, while picking up things you do need.

Look for town wide yard sales. This is when anyone in town wants to have a yard sale, has the sale all on the same day. These are great because you can park and just walk from house to house.

A yard sale gives you the opportunity to haggle a little for the items you want. You just need to kind of feel the person out and see if you think they'd be open to an offer. I've found very few people will turn you down as long as you keep it reasonable. Don't go too low, you don't want to insult someone. For best results purchase a few items and then make an offer on the whole lot. Most people don't mind and are happy to give you a break on the price if you take more than one item.

Thrifting for Profit

It is possible to pick up items second hand and then sell them online for a profit. It's a slippery slope, you have to have an eye for what sells.

Electronics seem to be the best choice, they sell fast and usually at a nice little profit. But you need to try out all items before selling. Look for items that are still in their original packaging with any manuals.

Designer name items. The potential is good to make a profit with these items, but people are hesitant because of knock offs.

Just keep your eyes open and look for what sells. The profit margin on second hand items sold online is not huge, so only expect to make a few dollars on each item.

Whether your thrifting for pleasure, need or profit, it can be an excellent way to save money. You can get gently used items for a low price.