I have been a reseller for years. Until the advent of vlogger videos, thrift stores kept their prices low. It is only when people started bragging publically about how little they paid for merchandise and how much they profited from their sales did these sourcing outlets figure out clothes weren't just going to those in need. Vloggers are even bold enough to name exact sourcing locations! One vlogger I spoke with in confidence (I thought) then started doing videos from one of my honey holes. Trust me, these thrift stores are listening. I have spoken to multiple managers of thrift stores who said ONLINE RESELLERS ARE PART OF THE REASON for price increases. One large chain says it is so they can give their employees benefits like health insurance. Which is definitely a good thing. But now, some even now mark up donations and sell merch online themselves, and these choice pieces never even make it to the floor. I am sorry, but I am really upset that vloggers continue to out their sources, and has ruined it for so many people. It really has. It is ok to discuss great finds, but really, did they ever really think about the harm they would do to those of us not looking to name drop for the sake of TH-cam revenue? PLEASE STOP NAMING NAMES! Save the business as much as you can! That's all I got. I really wish everyone the best of luck in their processes, but PLEASE be mindful of how they can affect the livelihood of other people.
YES!! YES!!! YES!!! Your so right! Goodwill and all the other places watch these videos and some of the workers told me personally that they do and now pull and sell things themselves online! I don’t blame them at all! They do what all resellers do… make more money for their cause! They have the right to just as vloggers make money on their videos but if they would have simply kept their sources to themselves it would be so much better in my opinion. But… there will always be another yard sell, church sell or thrift store so just keep looking! That is the fun of it to me! It’s the hunt! The thrill of the find! I LOVE thrifting and hate to go to the mall or retail stores now! Have fun everyone and push forward!!
Thanks for your thoughts on this issues. While I don't personally agree that resellers are the source of the problem, I do appreciate your point of view. I am all for thrift store employees making more money! Thanks Quenby
@@deedled4879 I have never heard that thrift stores were created for the poor. I just always thought they were there to sell items that had previously been used to whom ever wanted to buy them. I agree that poor people can get things at thrift stores that a poor person may not otherwise be able to afford. Where did that notion come from? I am not being ugly, I am seriously wondering where you heard that.
My biggest tip is to diversify your inventory. I started selling hard goods a year ago, and now, I actually sell more hard goods than I do clothing.This helps, because there is only so much that thrift stores can mark up hard goods, and there's so many more places to source. I also recommend that you find some local thrift stores in your area, ones affiliated with a church or animal rescue, those tend to have much better prices and start checking out garage sales and estate sales.
Really good points! I have always wanted to sell more hard goods. I buy so much for myself already. My entire house is thrifted or estate sales. I dont feel confident about shipping and storing hard goods yet. I appreciate the reminder. Xo Quenby
💯. I've been amazed by the margins on some of the hard goods I've sold -- especially vintage! The only thing that stops me is lack of storage space, but once I have more space I will definitely be focusing on diversifying more.
@@TheGratefulQueen I actually started out by selling my own items, I had collected too many over the years. My advice would me to start by buying a few things you love (if you love it chances are someone else will too) and look for unique pieces. I've found that the more unique something is, the easier it sells. Also, the most important thing about selling hard goods is the staging. If you can create a vignette showing the buyer what an item could look like in his or her home, 9/10 you will sell the item. The biggest mistake I see people make is that they photograph hard goods the same way that they photograph clothing. With hard goods, you have to create a scene.
@@AstralThrift Thanks Flo, I have the same issue of no more storage space. I have about a dozen hard goods listed and they are all in one box under a table in my garage. I also would need a better set up for shipping. Thanks! Quenby
@@mandy833 are we friends on instagram? I am the grateful queen there too. I would love to see your store, if you feel comfortable with that, so I can see what you mean by staging. I photograph hard goods like I do everything else and it sounds like you have a better way to do it. thanks
Another idea is I started just asking people if they have any clothes they they don't want to drop off at goodwill .. I ask if I can pick them up or meet them at work .. I ask everyone and let them know I have a small business .. I have been given treasures .. I am so surprised on what I get .. designer items etc .. I used to be afraid to ask but now I let everyone know .. and it saves them a trip to goodwill l
This is such a great reminder. Wish I had included that idea in the video. A lot of us have a hard time asking. I rarely get Donations from friends but wish I did more often. Thank you xo Quenby
My biggest tip: start a junk hauling, clean out service. Clean out garages for people at $350 and up. You'll get all the goodies mixed in with what they can't or don't want to deal with. Loads of free stuff to resell. The two businesses i know of do well. It's like double dipping.
Hi Quenby! Thanks for an encouraging video! A couple years ago I made it a point to visit every single thrift store in my area to get familiar with all sourcing possibilities. That paid off as I have found the smaller charity thrift stores have amazing prices. I plan to venture out in 2023 and visit every single thrift in 100 mile radius. Keeping costs down is a challenge - really appreciate your positive perspective👍
That will be an amazing video series and I can't wait to follow u on TH-cam as u visit different thrift stores!! Thank you for your support Kelly. It means a lot to me! Xo Quenby
What a great idea. I need to get out and visit every thrift store in my area, too. I tend to rely on my few favorites. I always watch your videos and learn a lot from you as well, Kelly.
Yes! "Thrifting" places are pulling out "quality" named clothing and putting them on separate rounders/racks and pricing really high. I was so shocked the other day, shopping at my local hospice thrift shop -- the prices were MORE than NEW RETAIL!
Exactly!! People seem to think I am complaining about an increase in prices. I expect an increase every year in prices, but i am talking more about what you are saying, the rounders with basic brands marked up to $14 or $20! Crazy. Plus....my GW are the highest in the country from what I can see. xo quenby
I don’t go o Goodwills anymore. It’s 30% or higher . I get my Best Reselling bargains at Estate Sales. And smaller thrift stores that really try to keep there prices low enough that I can make a profit. I have been selling on eBay since 2019. When I started I was doing really good. I had a lot of sales and up until eBay started changing so many thing’s that I felt that I couldn’t keep up with all the changes in shipping costs, eBay change’s especially when they went from being able to sell up to 200 items without needing to pay taxes and that was great because 90% of items I was selling were things from my home, antiques that my Grandma had given me & it was too much for me to keep. I’m not saying that I didn’t pay my taxes because I do every year. But I had items that I didn’t purchase and therefore had no receipt’s. So it was easy because it was like a part time hobby business. With all of these changes it does make me nervous to resell as much as I use to. *Shipping Costs Are A Huge Game changer*. Cost Are Unbelievable and take Most of My Profit’s. “Not Worth It”
So many great points in your comment. Thank you! Yes, you are right about shipping costs. Now that is an USPS issue, but I have really noticed how expensive it is to ship my items out these days. I wonder what the future of reselling will look like? I am going to try and be more like you and find other non-Goodwill thrift stores. thinking of making it a video series. xo quenby
I believe this has only created greater opportunities. While the Goodwill and other chain stores have raised the prices, this business model isn’t sustainable, which means items that don’t sell will be marked down quicker.. as with any retailer you can’t house new additional inventory unless you move the old. I’ve also noticed some of the smaller thrift stores lowering their prices to gain that foot traffic the GW has lost. Like with any change it’s a bit uncomfortable! Looking forward to 2023! Happiest Of Holidays to everyone! ❤
That is a good way to look at it. It creates opportunities. I think in cities where they have a bIns, then whatever doesn't sell goes to the bins and bins shoppers are getting great stuff. Or, If they have 50% off color tag sales, then you might score an overpriced item on 50% off day. I don't have those things and I wonder where the unsold stuff is going. I do think the change might forces us to try new things and open new doors. xo quenby
What I’ve noticed is a lot of the merchandise they have high prices on end up going to the dump before they mark down,..it’s simple greed and I hope that the laws change that will make these types of businesses change their ways….I don’t donate to them at all anymore….I also don’t shop there either
Yes #yardsales! Now, in my area, yardsales have been crap but every once in awhile I find a good one. I got some vintage Oshkosh overalls for $1 that sold for $50 fast. I have not tried the trash yet. Xo Quenby
This. Trash night has been crazy for the last 2 years. 😉 I sell what I need to...and give away a lot too. People struggling here...these big thrift stores aren't helping...I see stuff priced for 2 times more than what you would pay for it new some days.
I loved this video! I talked about this in one of mine recently because I don't normally source from thrift stores. I noticed at my local DAV and Goodwill both have increased tremendously. Here is where I normally source from: 1. A local website where they do online estate sales. Basically what happens is you bid on items, and then you go and pick them up at the house where the estate sale is. I normally get entire closets sometimes, brand new items, boutique items, etc. and my cost per item ranges around .25 each! 2. Normal estate sales, go on the days where they have 50% off or 75% off because it's the last day of the estate sale. I love selling vintage clothes so this works perfect for me but sometimes you can get lucky and find those one-off estate sales where they have brand new/more modern items as well. Great for selling hard goods as well! 3. Find your local honey-hole. I have a local store where every clothing item is $1.50 and a certain colored tag is .75. These stores are still out there, you just have to get out and look for them! :)
Thanks for these excellent tips! I had given up for estate sales for resale because they are run by these companies and the prices are outrageous! I have never heard of that online option. I wonder if more sellers do that or if its just your area. I have not been any honey hole that has things for under a dollar like you. I am very lucky if I can get something for $3 even at the tiny church ones, it's just so expensive where I live, but I will not give up. I am going to keep searching. xo Quenby
Estate sales on the last days; many estate sales have diverse items. At one estate sale, I asked what they were going to do with all the children's vintage clothes after the sale, and they told me to leave an offer and they would notify me. I got the call; they gave me a price, and had to pick up the items. I got three large bins of vintage children's clothes for $100.00!! Garage sales are a good source for all kinds of goods. Here in Seattle, though, we haven't had a garage sale since the Pandemic started. Trade with other sellers? Some sellers might have changed their selling model, and now have inventory they aren't selling anymore, and might be willing to give a great deal if you purchase all their inventory, Just a few ideas. Thank you Quenby for bringing this issue up, and sharing!!
Always great to hear from you! What a great idea to ask at estate sales what they do with the unsold items. I don't have much experience with vintage kids clothing but I know it can sell for a lot. Xo Quenby
Thank you so much for all your pointers. I’m new to reselling and I love the thrill of the hunt but yes it’s getting way too expensive. I love your attitude. Positive and grateful❤
I switched to sourcing only at the bins. I rarely purchase from regular thrift stores anymore. I will also source lower end brands/styles from the bins to take to BST. I swap out those items for higher end brands/styles that I want to sell.
You have it figured out my friend! That is so smart. The only BST I have is Plato's Closet and I have 2 videos on it and let me tell you, they don't buy my stuff. I try to bring them young, trendy stuff, but I have had no luck. I wish I had a bins closer so I could shop there more often. It's the way to go! Thanks xo Quenby
In the future Bins stores will be real competition for thrift stores. Bin Stores have been around for a long time. Like every new business, and every existing business, the bin stores will evolve from infancy and need change to entice more customers.
Yes, my Goodwills have lost their minds when it comes to pricing but I do still find stuff. I live in the suburbs of Philly so I have a million options when it comes to sourcing. Back in the good old days I could source at just one Goodwill. Now, I have diversified into houseware, bedding, shoes, purses and designer brands. I have signed up for newsletters for my local consignment shops, so I know when they have sales, clearance sales, warehouse sales etc. I also try to shop the clearance section from like a Plato‘s Closet. I also source on eBay, yes, eBay, a lot of ppl don’t know what they have and price it super low. I have a regular corporate job and I let ppl know I resell, many ppl come to me asking if I can sell things for them ( I get 60%) or they give me stuff. My family members that were in their teens and 20s in the 70s, 80s, 90s and Y2K, I raid their closets. We just have to adapt, Goodwill has a great business model, get stuff for free and charge up for them. 😂😂😂 I have taken trips to New Hope, PA, very affluent area but a good distance away but soooo worth it.
So many GREAT TIPS in this comment, thank you!! Yes, I too miss the good old days of thrifting. I still find great stuff too, but it's harder and I am going to focus less on GW and more on other thrifts in my area. I just have to do the work and make the effort to find others thrift stores that are not GW. Great tip to sign up for newsletters! Thanks! xo Quenby
I just took on a major consignment for someone - very high end clothing and shoes…golden goose, parajumpers, Johnny was, AS 48. Even taking a percentage of these items the profit is better than flipping at the thrift store prices. If this is successful I will be offering this more often.
Yes! This is exactly what I was hoping for with the video. Thank you so much for sharing what is working for you. I never thought to mention the idea of CONSIGNMENT. Thank you ! Xo Quenby
Hey Quenby! :) This video is blowing up, awesome!!! Just wanted to hop on here & let you know that YT even recommended this video in the list on my Sony TV. So you may get a lot of new viewers!! :) I watch/listen to TH-cam signed in only when on my laptop that I use like a PC but I also watch on my TV so my favs ;) can get the $ from the ads, as I do have adblocker on my computer. I agree, the costs have gone up at my local Salvation Army so you have to be a real scavenger & be very patient if you shop there but Saver's has still been fair in their pricing for the most part & deals can be found, especially in hard goods! Sadly for m, lol, I've put a halt to sourcing due to my having an abundance of items to list still from the past few years of shopping, even my own clothes prior to the pandemic need to go. Even sadder than not being able to engage in my "retail therapy", lol is that my sales are way down as I continue to list new items & pre-owned items, clothing & accessories, hard goods, current, vintage, and a bit of everything but the sales are not keeping up with the number of items I've listed. Most are on Poshmark, over 800 now, then Mercari around 700 with the least amount so far cross-posted on eBay, 330 or so. I also don't accept returns or pay for shipping on eBay due to the various items I sell, it's just not practical for me but that will affect sales I'm sure. My strategy is to just photograph & list 7-10 items as much as I can & list them all within 24 hours vs photographing an entire rack of clothes or items & then it took months to get through them all. So far, this is working better for me, smaller chunks are more doable with my world & then they're actually listed vs waiting to be listed!
Such a great comment, thank you. ANd good for you for listing 7-10 a day. I am shooting for 5-7 a day. It doesn't even sound like much but I am aiming for consistency. I would probably need to hire a lister to do much more simply because it's hard to sit and just do it. Glad you are doing what works best for YOU. xo Quenby
I’m a super casual reseller in Poshmark only, and because of that I don’t source a lot. But I think that means I see this issue pretty extensively. I love the bins, but it’s just far enough away to make it inconvenient. I usually just pick up an item here and there, then list it when I can. But as a thrift shopper in my regular life too, the increase in prices is making it hard to decide to buy second hand too.
Really well said, Lena. Yes, the increase in prices affects all of us, not just resellers. Even stuff for ourselves and our families is getting too expensive at thrift stores, esp Goodwill. Sometimes I look at something priced up at GW and say "I could buy this New for the same price!" . It's crazy. xo Quenby
Great video. I've been selling for years and haven't been in a goodwill for 3. When I started I would have 2 shopping carts full of shoes, but they have gone crazy..... No bins here, so I have a couple small shops I frequent. It's a combination of TH-cam videos and us sellers letting them know what we do. I've personally have caused prices to go up in 2 nearby thrifts about 3 years ago and have not been back. Even garage sales have pics of eBay listings next to what they're selling 😁 I do clean outs with my business so get paid to clear houses and find enough there. We just have to be pickier., Raul
That is so smart to do house clean outs. I bet you sometimes find some great stuff that no one else wants to deal with. I agree that resellers need to be smarter, more creative and pickier. Thank Raul. Quenby
I have found several honey holes in my area that still have low COG. I also believe that with the higher prices at Goodwill etc that it's important to not only check comps but to check sell through rate. I am willing to pay up if I know I can flip items in days rather then months. It has really been a game changer for me. I also buy lower cost items such as hats, bras, etc and dollar cost average on the combined total. It makes me feel better about my overall cost😊. It's definitely a hustle but I love everything about thrifting so I will keep moving with the times.
Really great mindset Colleen. I like what you said about cost averaging. I do that when I go to the bins and pay by the pound so why wouldn't I do that when going to other thrifts? Never thought about that before! Thank you xo Quenby
I remember when thrifting became so popular in the 90's. We complained then that things were costing is $3-$5 when it used to be $.50 to a $1. Thrifting is huge right now so it's a market response . I say give it time and in the meantime keep finding new sources and lower your prices and move more items.
Thank you, you are right, some of it is probably adjusting to to rising costs, which will always happen. I do expect a price increase every January. That is normal and expectable. I do think Goodwill in particular to way way way overpricing in my area though. I am def going to look for o ther little stores. Thanks so much Quenby
Wow I’m in Alabama and I thought our stores were high but I see yours is higher. We have the 50percent off day on certain colors. The dresses are $6.99 suits are $8.99 blouses are $4.99 and t shirts are $2.99. I do think they are getting greedy. I may have to try buying online
Hi Regina, yeah your prices are up there too, not as high as mine, but not CHEAP. I use a variety of sourcing methods and it helps keep my COG low. xo Quenby
I am seeing the very same up-pricing issue here in AZ. Our goodwill prices have gone way up.....Anywhere between $9.99 to$24.99 and they know the popular name brands that everyone is scrambling for. I could never go to the bins here they are cutthroat. Even my local Animal Charity stores that I use to get great stuff at, have marked up the stuff they know are hot popular items. The buy/sell/trade shops or consignment shops-forget it $11, $14, $18 $20 and $39 are the prices now, and that's the prices I would normally sell an item for. And can I find enough you say? NO. But I have started to be uber selective because a lot of the BOLO brands people say sell well, don't necessarily sell for me. Especially Free People-doesn't sell for me at all! I am totally rethinking my biz and when more $$ arrive, I am going with NWT only!
Really good points! Looks like prices are rising every where. We all have to figure out how to shift our businesses to accommodate the higher cost of goods. I use Helpsy Source Wholesale for buying NWT boxes of Inventory. Thanks for your comment!
Where I live thrift stores have been high for a long time (before Covid). Our Salvation Army closed a couple of months ago. In my opinion their prices were high, lots of chipped and damaged items, and minimal staff.
Definitely shop estate sales, garage sales, church rummage sales in more affluent areas, to get great prices on clothing. I still visit GW and others but only pick up things with high resell prices. And there are a lot of brands that resell high and the brand I have never heard of, and I've been in the biz 20+ years. There's also some thrift store chains that have outlet stores who replenish the entire store every week and start everything at $2.00 or $2.25 each, and go down every day for 6 days. You can also find friends/family who want you to sell things for them. I do 50/50 split most of the time, after fees. Or you can do less split. It depends on the person. I only consign things that sell for higher prices.
Wow 20+ years Reselling! You must have seen a lot of changes over the years. I've been Selling 10 years and my attitude is usually to move forward with the changes and accept it. This thrift store prices ordeal is one of the biggest challenges I have faced. I need to learn how to source even smarter. You give EXCELLENT tips here, thank you. Quenby
My goodwills are raising their prices but the church thrift stores have not raised their prices since I moved to this area(6 years ago), $3 for clothing at the church thrift.
We having marked up yet in northeastern Ohio. Skirts 2.99, long sleeve 3.99, short sleeve 3.49, pants 2.99, jeans 5.99, kids 1.99. We still have 50% color tags, dollar Thursday, and 50 cent weekends.i really hope things don't change here. Super small town, though.
We're not seeing increased prices at thrift stores here in Chicago. There are 40+ Goodwill stores, Savers/Unique, Salvation Army and lots of independent shops. I shop on 50% off sale days, Senior discount days, color tag sales and accrue credits to redeem for cash on future purchases. I sell mostly on Poshmark and have 2700 active listings. My ACOG is $5 and my average price per item sold is $45. I sell only women's clothing, accessories and home decor. My strategy is to source vintage, NWT or NWOT items with no flaws and focus on unique high quality items in natural fibers like silk, cashmere, linen, cotton, wool, suede or leather. No cheap goods!
You are killing it Linda. That's a great business model and I'm so happy it's affordable still where you live. I wish it was still like that here. Wish you the best in your business! Xo Quenby
I agree to diversify what you sell. I sell clothes and hard goods part time. I have 12+ Goodwill's, some Salvation Army's and Savers as well as many smaller thrift stores. I agree that the smaller thrifts tends to be cheaper but Goodwill and Savers still have coupons and tag sales. Once I get all my stuff listed I'll look at cross posting but right now I have a storage full of stuff to list/listed. I think it's smart to really look at brands. I look up a ton of things before buying and am surprised at what some names sell for.
Really Good tips, thank you Jolene. I guess it is different everywhere. My GW stopped all sales of any kind in 2019. Zero sales. Zero coupons. So happy you still have that. xo Quenby
My Salvation Army store is still reasonably priced but Goodwill is crazy. The way I confront that is I no longer shop there. Very simple. I’m seeking out more independent thrift stores and yard sales.
Hey Quenby!! So funny. When I started watching your video, I was thinking the shirt your wearing was not your typical style…then you turn around in your bloopers!!!😂😂😂lol. There’s the embroidery!! Great tips!! I have a local consignment store that prices items up, but when they start to discount, I’m getting tons of NWT items for $3-$6. It’s worth it to find the hidden gems. Thanks for another great video!!
I love that you know my style Uta. You were probably like, why is she wearing a plaid shirt? YOu are right, it would not be my normal style, but then, Like Racquel says "party in the back" ha!!! I have not tried sourcing at Consignment Shops. You gave me an idea to try. Thank you xo Quenby
Living in the Houston area we are ripe with Goodwill, Salvation Army, Thrift stores, etc.....a few are a bit pricey, but most aren't! Church sales and garage sales are also abundant!!
Arizona is horrible. Goodwill almost is worthless to even walk into! Today they had stuffed animals as high as $17, tshirts for up to 20, its just insane!
Stuffed animals for $17!! And think of families trying to buy something affordable for their kids! It makes me mad! Here is to finding little church or charity shops! Xo Quenby
GW here in my NorCal city, no longer do colored tag sales. Sucks. I do stage my hard items. Always have. That generic white background doesn't make it look inviting. I've been thrifting since the 70s. It's my 1st love since high school. I buy for myself and grands and sell to just break even, locally. Yesterday, everybody and their brother out their Google lens out. One lady followed me all around GW. After I hand sorted through 50 crap pieces of artwork.found only 3 poorly painted orig water colors. Which, I left behind. She said 'thanks for doing all the work' I replied good luck finding your $50 million dollar Picasso. Auctions, maybe. Flea markets. Or the bins. But, in Sacramento, the bins are in the ghetto. Groups work together, blocking you from getting in. And, they bring their kids too. Trash hauling and garage clean outs starting at $350 could be very profitable. You get paid by them and resell what they can't deal with along w the trash.
Hi-Bid Auction is where I get most of my inventory now. I used to sell mainly clothes but now I also sell more hard goods, especially vintage. I rarely ever go thrifting anymore.
Hi Angie, is "bid auction " something specific? I have never been to a regular auction even and I'm so curious. Thanks I hope others see this comment and consider this as an option. Xo Quenby
Hi-bid is an online auction source. You put in your zip code and all the auctions in your area pop up. You bid and then you drive to whatever location to pick up items. You can filter by how far away you want (like 50 miles 100 miles etc)
Hi, I’m from Ontario Canada and we have the same issues. I used to thrift a lot but just for fun decor and clothes…not a reseller. I remember about 5-10 years ago you could buy really cool stuff for 1.99. I shop at the Salvation Army ( the Sally Ann) and Value Village. Well, not VV anymore due to ridiculous price increase. I still own a few things that when I look at them I think wow I bought this for Pennie’s, lol. I notice theses stores will sell used name brands shirts for 12-15$which used to be 2.99 etc. I never go to Value Villages because the items are priced soooo high…like a piece of wood is 6$ and all the money made is given directly to the owner. At least with Salvation Army the money goes to helping others. Also, used candles or cracked/ broken / stained items are still overpriced. Good luck!
I know, I know. I miss the good old days of thrifting. I think more money went to help people in need back then too. Now those big thrifts are run as businesses with overpaid CEOs. It has changed. That said, I love to thrift and I won't ever stop because we can still find amazing items and the treasure hunt is so fun. Like you, I am trying to focus my thrifting on the stores that dont' have totally ridiculous prices! xo Quenby
Thank you for this video I have a Bins Goodwill near me they keep raising the prices there as well. One thing I do know is they now allow their employees to go through everything that comes in and pick out things to sell then the employees kick back a certain percent to Goodwill and they're making extra money so good will does not have to give them a raise. A friend that works there so she makes more money that way then her paycheck so I did notice it's harder to get name brand things because they're getting a lot of the good stuff before we even see it
Wow really? I have never heard about that before. So employees are allowed to cherry pick and resell themselves? That is so appealing, maybe I want to get a job there!!! xo Quenby
The only place I source since the price increases are yard sales and off season my family keeps me busy with selling items for them at zero inventory cost to me. 60 % them 40 me. It adds up.
I guess resellers could set up a donation bin for used clothing with a percent donation guaranteed to specific charities. It's obvious that places like Goodwill are no longer purely beneficient to the disadvantaged in their motives.
Hi John, I think I need to research Goodwill's business policies beause many of you commented that GW may not be as charitable as they claim and is a business first and foremost. I haven't put in the research but I should. Thanks Quenby
I think we as resellers need to change with the environment. I sell other items besides clothing and those costs are going up as well. I’m not sure what the answer is but I think we need to evolve with this or stop reselling. Because I don’t believe they will ever go back down on prices unless people stop buying. 🤷🏻♀️
Got a lot of value out of this, thanks, Quenby! I sell on consignment, so people can drop off their pre-loved items at my door or ship to me, and I offer either a smaller amount to pay them upfront or they can take a gamble and get higher % payback per item and pay a nominal storage fee if items don’t sell within a certain timeframe after listing.
HI Chicago Sellout, thank you so much for the feedback and I am so glad you got value from this video! Comments like this keep me going. I am so glad you are bringing up CONSIGNMENT. I did not even think to mention that in the video so I am glad you put it in the comments for everyone. Thanks Quenby
Find that this is a great resource, I even have some friends who donate to me, rather than dropping it off to a thrift that they have no interest in. I’ve also heard that some honey holes will hold things back for resellers they’ve befriended. Another possibility is that some thrifts don’t clean or repair items they receive, but just redonate them somewhere else. I have a animal charity thrift that does this, I’m going to reach out to the manager to see if I can possibly purchase these items, at a cost per pound (similar to the bins).
I live in rural Missouri, and have to drive between 35-75 min in any direction, to find towns that have thrift stores. Yet even here, Goodwill and some of the other thrift stores have raised their prices considerably. Thank goodness, there are smaller thrift stores that still have very reasonable prices.
Wow you have to drive quite a bit to find thrift stores. I can be at Goodwill in 10 -12 minutes, but I am not driving 20 mins to save a few bucks per item and it's a church thrift store that helps people in recovery so it seems worth the drive. Even that store is marking things up now and it's a big mark up. Hoping I can find some little places that are not increasing by so much. Thanks Pam. Best of luck in your thrifting. xo Quenby
You are sooo right about the churches. On a hunch, I decided to stop by a local church clothing sale. I am glad I did! They give their stuff away for free and I have been able to flip a vintage jessica mcclintock, blazers and tops. I am soo glad I found this new source. The con: I gotta get there early now. The word is out since they give their clothes free, they attract a huge crowd with people stuffing the items in Hefty size garbage bags!
My local gw has a 30% markdown on certain tags which never hit my items 99%of the time. Bins are still marked down for the lb and low but finding in the bin depends location. I havent been to one lately but im also recovering from my job loss to get the ball rolling harder and faster. I do have a ton of items listed and need to list even more.
Yay, just keep on listing. Listing is everything. List everyday if you can. You may find yourself making more reselling than you did at the job you lost. Thanks! Quenby
Wow, thanks Craig! I never would have thought of Storage Units. I don't know anything about that but I am sure someone here on youtube must have videos explaining. Great tip, thanks! Quenby
@@TheGratefulQueen Most Storage Unit Auctions in my area are online now. Just do a search for them. Make sure you have a vehicle big enough (Uhaul truck if not) to pick everything up if you win.
Great idea to hit all the little thrift stores in your area..and tell everyone what you do as a reseller..have gotten some great inventory for very little money or free..luckily my Goodwill is still affordable and it is huge…I think because the bins are very far away…❤️
Hi Babette missed seeing you at the Friday Live. Torvald has some bug. I am so glad your thrift stores are still cheaper and that friends give you their donations. I wish i had more of that and I'm so thankful when someone donates to me. xo Quenby
The bins here in Sacramento are in the ghetto section of town and full of people working in groups. It's dog eat dog. Scary. Fighting for scraps. They bring their crying screaming brats too. Loads of fun. Wear gloves bc there can be broken glass items mixed in. And, Hand sanitizer.
Hi Steph, I have been driving 2 hrs to the Sacramento bins. There are 3 in Sac and I go to the one on Industrial and it has been a positive experience for me. I have several videos where I take you inside with me, if you want to check those out, maybe it's a better location than the one you tried? Quenby
Inflation is hitting all areas of commerce - it makes sense that prices at thrift stores are going up. Costs of utilities, building rent, payroll costs, gasoline for trucks are increasing. Something has to cover the increase. Also, if the market price is up for specific items it makes sense to charge more for them. Goodwill is a business. No shame in them wanting to make more money. As a reseller know what you need to make on an item to make it worthwhile.
You really got a great box. I have used GW blue box before and I have never received a good box from them. I hear other people have done well with them though. Xo Quenby
This is first time I have heard your video. You gave lots of good tips. I find in my area there are lots of yard sales. I get some of my best items at these sales much cheaper than the thrift stores. Also Estate sales can be great if you wait on the 3rd day when they mark everything 1/2 off. Not everyone can have yard sales in their areas. We have 4 seasons in Oregon so summers and Fall are best when it is warm but yard sales are gone in winter. Also my consignment store has a 75% off a couple of times a month when items expire. I can find good items there. St. Vincent has 25% off days and 1/2 off days. They are cheaper than Goodwill who have raised their prices.
Yes good point. YARD SALES are a great place to source items the cheapest. In my area I have not found many good yard sales. Sometimes we drive around to 3 -5 sales and come home empty handed. I miss the yard sales I went to when I was young and people would sell stuff for $1. Not here anymore. Everyone once in awhile I find a good yard sale & it makes it all worth it.Thanks Maria. xo Quenby
Absolutely! And I expect them to increase prices annually as their rising costs of business increase. I just don't expect THIS level of increase! Xo Quenby
Clothing is oversaturated. the great labels & luxury labels are harder to come by. I used to find Lafayette 148 and Armani all the time. No more. So I've turned to men's wear vs. womens. Unfortunately, there's MORE womens wear than mens. I tried to do online retail arbitrage with a brand that had 70% off items, and they are sitting in inventory almost a year. As for thrifts, you have to go on the 1/2 off and 70% off days. I just checked shop goodwill and no thank you. Searched Eileen Fisher and some of those items are "retail" resell prices. $29, $34. You can't make much money with those high prices. I have favorite thrifts and I go on the discount days. I also hit the end caps of big box stores for clearance items. I love moving sales and rummage sales. Unfortunately in Chicago, there's a season about 4-5 months for the rummage sales.
That is a great idea, to try men's or other categories! I would def go to 50% off day if my thrift stores had that. Goodwill has had zero sales since 2019 in my area and so I have to get more creative. I m looking for more little church thrift stores. Thank you xo Quenby
Great video and great suggestions. I thought about listing what I do to keep my costs low and realized what works for me may not work for anyone else. My best suggestion is to continuously do research and watch TH-cam videos on most desirable brands and on what is selling quickly and for the best prices. For me, there is no substitute for walking into any thrift store armed with knowledge. And, of course, always check comparables. By the way, I always learn a lot from The Grateful Queen.
Hi D, Thank you so much for this comment. I really appreciate you telling me you learn a lot from the channel. That makes it all worth it to me. I think you are exactly right about KNOWLEDGE. If you walk into a thrift store knowing the brands, styles and fabrics etc ...that sell best, you are in a much better position to find the most profitable items. Great point. xo Quenby
Agreed with those thrift stores that are attached with church or animal shelters because they are still cheaper compared to GW or any big stores. What works for me is actually googling these small thrift stores around me and the nearby towns, I go to these stores and sign up for their newsletter because most of the time, that’s how they announce their sales. So for example, this thrift store that is attach to a church, they kinda price their items a bit on a pricey side but they always sends out weekly emails on what is on sale, so if it’s 25% I still wouldn’t go, but if it’s 50% then I will take a drive up there and also they have this thing where they probably have so much inventory that they send out email, “ 1 day only, all dresses for a dollar” and that’s when I know to get at least 5 of my ikea bags 😂. I would suggest to actually talk to the staff of these honey holes and see if they send out emails for sales announcements or some have FB to announce their sales and sign up. Also, Next Door app is a good place to sign up. It’s about what’s happening in your community and a lot of people will actually announce their clothing to give away and porch pick ups.
That is genius!! I never thought to ask about a mailing list. Def worth it when they have 50% off or $1 dresses. Such a good tip! Also, I never even thought about googling all the thrifts in my area. I have been keeping an eye out and spotted some little places. Thank you! I love your user name "resale therapy" espcially because I am a psychotherapist and reseller. xo Quenby
I have gotten 3 thredup boxes. The first was good. The last 2 were trashed. Torn, holes, stains, stretched. I hate working just to make money back. Our goodwill still has rotation with sales and each week one color goes to $1.99. I have gone and got nothing and other times I have filled a cart.
Hi Diane, I am so glad GW still does sales in your area. Not in my area since 2019. I relate to days you fill the cart and days when you find nothing. I get it. x o Quenby
Really great suggestion. I have never been to one of those. I have a platos closet in my area. I have tried selling there without much success but not sourcing there. Great tip. Thanks Quenby
I’m new… but in Fairbanks Alaska, no Goodwill, but they have a value village and Salvation Army, and the prices are sky high!! A pair of Adidas were priced at $29.99!! 😢 a broken Sylvester cookie jar was priced at $69! It’s killing me because we only have 3-4 months of summer for garage sales!
I love your video, your bloopers and that gorgerous wooden cabinet! :) Thank you for all of the tips. I can't wait to go searching for mom and pop places here! I will watch your other videos so I can learn more about ThredUp and the others. Thanks again and look forward to more videos. 😊
Thanks so much! 😊 Trinna I am so glad you found the channel. There are so many great resellers in our little community here. Come join us LIVE on Fridays. Yes, I put the bloopers in my videos now. Got to keep it real right? xo Quenby
I am a new follower. I don't sell thrift items. I have my own online store. I am in upstate NY, just 1 1/2 hour from New York City. Thrift stores here have been marking up prices using eBay comps. They have been doing this for a couple of years now. Goodwill updated their online store. When they receive donated merchandise into the store, the employees are required to pull expensive brand items, and send them to corporate. Corporate lists those items on their online store. As a result of this remodeled and renamed my online store in the begging of this year. I sell liquidation, and now back to retail arbitrage.
Yeah, that sounds right. I am glad you were able to shift to liquidation. I think we all have to learn to shift when things change if we want to stay in the fame. I am really thinking about what I need to do to get cheaper inventory. Thanks so much. I am originally from Boston so love East Coasters. xo quenby
@@TheGratefulQueen It's even tougher now with the state of the economy. It's better if you can go to a liquidation center to pick out your pallets, then have them shipped to you. If you you can transport the pallet yourself you will save on shipping fees, and lowering your cost of goods.
The question that I have is what is goodwill doing with their overstock if they don't have any bins? The thing with garage and consignment sales is they take a lot of gas for little inventory. What about services like flyp? I think reselling is on the cusp of a transition. The big question is to what?
I really agree, we are on the cusp of a transition. I do think reselling might have to change as thrift stores change. I have not tried flyp yet. I wonder the same thing about where does the inventory go if there is no bins, like in my area? Do they drive it hours away? Or send it overseas......Thank you. xo Quenby
I've actually stopped going to the value village which is equivalent to the US Savers. I've had to change my business model and source from consignment stores and online. Needless to say I pay UP for my items.
Thanks for sharing what works for you. I think consignment could be anther really good idea for resellers. You may pay up more and have to shift to a quality over quantity model. xo Quenby
Very good video :) lots of good ideas and perfect for someone who is starting reselling! I too have been guilty of shopping the same GW stores, lol once I get back into reselling I will try and branch out in my search. I am fortunate that I have a bins near me.
Roxy, how are you my friend? So great to see you. I am def going to be branching out from GW. I love/hate Goodwill. I am going to shoot for smaller church stores. xo quenby
Thank you Moddi. I think I needed this video as much for myself as for everyone else. I really do need to strategize my sourcing and I am open to hearing new ideas. xo Quenby
Most people have added Garage sales and Estate sales. And I see someone suggested storage units. My cousin does that and has a TH-cam channel. Like you said sometimes there are stores we don’t know about. I have a consignment store not to far from me and they have a $1 rack. Great video to get people thinking.
a $1 rack at the consignment store sounds fantastic. I am on a mission to find the little thrift stores. I will report back. I heard about 2 new little charity shops in my area so I am going to try them out. Thank you Barb. xo Quenby
Hi Elizabeth, you know what? I have never been to an auction. I have seen other youtube videos of people at auctions, but I haven't been to one myself. How do you even find out about them? I am so curious and that is a great tip for everyone CHECK OUT AUCTIONS GUYS. xo Quenby
I understand. I am not ready to give up Goodwill 100%, although that may be coming for me. I have a love/hate relationship with Goodwill. I am going to bring my donations elsewhere and try to find other stores. I have to do some research about how Goodwill operates bc I have heard some things in the comments of this video that make me think GW is not what most of think. Thanks Lisa, xo Quenby
It’s the same here in Canada but without the option of liquidation or thread up . I usually only shop the bins (we only have one in Ontario) which is a hr away but went into regular thrift stores and OMG the prices are insane . 30-$40 for Lululemon, Zara is always priced insane . Shoes good luck ! We don’t have many sales in our thrift stores , Salvation Army , goodwill and mission thrift store . Our value village which is your savers (same company) prices things almost at retail prices . It’s getting very hard for us here . Good luck everyone . If you have the bins that’s honestly your best bet
Thank goodness you have the bins! I agree. Its getting hard out there. Thrift stores have really changed. Its hard for Resellers but I also think of people like my mom on a fixed income who cant afford $10 for a dress at Goodwill! Jeez. I love you Goodwill but seriously. So happy you have the bins. Xo Quenby
Lol the entire video I was thinking Omg she has the “Party In The Back” shirt on, I hope she shows the back 😂. It’s beautiful 🥰 Are you going to the bins today to meet Cynthia?
Yes. Goodwill is getting out of hand. I have complained to them on social media and got the canned response copied below. We understand that pricing is key when choosing where to shop, but we hope you will continue to see the benefit and value of shopping with Goodwill and supporting our mission. Increasing expenses in everyday supplies as well as facility maintenance and transportation/logistics costs directly impact our pricing. Trash disposal, fuel costs and building upkeep of our more than 40 locations have significantly increased over the past several years, and without adjustments to our pricing, these costs are not sustainable. Additionally, as we move to providing more virtual career services and programming in our communities, we must also incur increased expenses associated with the technology, systems and training to do so. Lastly, and most importantly, increasing the hourly wages of our retail associates is a top priority - so much so that we've raised wages several times over the past two years for our front line associates. With more than 1,350 associates across central and coastal Virginia, this is the greatest - and most critical - expense we have as an organization. As a nonprofit social enterprise, your purchases and donations help directly fund workforce development in central and coastal Virginia. You can learn more about Goodwill’s mission and hear from some of the people impacted by our work at th-cam.com/users/goodwillcvandhr.
@@TheGratefulQueen yes. I think they are getting lots of complaints. And it seems like it’s across the US and not just regionally. I live in VA. I hear people in the thrift stores as well making out loud comments about the price increases as well.
I haven’t stepped a foot inside goodwill for well over 6 months. After doing some research, I have found that much of what they claim to do is quite sketchy in actual practice. Yesterday, I found an amazing honey hole, with an owner that is reseller friendly…. As in, she absolutely runs her business with environmental sustainability in mind, as many of us do as well, and even offers discounts to resellers! She expressed how wonderful it is that individuals are finding reselling as a means of supporting themselves, families, and goals, which is definitely a vision that I will continue to uphold. Corporations such as Goodwill make heaps of money on donated items, and only a small percentage actually goes back to the community. I don’t hesitate to say that it is a greedy business model.
Goodwill ceo makes 500,000 thousand a week. Trying to get rid of resellers. Only 1/8 of there profit goes to programs. Only go to bins. They have outpriced resellers and people who need the clothes for there own use. Salvation Army is better for resellers and contributing for programs and local reseller sales. Even estates are using eBay for pricing( only listed prices not sold comps). Same with Goodwill, Salvation Army, st. Vincent De Paul. Don’t know what there thinking. Thanks for the info. Great options!
Hi Julia, thank you. You know, I really need to do my research on GW. I think for years we all thought they were a non profit giving to the poor, but that might not be the whole story, at least not anymore. How did you get your info about the CEO? xo quenby
I just found your channel, and I love your videos ❤️. I shop at goodwill and goodwill online. I have one goodwill that the prices are amazing. I also shop at antique store. I sell mostly vintage hard goods, and I have a few antique stores in another town that the prices are better than goodwill. And estate sales are great but I only do that on the last day of the sale when it's 50 percent off. And you can always look on fb marketplace sometimes people are just giving stuff away. Great video ❤️
Great idea!! I am so glad you mentioned FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE because no one has suggested that yet. The comments on this video have so many great ideas from viewers. I am feeling inspired. I have already found 2 new little church stores in my city so I feel better taking some positive action. I love love love vintage hard goods. I really want to sell more of them but I have to learn shipping better and figure out storage. thanks you so much xoxo Quenby
I'm originally from Napa I now live in NW PA. Prices are definitely higher than this time last year. We do have 1.00 days on Sunday/ monday still. Our jeans are 6.99/dresses 6.99 and coats 9.99 Shoes and purses are priced higher for items that aren't worth it. Vera Bradley is always 20.00 which isn't worth the buy
Gosh we were neighbors. I am in Sonoma County. I drive through Napa on my way to the Sacramento bins, which is the closest bins now. Vera Bradley for $20.....see that is the stuff that bothers me. You can buy it new for that TJ Maxx. Sure GW, go ahead and mark some stuff up, but that is just too much. It will end up at the bins or worse. Thanks Amber, xo Quenby
My goodwill have 10% seniors days Tuesday and Wednesday but the prices are so high I’m looking for nice and quality items as low I can find , also I’ll go to other s stores thank you
Yes, Sofia, I highly recommend doing a google search in your area of other thrift stores. I have a video coming out tomorrow of me finding a new "honey hole" hospice thrift stores and the prices are so much cheaper for quality items. Let me know what you find. xo Quenby
I think what’s happening is Goodwill is now selling items on line much more than they used to. So instead of working with resellers they’re competing with them.
Really good point! I am all for it if it helps the thrift stores make money to donate to people in need. Go for it! Not sure how this effect the prices of things in store tho. I think we could all win and all benefit. There is so much stuff at GW right now they are refusing donations in my area. Why not run a 50% off sale GW? I dunno. xo quenby
I have a bins that is super busy but I still find great stuff and the retail thrifts are always missing great brands and the hunt is my favorite part so I am good with it. I have noticed people are paying up for items too. I managed to get inventory through the plandemic so I look forward to pivoting. :)
So true! The hunt is the best part. I am so glad you have the bins too. It is hard to find enough stuff they haven't marked up so the bins really help with quantity. Thanks! xo Quenby
I know. I agree. It upsets me too. I hope the thrift stores are hearing us and are willing to consider lowering prices again or running sales or at least not marking things up Crazy high. Thanks Stephane. Quenby
I’m not a reseller but I have always shopped thrift/rummage sales for clothes and necessities. Now I can hardly afford to shop at those stores. Walmart is just as cheap and it’s new. 😩
That is one of my big concerns. Not only how it effects Resellers but every one. My mom is on a fixed income. In my opinion 9.99 for a basic preowned dress is too much! Xo Quenby
At Red White Blue, I found yesterday a pair of Sorel wedge sandals for $49.99, Dansko clugs for $39.99 and Hunter boots for $59.99. Not sure how they expect their customers to afford those prices. 🤔
Exactly! I can understand marking these up some, but to $49!!?! Its wrong in my opinion. I think of my mom who is on a fixed income and shops at Goodwill ,and others in her position, and it bothers me. Xo Quenby
I’m in Indiana and all of our stores have dropped the sales and now only have random coupons. Prices are all over the place but I have found a few stores that in general don’t charge a unreasonable amount of money. Yes it’s more than it was but so is everything else we buy. 🤷♀️ I need to be better about asking friends or friends of friends if they want to “ donate “ to me. It seems weird for some reason but I am positive there are tons that just send it to Goodwill anyways! Another thing is I noticed a girl taking a huge ThredUp Clean Out bag into the post office. I wanted to stop her but I chickened out. Maybe putting a ad in Nextdoor or Facebook … buy others “ donations “ “ clean out bags “ cause we can help them to realize they can get probably more for their items through us then through Facebook and have money right away instead of waiting the 60 + days on ThredUp. 😊
Yes exactly! I know it seems awkward to ask friends for donations. When I did it during the pandemic I put a post on Next Door and total strangers in my area donated to me. I put in the post my situation and then offered to purchase their clothing or they could donate it. I felt better about offering to buy it. No one asked me for money, everyone just donated. The results were mixed though. I got some good stuff but also bags and bags of crap that I had to sort and deal with. One family was moving and they were so glad to give away their stuff to someone who could benefit from it. They gave me like 12 huge trashbags of stuff. It was a lot of work to sort and process but I was thankful for it. xo Quenby
Keeley, you are such a great reseller friend. Thank you for always being so supportive of my videos and channel. I look forward to your comments. I hope you and your family are doing well. xo Quenby
@@TheGratefulQueen thank you so much Quenby! You've made such a positive impact on my desire to resell and given an arsenal of knowledge and tips. You are an absolute GEM of a person! 💞
they try to mark up stuff like missme jeans and othrr things they guess at purses of course and one has marked up wool and cashmere but they often miss it prices no goodwill here prices arent horrible but very little middle to high end a good week I might find an item or two across all catagoies
Yeah my thrift stores are the same marking up anything they think is good. And it's marked up to like $14 or if it's a jacket $20. I am glad you can still make it work for you and find things. xo Quenby
I guess the good new is our Goodwills in northern AZ have not increased prices very much. The bad news is that they were already the highest of anywhere I know of (even California!). 12.99 for any. top you would want to buy, 19.99 for jeans and dresses. Fortunately, we still have dollar day and so that has become my business model. Buy for $1, sell for as much as I can get (not that much). I will keep it up for as long as I can. Thrift stores other than Goodwill are insane here. One of them has a special "designer" rack that is priced up. Mostly Chicos! I just keep looking until I find something they have missed.
Wow, I didn't think any Goodwill could be higher priced than mine! I am so sorry to hear that. I would think that at those prices a lot would not sell, and then you make out on $1 day!! xo Quenby
Hi! I was so happy to find your channel. I just started reselling. I’m also in Sonoma County. The thrift stores are not really an option for me because it takes so much time and the prices are high. I did find a pair of Mother jeans hidden at the hospice thrift for $2.50 and sold them for $100. I am trying liquidation and will let you know how it goes. Thank you for your helpful and entertaining videos.
Yay you are my neighbor. Then you know how crazy prices have gotten here!! Good job on those Mother jeans. You will probably recognize all the stores in my videos. Xo Quenby
I have been a reseller for years. Until the advent of vlogger videos, thrift stores kept their prices low. It is only when people started bragging publically about how little they paid for merchandise and how much they profited from their sales did these sourcing outlets figure out clothes weren't just going to those in need. Vloggers are even bold enough to name exact sourcing locations! One vlogger I spoke with in confidence (I thought) then started doing videos from one of my honey holes. Trust me, these thrift stores are listening. I have spoken to multiple managers of thrift stores who said ONLINE RESELLERS ARE PART OF THE REASON for price increases. One large chain says it is so they can give their employees benefits like health insurance. Which is definitely a good thing. But now, some even now mark up donations and sell merch online themselves, and these choice pieces never even make it to the floor. I am sorry, but I am really upset that vloggers continue to out their sources, and has ruined it for so many people. It really has. It is ok to discuss great finds, but really, did they ever really think about the harm they would do to those of us not looking to name drop for the sake of TH-cam revenue? PLEASE STOP NAMING NAMES! Save the business as much as you can! That's all I got. I really wish everyone the best of luck in their processes, but PLEASE be mindful of how they can affect the livelihood of other people.
YES!! YES!!! YES!!! Your so right! Goodwill and all the other places watch these videos and some of the workers told me personally that they do and now pull and sell things themselves online! I don’t blame them at all! They do what all resellers do… make more money for their cause! They have the right to just as vloggers make money on their videos but if they would have simply kept their sources to themselves it would be so much better in my opinion. But… there will always be another yard sell, church sell or thrift store so just keep looking! That is the fun of it to me! It’s the hunt! The thrill of the find! I LOVE thrifting and hate to go to the mall or retail stores now! Have fun everyone and push forward!!
Here for this comment ❤ also let’s not forget the original purpose of thrift stores. For the poor…
Thanks for your thoughts on this issues. While I don't personally agree that resellers are the source of the problem, I do appreciate your point of view. I am all for thrift store employees making more money! Thanks Quenby
@@deedled4879 I have never heard that thrift stores were created for the poor. I just always thought they were there to sell items that had previously been used to whom ever wanted to buy them. I agree that poor people can get things at thrift stores that a poor person may not otherwise be able to afford. Where did that notion come from? I am not being ugly, I am seriously wondering where you heard that.
@@diannaarnspiger6027 And now Goodwill pays their CEO 750,000.00 salary a year! Things have certainly changed! Thanks for letting me know!
My biggest tip is to diversify your inventory. I started selling hard goods a year ago, and now, I actually sell more hard goods than I do clothing.This helps, because there is only so much that thrift stores can mark up hard goods, and there's so many more places to source. I also recommend that you find some local thrift stores in your area, ones affiliated with a church or animal rescue, those tend to have much better prices and start checking out garage sales and estate sales.
Really good points! I have always wanted to sell more hard goods. I buy so much for myself already. My entire house is thrifted or estate sales. I dont feel confident about shipping and storing hard goods yet. I appreciate the reminder. Xo Quenby
💯. I've been amazed by the margins on some of the hard goods I've sold -- especially vintage! The only thing that stops me is lack of storage space, but once I have more space I will definitely be focusing on diversifying more.
@@TheGratefulQueen I actually started out by selling my own items, I had collected too many over the years. My advice would me to start by buying a few things you love (if you love it chances are someone else will too) and look for unique pieces. I've found that the more unique something is, the easier it sells. Also, the most important thing about selling hard goods is the staging. If you can create a vignette showing the buyer what an item could look like in his or her home, 9/10 you will sell the item. The biggest mistake I see people make is that they photograph hard goods the same way that they photograph clothing. With hard goods, you have to create a scene.
@@AstralThrift Thanks Flo, I have the same issue of no more storage space. I have about a dozen hard goods listed and they are all in one box under a table in my garage. I also would need a better set up for shipping. Thanks! Quenby
@@mandy833 are we friends on instagram? I am the grateful queen there too. I would love to see your store, if you feel comfortable with that, so I can see what you mean by staging. I photograph hard goods like I do everything else and it sounds like you have a better way to do it. thanks
Another idea is I started just asking people if they have any clothes they they don't want to drop off at goodwill .. I ask if I can pick them up or meet them at work .. I ask everyone and let them know I have a small business .. I have been given treasures .. I am so surprised on what I get .. designer items etc .. I used to be afraid to ask but now I let everyone know .. and it saves them a trip to goodwill l
This is such a great reminder. Wish I had included that idea in the video. A lot of us have a hard time asking. I rarely get Donations from friends but wish I did more often. Thank you xo Quenby
My biggest tip: start a junk hauling, clean out service. Clean out garages for people at $350 and up. You'll get all the goodies mixed in with what they can't or don't want to deal with. Loads of free stuff to resell. The two businesses i know of do well. It's like double dipping.
Good suggestion!
Hi Quenby! Thanks for an encouraging video! A couple years ago I made it a point to visit every single thrift store in my area to get familiar with all sourcing possibilities. That paid off as I have found the smaller charity thrift stores have amazing prices. I plan to venture out in 2023 and visit every single thrift in 100 mile radius. Keeping costs down is a challenge - really appreciate your positive perspective👍
That will be an amazing video series and I can't wait to follow u on TH-cam as u visit different thrift stores!! Thank you for your support Kelly. It means a lot to me! Xo Quenby
What a great idea. I need to get out and visit every thrift store in my area, too. I tend to rely on my few favorites. I always watch your videos and learn a lot from you as well, Kelly.
I love this!
Yes! "Thrifting" places are pulling out "quality" named clothing and putting them on separate rounders/racks and pricing really high. I was so shocked the other day, shopping at my local hospice thrift shop -- the prices were MORE than NEW RETAIL!
Exactly!! People seem to think I am complaining about an increase in prices. I expect an increase every year in prices, but i am talking more about what you are saying, the rounders with basic brands marked up to $14 or $20! Crazy. Plus....my GW are the highest in the country from what I can see. xo quenby
I don’t go o Goodwills anymore. It’s 30% or higher . I get my Best Reselling bargains at Estate Sales. And smaller thrift stores that really try to keep there prices low enough that I can make a profit. I have been selling on eBay since 2019. When I started I was doing really good. I had a lot of sales and up until eBay started changing so many thing’s that I felt that I couldn’t keep up with all the changes in shipping costs, eBay change’s especially when they went from being able to sell up to 200 items without needing to pay taxes and that was great because 90% of items I was selling were things from my home, antiques that my Grandma had given me & it was too much for me to keep. I’m not saying that I didn’t pay my taxes because I do every year. But I had items that I didn’t purchase and therefore had no receipt’s. So it was easy because it was like a part time hobby business. With all of these changes it does make me nervous to resell as much as I use to. *Shipping Costs Are A Huge Game changer*. Cost Are Unbelievable and take Most of My Profit’s. “Not Worth It”
So many great points in your comment. Thank you! Yes, you are right about shipping costs. Now that is an USPS issue, but I have really noticed how expensive it is to ship my items out these days. I wonder what the future of reselling will look like? I am going to try and be more like you and find other non-Goodwill thrift stores. thinking of making it a video series. xo quenby
I believe this has only created greater opportunities. While the Goodwill and other chain stores have raised the prices, this business model isn’t sustainable, which means items that don’t sell will be marked down quicker.. as with any retailer you can’t house new additional inventory unless you move the old. I’ve also noticed some of the smaller thrift stores lowering their prices to gain that foot traffic the GW has lost. Like with any change it’s a bit uncomfortable! Looking forward to 2023! Happiest Of Holidays to everyone! ❤
That is a good way to look at it. It creates opportunities. I think in cities where they have a bIns, then whatever doesn't sell goes to the bins and bins shoppers are getting great stuff. Or, If they have 50% off color tag sales, then you might score an overpriced item on 50% off day. I don't have those things and I wonder where the unsold stuff is going. I do think the change might forces us to try new things and open new doors. xo quenby
What I’ve noticed is a lot of the merchandise they have high prices on end up going to the dump before they mark down,..it’s simple greed and I hope that the laws change that will make these types of businesses change their ways….I don’t donate to them at all anymore….I also don’t shop there either
U do like i do u hit the rich neighborhoods trash u hit yard sales u let everyone u know that ur willing to take stuff they dont want.
Yes #yardsales! Now, in my area, yardsales have been crap but every once in awhile I find a good one. I got some vintage Oshkosh overalls for $1 that sold for $50 fast. I have not tried the trash yet. Xo Quenby
This. Trash night has been crazy for the last 2 years. 😉 I sell what I need to...and give away a lot too. People struggling here...these big thrift stores aren't helping...I see stuff priced for 2 times more than what you would pay for it new some days.
I loved this video! I talked about this in one of mine recently because I don't normally source from thrift stores. I noticed at my local DAV and Goodwill both have increased tremendously. Here is where I normally source from: 1. A local website where they do online estate sales. Basically what happens is you bid on items, and then you go and pick them up at the house where the estate sale is. I normally get entire closets sometimes, brand new items, boutique items, etc. and my cost per item ranges around .25 each! 2. Normal estate sales, go on the days where they have 50% off or 75% off because it's the last day of the estate sale. I love selling vintage clothes so this works perfect for me but sometimes you can get lucky and find those one-off estate sales where they have brand new/more modern items as well. Great for selling hard goods as well! 3. Find your local honey-hole. I have a local store where every clothing item is $1.50 and a certain colored tag is .75. These stores are still out there, you just have to get out and look for them! :)
Thanks for these excellent tips! I had given up for estate sales for resale because they are run by these companies and the prices are outrageous! I have never heard of that online option. I wonder if more sellers do that or if its just your area. I have not been any honey hole that has things for under a dollar like you. I am very lucky if I can get something for $3 even at the tiny church ones, it's just so expensive where I live, but I will not give up. I am going to keep searching. xo Quenby
Estate sales on the last days; many estate sales have diverse items. At one estate sale, I asked what they were going to do with all the children's vintage clothes after the sale, and they told me to leave an offer and they would notify me. I got the call; they gave me a price, and had to pick up the items. I got three large bins of vintage children's clothes for $100.00!! Garage sales are a good source for all kinds of goods. Here in Seattle, though, we haven't had a garage sale since the Pandemic started. Trade with other sellers? Some sellers might have changed their selling model, and now have inventory they aren't selling anymore, and might be willing to give a great deal if you purchase all their inventory, Just a few ideas. Thank you Quenby for bringing this issue up, and sharing!!
Always great to hear from you! What a great idea to ask at estate sales what they do with the unsold items. I don't have much experience with vintage kids clothing but I know it can sell for a lot. Xo Quenby
Thank you so much for all your pointers. I’m new to reselling and I love the thrill of the hunt but yes it’s getting way too expensive. I love your attitude. Positive and grateful❤
You are so welcome! My attitude is the most important thing I have. Now am I always positive, heck no, but I try. Thank you Mimi xo Quenby
I switched to sourcing only at the bins. I rarely purchase from regular thrift stores anymore. I will also source lower end brands/styles from the bins to take to BST. I swap out those items for higher end brands/styles that I want to sell.
You have it figured out my friend! That is so smart. The only BST I have is Plato's Closet and I have 2 videos on it and let me tell you, they don't buy my stuff. I try to bring them young, trendy stuff, but I have had no luck. I wish I had a bins closer so I could shop there more often. It's the way to go! Thanks xo Quenby
In the future Bins stores will be real competition for thrift stores. Bin Stores have been around for a long time. Like every new business, and every existing business, the bin stores will evolve from infancy and need change to entice more customers.
Yes, my Goodwills have lost their minds when it comes to pricing but I do still find stuff. I live in the suburbs of Philly so I have a million options when it comes to sourcing. Back in the good old days I could source at just one Goodwill. Now, I have diversified into houseware, bedding, shoes, purses and designer brands. I have signed up for newsletters for my local consignment shops, so I know when they have sales, clearance sales, warehouse sales etc. I also try to shop the clearance section from like a Plato‘s Closet. I also source on eBay, yes, eBay, a lot of ppl don’t know what they have and price it super low. I have a regular corporate job and I let ppl know I resell, many ppl come to me asking if I can sell things for them ( I get 60%) or they give me stuff. My family members that were in their teens and 20s in the 70s, 80s, 90s and Y2K, I raid their closets. We just have to adapt, Goodwill has a great business model, get stuff for free and charge up for them. 😂😂😂 I have taken trips to New Hope, PA, very affluent area but a good distance away but soooo worth it.
So many GREAT TIPS in this comment, thank you!! Yes, I too miss the good old days of thrifting. I still find great stuff too, but it's harder and I am going to focus less on GW and more on other thrifts in my area. I just have to do the work and make the effort to find others thrift stores that are not GW. Great tip to sign up for newsletters! Thanks! xo Quenby
I just took on a major consignment for someone - very high end clothing and shoes…golden goose, parajumpers, Johnny was, AS 48. Even taking a percentage of these items the profit is better than flipping at the thrift store prices. If this is successful I will be offering this more often.
Yes! This is exactly what I was hoping for with the video. Thank you so much for sharing what is working for you. I never thought to mention the idea of CONSIGNMENT. Thank you ! Xo Quenby
I slowed down on sourcing and listing my death pile instead. It's getting too pricey out there.
Good idea! By the way, BEST USER Name! Could be me. I love all those things too. Xo Quenby
Hey Quenby! :) This video is blowing up, awesome!!! Just wanted to hop on here & let you know that YT even recommended this video in the list on my Sony TV. So you may get a lot of new viewers!! :) I watch/listen to TH-cam signed in only when on my laptop that I use like a PC but I also watch on my TV so my favs ;) can get the $ from the ads, as I do have adblocker on my computer.
I agree, the costs have gone up at my local Salvation Army so you have to be a real scavenger & be very patient if you shop there but Saver's has still been fair in their pricing for the most part & deals can be found, especially in hard goods! Sadly for m, lol, I've put a halt to sourcing due to my having an abundance of items to list still from the past few years of shopping, even my own clothes prior to the pandemic need to go.
Even sadder than not being able to engage in my "retail therapy", lol is that my sales are way down as I continue to list new items & pre-owned items, clothing & accessories, hard goods, current, vintage, and a bit of everything but the sales are not keeping up with the number of items I've listed. Most are on Poshmark, over 800 now, then Mercari around 700 with the least amount so far cross-posted on eBay, 330 or so. I also don't accept returns or pay for shipping on eBay due to the various items I sell, it's just not practical for me but that will affect sales I'm sure.
My strategy is to just photograph & list 7-10 items as much as I can & list them all within 24 hours vs photographing an entire rack of clothes or items & then it took months to get through them all. So far, this is working better for me, smaller chunks are more doable with my world & then they're actually listed vs waiting to be listed!
Such a great comment, thank you. ANd good for you for listing 7-10 a day. I am shooting for 5-7 a day. It doesn't even sound like much but I am aiming for consistency. I would probably need to hire a lister to do much more simply because it's hard to sit and just do it. Glad you are doing what works best for YOU. xo Quenby
I’m a super casual reseller in Poshmark only, and because of that I don’t source a lot. But I think that means I see this issue pretty extensively. I love the bins, but it’s just far enough away to make it inconvenient. I usually just pick up an item here and there, then list it when I can. But as a thrift shopper in my regular life too, the increase in prices is making it hard to decide to buy second hand too.
Really well said, Lena. Yes, the increase in prices affects all of us, not just resellers. Even stuff for ourselves and our families is getting too expensive at thrift stores, esp Goodwill. Sometimes I look at something priced up at GW and say "I could buy this New for the same price!" . It's crazy. xo Quenby
Great video. I've been selling for years and haven't been in a goodwill for 3. When I started I would have 2 shopping carts full of shoes, but they have gone crazy..... No bins here, so I have a couple small shops I frequent. It's a combination of TH-cam videos and us sellers letting them know what we do. I've personally have caused prices to go up in 2 nearby thrifts about 3 years ago and have not been back. Even garage sales have pics of eBay listings next to what they're selling 😁 I do clean outs with my business so get paid to clear houses and find enough there. We just have to be pickier., Raul
That is so smart to do house clean outs. I bet you sometimes find some great stuff that no one else wants to deal with. I agree that resellers need to be smarter, more creative and pickier. Thank Raul. Quenby
I have found several honey holes in my area that still have low COG. I also believe that with the higher prices at Goodwill etc that it's important to not only check comps but to check sell through rate. I am willing to pay up if I know I can flip items in days rather then months. It has really been a game changer for me. I also buy lower cost items such as hats, bras, etc and dollar cost average on the combined total. It makes me feel better about my overall cost😊. It's definitely a hustle but I love everything about thrifting so I will keep moving with the times.
Really great mindset Colleen. I like what you said about cost averaging. I do that when I go to the bins and pay by the pound so why wouldn't I do that when going to other thrifts? Never thought about that before! Thank you xo Quenby
I remember when thrifting became so popular in the 90's. We complained then that things were costing is $3-$5 when it used to be $.50 to a $1. Thrifting is huge right now so it's a market response . I say give it time and in the meantime keep finding new sources and lower your prices and move more items.
Thank you, you are right, some of it is probably adjusting to to rising costs, which will always happen. I do expect a price increase every January. That is normal and expectable. I do think Goodwill in particular to way way way overpricing in my area though. I am def going to look for o ther little stores. Thanks so much Quenby
Wow I’m in Alabama and I thought our stores were high but I see yours is higher. We have the 50percent off day on certain colors. The dresses are $6.99 suits are $8.99 blouses are $4.99 and t shirts are $2.99. I do think they are getting greedy. I may have to try buying online
Hi Regina, yeah your prices are up there too, not as high as mine, but not CHEAP. I use a variety of sourcing methods and it helps keep my COG low. xo Quenby
Also I’m getting Lots of notifications on Black Friday sales that would also be great to get inventory from different stores online
Good point. My Salvation Army is doing a 50% off sale . Not sure if I can go because I'll be with family.
I am seeing the very same up-pricing issue here in AZ. Our goodwill prices have gone way up.....Anywhere between $9.99 to$24.99 and they know the popular name brands that everyone is scrambling for. I could never go to the bins here they are cutthroat. Even my local Animal Charity stores that I use to get great stuff at, have marked up the stuff they know are hot popular items. The buy/sell/trade shops or consignment shops-forget it $11, $14, $18 $20 and $39 are the prices now, and that's the prices I would normally sell an item for. And can I find enough you say? NO. But I have started to be uber selective because a lot of the BOLO brands people say sell well, don't necessarily sell for me. Especially Free People-doesn't sell for me at all! I am totally rethinking my biz and when more $$ arrive, I am going with NWT only!
Really good points! Looks like prices are rising every where. We all have to figure out how to shift our businesses to accommodate the higher cost of goods. I use Helpsy Source Wholesale for buying NWT boxes of Inventory. Thanks for your comment!
Where I live thrift stores have been high for a long time (before Covid). Our Salvation Army closed a couple of months ago. In my opinion their prices were high, lots of chipped and damaged items, and minimal staff.
I wonder why your SA closed. Maybe with high prices they weren't selling enough to keep customers coming back. Xo Quenby
Definitely shop estate sales, garage sales, church rummage sales in more affluent areas, to get great prices on clothing. I still visit GW and others but only pick up things with high resell prices. And there are a lot of brands that resell high and the brand I have never heard of, and I've been in the biz 20+ years. There's also some thrift store chains that have outlet stores who replenish the entire store every week and start everything at $2.00 or $2.25 each, and go down every day for 6 days. You can also find friends/family who want you to sell things for them. I do 50/50 split most of the time, after fees. Or you can do less split. It depends on the person. I only consign things that sell for higher prices.
Wow 20+ years Reselling! You must have seen a lot of changes over the years. I've been Selling 10 years and my attitude is usually to move forward with the changes and accept it. This thrift store prices ordeal is one of the biggest challenges I have faced. I need to learn how to source even smarter. You give EXCELLENT tips here, thank you. Quenby
My goodwills are raising their prices but the church thrift stores have not raised their prices since I moved to this area(6 years ago), $3 for clothing at the church thrift.
$3 for clothing!! I am so happy for you. And a bit jealous too. Keep shopping those church stores! Xo Quenby
I've gotten boxes of hats at church sales for $1 each, Church sales are awesome!
We having marked up yet in northeastern Ohio. Skirts 2.99, long sleeve 3.99, short sleeve 3.49, pants 2.99, jeans 5.99, kids 1.99. We still have 50% color tags, dollar Thursday, and 50 cent weekends.i really hope things don't change here. Super small town, though.
Oh wow! I am so happy for you to live in a small town without huge price increases! And sales! xo Quenby
Hello Quenby. I just thought I would stop by and say hi. Stay Safe my friend
Hey Geno where have you been? Hope thrifting is being good to you and that your prices are still low where you are. Thanks! Quenby
We're not seeing increased prices at thrift stores here in Chicago. There are 40+ Goodwill stores, Savers/Unique, Salvation Army and lots of independent shops. I shop on 50% off sale days, Senior discount days, color tag sales and accrue credits to redeem for cash on future purchases. I sell mostly on Poshmark and have 2700 active listings. My ACOG is $5 and my average price per item sold is $45. I sell only women's clothing, accessories and home decor. My strategy is to source vintage, NWT or NWOT items with no flaws and focus on unique high quality items in natural fibers like silk, cashmere, linen, cotton, wool, suede or leather. No cheap goods!
You are killing it Linda. That's a great business model and I'm so happy it's affordable still where you live. I wish it was still like that here. Wish you the best in your business! Xo Quenby
I agree to diversify what you sell. I sell clothes and hard goods part time. I have 12+ Goodwill's, some Salvation Army's and Savers as well as many smaller thrift stores. I agree that the smaller thrifts tends to be cheaper but Goodwill and Savers still have coupons and tag sales. Once I get all my stuff listed I'll look at cross posting but right now I have a storage full of stuff to list/listed. I think it's smart to really look at brands. I look up a ton of things before buying and am surprised at what some names sell for.
Really Good tips, thank you Jolene. I guess it is different everywhere. My GW stopped all sales of any kind in 2019. Zero sales. Zero coupons. So happy you still have that. xo Quenby
Great video! Thanks for the tips and info, so helpful!
My Salvation Army store is still reasonably priced but Goodwill is crazy. The way I confront that is I no longer shop there. Very simple. I’m seeking out more independent thrift stores and yard sales.
EXACTLY! that is where I am at too. I have not been to a GW lately and I'm making a concerted effort to shop church type stores now. Thanks! Xo Quenby
Great tips and positivity. We appreciate it. Yes we have to get creative!
Absolutely!! I do my best to keep my mind in a good, positive neighborhood. GW can get my heart pumping tho! ha ah axoxoo Quenby
Hey Quenby!! So funny. When I started watching your video, I was thinking the shirt your wearing was not your typical style…then you turn around in your bloopers!!!😂😂😂lol. There’s the embroidery!! Great tips!! I have a local consignment store that prices items up, but when they start to discount, I’m getting tons of NWT items for $3-$6. It’s worth it to find the hidden gems. Thanks for another great video!!
I love that you know my style Uta. You were probably like, why is she wearing a plaid shirt? YOu are right, it would not be my normal style, but then, Like Racquel says "party in the back" ha!!! I have not tried sourcing at Consignment Shops. You gave me an idea to try. Thank you xo Quenby
Living in the Houston area we are ripe with Goodwill, Salvation Army, Thrift stores, etc.....a few are a bit pricey, but most aren't!
Church sales and garage sales are also abundant!!
Hi Scott, I am so glad your thrift stores are still affordable. Not so here in California. I find great stuff, but I have to pay up. Thanks! Quenby
Arizona is horrible. Goodwill almost is worthless to even walk into! Today they had stuffed animals as high as $17, tshirts for up to 20, its just insane!
I can relate!
Me too! Xo Quenby
Stuffed animals for $17!! And think of families trying to buy something affordable for their kids! It makes me mad! Here is to finding little church or charity shops! Xo Quenby
GW here in my NorCal city, no longer do colored tag sales. Sucks. I do stage my hard items. Always have. That generic white background doesn't make it look inviting. I've been thrifting since the 70s. It's my 1st love since high school. I buy for myself and grands and sell to just break even, locally. Yesterday, everybody and their brother out their Google lens out. One lady followed me all around GW. After I hand sorted through 50 crap pieces of artwork.found only 3 poorly painted orig water colors. Which, I left behind. She said 'thanks for doing all the work' I replied good luck finding your $50 million dollar Picasso.
Auctions, maybe. Flea markets. Or the bins. But, in Sacramento, the bins are in the ghetto. Groups work together, blocking you from getting in. And, they bring their kids too. Trash hauling and garage clean outs starting at $350 could be very profitable. You get paid by them and resell what they can't deal with along w the trash.
Good idea, Trash hauling. Never thought of that. I am also in Nor Cal in Sonoma County
This is my first time watching you! YOU ARE HILARIOUS 😂. Thank you for this great video😊
You are welcome. Welcome to the channel. So great to have you xo Quenby
Hi-Bid Auction is where I get most of my inventory now. I used to sell mainly clothes but now I also sell more hard goods, especially vintage. I rarely ever go thrifting anymore.
Hi Angie, is "bid auction " something specific? I have never been to a regular auction even and I'm so curious. Thanks I hope others see this comment and consider this as an option. Xo Quenby
Hi-bid is an online auction source. You put in your zip code and all the auctions in your area pop up. You bid and then you drive to whatever location to pick up items. You can filter by how far away you want (like 50 miles 100 miles etc)
Maybe it's the flooding on TH-cam of thrifters showing the prices at goodwill etc. , and then how much they can sell and get for it.
Yes, I think Goodwill now trains employees to hold back some of the best brands to sell online or to mark up super high! xo Quenby
Hi, I’m from Ontario Canada and we have the same issues. I used to thrift a lot but just for fun decor and clothes…not a reseller. I remember about 5-10 years ago you could buy really cool stuff for 1.99. I shop at the Salvation Army ( the Sally Ann) and Value Village. Well, not VV anymore due to ridiculous price increase. I still own a few things that when I look at them I think wow I bought this for Pennie’s, lol. I notice theses stores will sell used name brands shirts for 12-15$which used to be 2.99 etc. I never go to Value Villages because the items are priced soooo high…like a piece of wood is 6$ and all the money made is given directly to the owner. At least with Salvation Army the money goes to helping others. Also, used candles or cracked/ broken / stained items are still overpriced. Good luck!
I know, I know. I miss the good old days of thrifting. I think more money went to help people in need back then too. Now those big thrifts are run as businesses with overpaid CEOs. It has changed. That said, I love to thrift and I won't ever stop because we can still find amazing items and the treasure hunt is so fun. Like you, I am trying to focus my thrifting on the stores that dont' have totally ridiculous prices! xo Quenby
Thank you for this video I have a Bins Goodwill near me they keep raising the prices there as well. One thing I do know is they now allow their employees to go through everything that comes in and pick out things to sell then the employees kick back a certain percent to Goodwill and they're making extra money so good will does not have to give them a raise. A friend that works there so she makes more money that way then her paycheck so I did notice it's harder to get name brand things because they're getting a lot of the good stuff before we even see it
Wow really? I have never heard about that before. So employees are allowed to cherry pick and resell themselves? That is so appealing, maybe I want to get a job there!!! xo Quenby
@@TheGratefulQueen 😆😍
The only place I source since the price increases are yard sales and off season my family keeps me busy with selling items for them at zero inventory cost to me. 60 % them 40 me. It adds up.
That's fantastic that you can sell for your family. When You do consignment how do you handle returns? Xo Quenby
@@TheGratefulQueen I usually wait 30 days to do the payouts or if I get positive feedback I pay right away
Love your energy and tips!!!!
I love your energy too Ivy, thank you for the support!!!! xo Quenby
I guess resellers could set up a donation bin for used clothing with a percent donation guaranteed to specific charities. It's obvious that places like Goodwill are no longer purely beneficient to the disadvantaged in their motives.
Hi John, I think I need to research Goodwill's business policies beause many of you commented that GW may not be as charitable as they claim and is a business first and foremost. I haven't put in the research but I should. Thanks Quenby
I think we as resellers need to change with the environment. I sell other items besides clothing and those costs are going up as well. I’m not sure what the answer is but I think we need to evolve with this or stop reselling. Because I don’t believe they will ever go back down on prices unless people stop buying. 🤷🏻♀️
Totally agree! We do need to evolve and get creative if we are going to survive as Resellers. Great comment! Xo Quenby
Got a lot of value out of this, thanks, Quenby! I sell on consignment, so people can drop off their pre-loved items at my door or ship to me, and I offer either a smaller amount to pay them upfront or they can take a gamble and get higher % payback per item and pay a nominal storage fee if items don’t sell within a certain timeframe after listing.
HI Chicago Sellout, thank you so much for the feedback and I am so glad you got value from this video! Comments like this keep me going. I am so glad you are bringing up CONSIGNMENT. I did not even think to mention that in the video so I am glad you put it in the comments for everyone. Thanks Quenby
Find that this is a great resource, I even have some friends who donate to me, rather than dropping it off to a thrift that they have no interest in. I’ve also heard that some honey holes will hold things back for resellers they’ve befriended. Another possibility is that some thrifts don’t clean or repair items they receive, but just redonate them somewhere else. I have a animal charity thrift that does this, I’m going to reach out to the manager to see if I can possibly purchase these items, at a cost per pound (similar to the bins).
I live in rural Missouri, and have to drive between 35-75 min in any direction, to find towns that have thrift stores. Yet even here, Goodwill and some of the other thrift stores have raised their prices considerably. Thank goodness, there are smaller thrift stores that still have very reasonable prices.
Wow you have to drive quite a bit to find thrift stores. I can be at Goodwill in 10 -12 minutes, but I am not driving 20 mins to save a few bucks per item and it's a church thrift store that helps people in recovery so it seems worth the drive. Even that store is marking things up now and it's a big mark up. Hoping I can find some little places that are not increasing by so much. Thanks Pam. Best of luck in your thrifting. xo Quenby
You are sooo right about the churches. On a hunch, I decided to stop by a local church clothing sale. I am glad I did! They give their stuff away for free and I have been able to flip a vintage jessica mcclintock, blazers and tops. I am soo glad I found this new source. The con: I gotta get there early now. The word is out since they give their clothes free, they attract a huge crowd with people stuffing the items in Hefty size garbage bags!
Wait, all the clothes are free? But you said it was a "clothing sale" . Let us know. xo Quenby
My local gw has a 30% markdown on certain tags which never hit my items 99%of the time. Bins are still marked down for the lb and low but finding in the bin depends location. I havent been to one lately but im also recovering from my job loss to get the ball rolling harder and faster. I do have a ton of items listed and need to list even more.
Yay, just keep on listing. Listing is everything. List everyday if you can. You may find yourself making more reselling than you did at the job you lost. Thanks! Quenby
Charity Thrift Stores, Yard Sales, Estate Sales and Storage Units are the way to go. Going to test out some other ways to source too.
Wow, thanks Craig! I never would have thought of Storage Units. I don't know anything about that but I am sure someone here on youtube must have videos explaining. Great tip, thanks! Quenby
@@TheGratefulQueen Most Storage Unit Auctions in my area are online now. Just do a search for them. Make sure you have a vehicle big enough (Uhaul truck if not) to pick everything up if you win.
Great idea to hit all the little thrift stores in your area..and tell everyone what you do as a reseller..have gotten some great inventory for very little money or free..luckily my Goodwill is still affordable and it is huge…I think because the bins are very far away…❤️
Hi Babette missed seeing you at the Friday Live. Torvald has some bug. I am so glad your thrift stores are still cheaper and that friends give you their donations. I wish i had more of that and I'm so thankful when someone donates to me. xo Quenby
The bins here in Sacramento are in the ghetto section of town and full of people working in groups. It's dog eat dog. Scary. Fighting for scraps. They bring their crying screaming brats too. Loads of fun. Wear gloves bc there can be broken glass items mixed in. And, Hand sanitizer.
Hi Steph, I have been driving 2 hrs to the Sacramento bins. There are 3 in Sac and I go to the one on Industrial and it has been a positive experience for me. I have several videos where I take you inside with me, if you want to check those out, maybe it's a better location than the one you tried? Quenby
Inflation is hitting all areas of commerce - it makes sense that prices at thrift stores are going up. Costs of utilities, building rent, payroll costs, gasoline for trucks are increasing. Something has to cover the increase. Also, if the market price is up for specific items it makes sense to charge more for them. Goodwill is a business. No shame in them wanting to make more money. As a reseller know what you need to make on an item to make it worthwhile.
Great Point of you, thank you! I expect an annual increase due to inflation and rising costs of doing business, what I am seeing goes way above that.
Goodwill blue box is really really good! Like 3.60 a peice and mine had all tags and good brands!
You really got a great box. I have used GW blue box before and I have never received a good box from them. I hear other people have done well with them though. Xo Quenby
This is first time I have heard your video. You gave lots of good tips. I find in my area there are lots of yard sales. I get some of my best items at these sales much cheaper than the thrift stores. Also Estate sales can be great if you wait on the 3rd day when they mark everything 1/2 off. Not everyone can have yard sales in their areas. We have 4 seasons in Oregon so summers and Fall are best when it is warm but yard sales are gone in winter. Also my consignment store has a 75% off a couple of times a month when items expire. I can find good items there. St. Vincent has 25% off days and 1/2 off days. They are cheaper than Goodwill who have raised their prices.
Yes good point. YARD SALES are a great place to source items the cheapest. In my area I have not found many good yard sales. Sometimes we drive around to 3 -5 sales and come home empty handed. I miss the yard sales I went to when I was young and people would sell stuff for $1. Not here anymore. Everyone once in awhile I find a good yard sale & it makes it all worth it.Thanks Maria. xo Quenby
I'm going to travel next summer 5 hours just to experience the bins to Denver
I would. The Denver bins is one of the absolute best! Keep us posted. Xo Quenby
Maybe the thrift stores costs have skyrocketed too? Utilities, rents, and the biggest, pay for workers has had to increase too.
Absolutely! And I expect them to increase prices annually as their rising costs of business increase. I just don't expect THIS level of increase! Xo Quenby
Clothing is oversaturated. the great labels & luxury labels are harder to come by. I used to find Lafayette 148 and Armani all the time. No more. So I've turned to men's wear vs. womens. Unfortunately, there's MORE womens wear than mens.
I tried to do online retail arbitrage with a brand that had 70% off items, and they are sitting in inventory almost a year.
As for thrifts, you have to go on the 1/2 off and 70% off days.
I just checked shop goodwill and no thank you. Searched Eileen Fisher and some of those items are "retail" resell prices. $29, $34. You can't make much money with those high prices.
I have favorite thrifts and I go on the discount days. I also hit the end caps of big box stores for clearance items. I love moving sales and rummage sales. Unfortunately in Chicago, there's a season about 4-5 months for the rummage sales.
That is a great idea, to try men's or other categories! I would def go to 50% off day if my thrift stores had that. Goodwill has had zero sales since 2019 in my area and so I have to get more creative. I m looking for more little church thrift stores. Thank you xo Quenby
Great video and great suggestions. I thought about listing what I do to keep my costs low and realized what works for me may not work for anyone else. My best suggestion is to continuously do research and watch TH-cam videos on most desirable brands and on what is selling quickly and for the best prices. For me, there is no substitute for walking into any thrift store armed with knowledge. And, of course, always check comparables. By the way, I always learn a lot from The Grateful Queen.
Hi D, Thank you so much for this comment. I really appreciate you telling me you learn a lot from the channel. That makes it all worth it to me. I think you are exactly right about KNOWLEDGE. If you walk into a thrift store knowing the brands, styles and fabrics etc ...that sell best, you are in a much better position to find the most profitable items. Great point. xo Quenby
This is definitely something to think about when DONATING to these places also.
REALLY GOOD POINT. I am taking my donations to my new favorite church thrift where proceeds go to people in recovery! Thank you! Quenby
Agreed with those thrift stores that are attached with church or animal shelters because they are still cheaper compared to GW or any big stores. What works for me is actually googling these small thrift stores around me and the nearby towns, I go to these stores and sign up for their newsletter because most of the time, that’s how they announce their sales. So for example, this thrift store that is attach to a church, they kinda price their items a bit on a pricey side but they always sends out weekly emails on what is on sale, so if it’s 25% I still wouldn’t go, but if it’s 50% then I will take a drive up there and also they have this thing where they probably have so much inventory that they send out email, “ 1 day only, all dresses for a dollar” and that’s when I know to get at least 5 of my ikea bags 😂. I would suggest to actually talk to the staff of these honey holes and see if they send out emails for sales announcements or some have FB to announce their sales and sign up. Also, Next Door app is a good place to sign up. It’s about what’s happening in your community and a lot of people will actually announce their clothing to give away and porch pick ups.
That is genius!! I never thought to ask about a mailing list. Def worth it when they have 50% off or $1 dresses. Such a good tip! Also, I never even thought about googling all the thrifts in my area. I have been keeping an eye out and spotted some little places. Thank you! I love your user name "resale therapy" espcially because I am a psychotherapist and reseller. xo Quenby
Great video Quenby!!!!💕
Thank you! 🤗 Rebecca I LOVE seeing you on the channel. Everyone Go follow Rebecca's youtube xo Quenby
I have gotten 3 thredup boxes. The first was good. The last 2 were trashed. Torn, holes, stains, stretched. I hate working just to make money back. Our goodwill still has rotation with sales and each week one color goes to $1.99. I have gone and got nothing and other times I have filled a cart.
Hi Diane, I am so glad GW still does sales in your area. Not in my area since 2019. I relate to days you fill the cart and days when you find nothing. I get it. x o Quenby
I like the 50-90% off sales at buy sale trades too.
Really great suggestion. I have never been to one of those. I have a platos closet in my area. I have tried selling there without much success but not sourcing there. Great tip. Thanks Quenby
I’m new… but in Fairbanks Alaska, no Goodwill, but they have a value village and Salvation Army, and the prices are sky high!! A pair of Adidas were priced at $29.99!! 😢 a broken Sylvester cookie jar was priced at $69! It’s killing me because we only have 3-4 months of summer for garage sales!
I feel your pain! Its gotten rough out there for thrifters! We have to get creative! Can you source Online? Xo Quenby
I love your video, your bloopers and that gorgerous wooden cabinet! :) Thank you for all of the tips. I can't wait to go searching for mom and pop places here! I will watch your other videos so I can learn more about ThredUp and the others. Thanks again and look forward to more videos. 😊
Thanks so much! 😊 Trinna I am so glad you found the channel. There are so many great resellers in our little community here. Come join us LIVE on Fridays. Yes, I put the bloopers in my videos now. Got to keep it real right? xo Quenby
I am a new follower. I don't sell thrift items. I have my own online store. I am in upstate NY, just 1 1/2 hour from New York City. Thrift stores here have been marking up prices using eBay comps. They have been doing this for a couple of years now. Goodwill updated their online store. When they receive donated merchandise into the store, the employees are required to pull expensive brand items, and send them to corporate. Corporate lists those items on their online store. As a result of this remodeled and renamed my online store in the begging of this year. I sell liquidation, and now back to retail arbitrage.
Yeah, that sounds right. I am glad you were able to shift to liquidation. I think we all have to learn to shift when things change if we want to stay in the fame. I am really thinking about what I need to do to get cheaper inventory. Thanks so much. I am originally from Boston so love East Coasters. xo quenby
@@TheGratefulQueen It's even tougher now with the state of the economy. It's better if you can go to a liquidation center to pick out your pallets, then have them shipped to you. If you you can transport the pallet yourself you will save on shipping fees, and lowering your cost of goods.
This is awesome advice. Thanks for sharing. ❤
Thank you for your comment! I appreciate it xo Quenby
Oh my the end was hilarious - the real Quenby! LOL. much love
Oh yeah Heidi I put the bloopers at the end of all my videos now to keep it real. I am a walking blooper! Xo Quenby
The question that I have is what is goodwill doing with their overstock if they don't have any bins? The thing with garage and consignment sales is they take a lot of gas for little inventory. What about services like flyp? I think reselling is on the cusp of a transition. The big question is to what?
I really agree, we are on the cusp of a transition. I do think reselling might have to change as thrift stores change. I have not tried flyp yet. I wonder the same thing about where does the inventory go if there is no bins, like in my area? Do they drive it hours away? Or send it overseas......Thank you. xo Quenby
I've actually stopped going to the value village which is equivalent to the US Savers. I've had to change my business model and source from consignment stores and online. Needless to say I pay UP for my items.
Thanks for sharing what works for you. I think consignment could be anther really good idea for resellers. You may pay up more and have to shift to a quality over quantity model. xo Quenby
Very good video :) lots of good ideas and perfect for someone who is starting reselling! I too have been guilty of shopping the same GW stores, lol once I get back into reselling I will try and branch out in my search. I am fortunate that I have a bins near me.
Roxy, how are you my friend? So great to see you. I am def going to be branching out from GW. I love/hate Goodwill. I am going to shoot for smaller church stores. xo quenby
Thank you for this video great tips!
Hi Shelia, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I appreciate your support. xo Quenby
Shirt is so cute. Great pep talk and info.
Thank you Moddi. I think I needed this video as much for myself as for everyone else. I really do need to strategize my sourcing and I am open to hearing new ideas. xo Quenby
Most people have added Garage sales and Estate sales. And I see someone suggested storage units. My cousin does that and has a TH-cam channel. Like you said sometimes there are stores we don’t know about. I have a consignment store not to far from me and they have a $1 rack. Great video to get people thinking.
a $1 rack at the consignment store sounds fantastic. I am on a mission to find the little thrift stores. I will report back. I heard about 2 new little charity shops in my area so I am going to try them out. Thank you Barb. xo Quenby
I have mostly turned to auctions. My thrift stores have very little to sell that is affordable
Hi Elizabeth, you know what? I have never been to an auction. I have seen other youtube videos of people at auctions, but I haven't been to one myself. How do you even find out about them? I am so curious and that is a great tip for everyone CHECK OUT AUCTIONS GUYS. xo Quenby
The SA shops in Massachusetts are charging higher prices. I believe that they are paying their help more money to keep them.
If that is the reason for a price increase, I am all for it! Pay the employees more! Thanks Quenby
Also I am from Newburyport Mass.
Thank you for the interesting alternatives... except one. I'm not giving Goodwill any more of my money (or any of my donations). The rest I will try!
I understand. I am not ready to give up Goodwill 100%, although that may be coming for me. I have a love/hate relationship with Goodwill. I am going to bring my donations elsewhere and try to find other stores. I have to do some research about how Goodwill operates bc I have heard some things in the comments of this video that make me think GW is not what most of think. Thanks Lisa, xo Quenby
I used to purchase Home Decor from Resellers but with the increase in prices, I now thrift my own Decor and even the thrift store prices are high.
That's great that now you thrift your own home Decor! I agree. The prices are so high now even at thrift stores. Xo Quenby
It’s the same here in Canada but without the option of liquidation or thread up . I usually only shop the bins (we only have one in Ontario) which is a hr away but went into regular thrift stores and OMG the prices are insane . 30-$40 for Lululemon, Zara is always priced insane . Shoes good luck ! We don’t have many sales in our thrift stores , Salvation Army , goodwill and mission thrift store . Our value village which is your savers (same company) prices things almost at retail prices . It’s getting very hard for us here . Good luck everyone . If you have the bins that’s honestly your best bet
Thank goodness you have the bins! I agree. Its getting hard out there. Thrift stores have really changed. Its hard for Resellers but I also think of people like my mom on a fixed income who cant afford $10 for a dress at Goodwill! Jeez. I love you Goodwill but seriously. So happy you have the bins. Xo Quenby
Lol the entire video I was thinking Omg she has the “Party In The Back” shirt on, I hope she shows the back 😂. It’s beautiful 🥰 Are you going to the bins today to meet Cynthia?
No. I wish I was going to the bins tho! Yup you taught me party in the back. Bet you smiled when I said that in the bloopers right? Ha ha. Xo Quenby
Yes. Goodwill is getting out of hand. I have complained to them on social media and got the canned response copied below.
We understand that pricing is key when choosing where to shop, but we hope you will continue to see the benefit and value of shopping with Goodwill and supporting our mission. Increasing expenses in everyday supplies as well as facility maintenance and transportation/logistics costs directly impact our pricing. Trash disposal, fuel costs and building upkeep of our more than 40 locations have significantly increased over the past several years, and without adjustments to our pricing, these costs are not sustainable.
Additionally, as we move to providing more virtual career services and programming in our communities, we must also incur increased expenses associated with the technology, systems and training to do so.
Lastly, and most importantly, increasing the hourly wages of our retail associates is a top priority - so much so that we've raised wages several times over the past two years for our front line associates. With more than 1,350 associates across central and coastal Virginia, this is the greatest - and most critical - expense we have as an organization.
As a nonprofit social enterprise, your purchases and donations help directly fund workforce development in central and coastal Virginia. You can learn more about Goodwill’s mission and hear from some of the people impacted by our work at th-cam.com/users/goodwillcvandhr.
Wow what a response from Goodwill. They must be getting this feedback a lot if they have this dissertation ready to go. Thanks for sharing it with us.
@@TheGratefulQueen yes. I think they are getting lots of complaints. And it seems like it’s across the US and not just regionally. I live in VA. I hear people in the thrift stores as well making out loud comments about the price increases as well.
I haven’t stepped a foot inside goodwill for well over 6 months. After doing some research, I have found that much of what they claim to do is quite sketchy in actual practice. Yesterday, I found an amazing honey hole, with an owner that is reseller friendly…. As in, she absolutely runs her business with environmental sustainability in mind, as many of us do as well, and even offers discounts to resellers! She expressed how wonderful it is that individuals are finding reselling as a means of supporting themselves, families, and goals, which is definitely a vision that I will continue to uphold. Corporations such as Goodwill make heaps of money on donated items, and only a small percentage actually goes back to the community. I don’t hesitate to say that it is a greedy business model.
Goodwill ceo makes 500,000 thousand a week. Trying to get rid of resellers. Only 1/8 of there profit goes to programs. Only go to bins. They have outpriced resellers and people who need the clothes for there own use. Salvation Army is better for resellers and contributing for programs and local reseller sales. Even estates are using eBay for pricing( only listed prices not sold comps). Same with Goodwill, Salvation Army, st. Vincent De Paul. Don’t know what there thinking. Thanks for the info. Great options!
Hi Julia, thank you. You know, I really need to do my research on GW. I think for years we all thought they were a non profit giving to the poor, but that might not be the whole story, at least not anymore. How did you get your info about the CEO? xo quenby
I just found your channel, and I love your videos ❤️. I shop at goodwill and goodwill online. I have one goodwill that the prices are amazing. I also shop at antique store. I sell mostly vintage hard goods, and I have a few antique stores in another town that the prices are better than goodwill. And estate sales are great but I only do that on the last day of the sale when it's 50 percent off. And you can always look on fb marketplace sometimes people are just giving stuff away. Great video ❤️
Great idea!! I am so glad you mentioned FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE because no one has suggested that yet. The comments on this video have so many great ideas from viewers. I am feeling inspired. I have already found 2 new little church stores in my city so I feel better taking some positive action. I love love love vintage hard goods. I really want to sell more of them but I have to learn shipping better and figure out storage. thanks you so much xoxo Quenby
I'm originally from Napa
I now live in NW PA. Prices are definitely higher than this time last year. We do have 1.00 days on Sunday/ monday still. Our jeans are 6.99/dresses 6.99 and coats 9.99
Shoes and purses are priced higher for items that aren't worth it. Vera Bradley is always 20.00 which isn't worth the buy
Gosh we were neighbors. I am in Sonoma County. I drive through Napa on my way to the Sacramento bins, which is the closest bins now. Vera Bradley for $20.....see that is the stuff that bothers me. You can buy it new for that TJ Maxx. Sure GW, go ahead and mark some stuff up, but that is just too much. It will end up at the bins or worse. Thanks Amber, xo Quenby
My goodwill have 10% seniors days Tuesday and Wednesday but the prices are so high I’m looking for nice and quality items as low I can find , also I’ll go to other s stores thank you
Yes, Sofia, I highly recommend doing a google search in your area of other thrift stores. I have a video coming out tomorrow of me finding a new "honey hole" hospice thrift stores and the prices are so much cheaper for quality items. Let me know what you find. xo Quenby
I think what’s happening is Goodwill is now selling items on line much more than they used to. So instead of working with resellers they’re competing with them.
Really good point! I am all for it if it helps the thrift stores make money to donate to people in need. Go for it! Not sure how this effect the prices of things in store tho. I think we could all win and all benefit. There is so much stuff at GW right now they are refusing donations in my area. Why not run a 50% off sale GW? I dunno. xo quenby
I have a bins that is super busy but I still find great stuff and the retail thrifts are always missing great brands and the hunt is my favorite part so I am good with it. I have noticed people are paying up for items too. I managed to get inventory through the plandemic so I look forward to pivoting. :)
So true! The hunt is the best part. I am so glad you have the bins too. It is hard to find enough stuff they haven't marked up so the bins really help with quantity. Thanks! xo Quenby
Hi Quenby! This was such a great video. 🌸💕 Maryellen Your top is gorgeous. 😊
Thanks so much for commenting. That is my new favorite top! Xo Quenby
It upsets me because I’m on a budget, but I have been seeming clothing at a thrift store that cost the same as a new shirt at Ross.
I know. I agree. It upsets me too. I hope the thrift stores are hearing us and are willing to consider lowering prices again or running sales or at least not marking things up Crazy high. Thanks Stephane. Quenby
I’m not a reseller but I have always shopped thrift/rummage sales for clothes and necessities. Now I can hardly afford to shop at those stores. Walmart is just as cheap and it’s new. 😩
That is one of my big concerns. Not only how it effects Resellers but every one. My mom is on a fixed income. In my opinion 9.99 for a basic preowned dress is too much! Xo Quenby
At Red White Blue, I found yesterday a pair of Sorel wedge sandals for $49.99, Dansko clugs for $39.99 and Hunter boots for $59.99. Not sure how they expect their customers to afford those prices. 🤔
Exactly! I can understand marking these up some, but to $49!!?! Its wrong in my opinion. I think of my mom who is on a fixed income and shops at Goodwill ,and others in her position, and it bothers me. Xo Quenby
I’m in Indiana and all of our stores have dropped the sales and now only have random coupons. Prices are all over the place but I have found a few stores that in general don’t charge a unreasonable amount of money. Yes it’s more than it was but so is everything else we buy. 🤷♀️ I need to be better about asking friends or friends of friends if they want to “ donate “ to me. It seems weird for some reason but I am positive there are tons that just send it to Goodwill anyways! Another thing is I noticed a girl taking a huge ThredUp Clean Out bag into the post office. I wanted to stop her but I chickened out. Maybe putting a ad in Nextdoor or Facebook … buy others “ donations “ “ clean out bags “ cause we can help them to realize they can get probably more for their items through us then through Facebook and have money right away instead of waiting the 60 + days on ThredUp. 😊
Yes exactly! I know it seems awkward to ask friends for donations. When I did it during the pandemic I put a post on Next Door and total strangers in my area donated to me. I put in the post my situation and then offered to purchase their clothing or they could donate it. I felt better about offering to buy it. No one asked me for money, everyone just donated. The results were mixed though. I got some good stuff but also bags and bags of crap that I had to sort and deal with. One family was moving and they were so glad to give away their stuff to someone who could benefit from it. They gave me like 12 huge trashbags of stuff. It was a lot of work to sort and process but I was thankful for it. xo Quenby
Great tips! And that shirt looks fabulous on you! ❤️
Keeley, you are such a great reseller friend. Thank you for always being so supportive of my videos and channel. I look forward to your comments. I hope you and your family are doing well. xo Quenby
@@TheGratefulQueen thank you so much Quenby! You've made such a positive impact on my desire to resell and given an arsenal of knowledge and tips. You are an absolute GEM of a person! 💞
they try to mark up stuff like missme jeans and othrr things they guess at purses of course and one has marked up wool and cashmere but they often miss it prices no goodwill here prices arent horrible but very little middle to high end a good week I might find an item or two across all catagoies
Yeah my thrift stores are the same marking up anything they think is good. And it's marked up to like $14 or if it's a jacket $20. I am glad you can still make it work for you and find things. xo Quenby
I guess the good new is our Goodwills in northern AZ have not increased prices very much. The bad news is that they were already the highest of anywhere I know of (even California!). 12.99 for any. top you would want to buy, 19.99 for jeans and dresses. Fortunately, we still have dollar day and so that has become my business model. Buy for $1, sell for as much as I can get (not that much). I will keep it up for as long as I can. Thrift stores other than Goodwill are insane here. One of them has a special "designer" rack that is priced up. Mostly Chicos! I just keep looking until I find something they have missed.
Wow, I didn't think any Goodwill could be higher priced than mine! I am so sorry to hear that. I would think that at those prices a lot would not sell, and then you make out on $1 day!! xo Quenby
Great video, Quenby!
Hi Amy thank you so much. I appreciate the comment. Xo Quenby
Hi! I was so happy to find your channel. I just started reselling. I’m also in Sonoma County. The thrift stores are not really an option for me because it takes so much time and the prices are high. I did find a pair of Mother jeans hidden at the hospice thrift for $2.50 and sold them for $100. I am trying liquidation and will let you know how it goes. Thank you for your helpful and entertaining videos.
Yay you are my neighbor. Then you know how crazy prices have gotten here!! Good job on those Mother jeans. You will probably recognize all the stores in my videos. Xo Quenby
I do! Hope to see you IRL! I’ll try to say hello if I do. I’m really shy, lol.