Purchasing thrift shops, flea markets and property gross sales may be overwhelming. With the sheer quantity of stuff, how are you aware the place to start out? How do you see gems amid all of the … nicely, junk?
As an expert reseller who has been combing by thrift shops for the higher a part of 30 years, I may help. If you happen to’re prepared to chop your procuring time in half, rating larger bargains or stroll away with brag-worthy finds you may flip for money, learn on.
From hard-to-find home goods to resale money-makers, all the pieces featured in my “Thrift Store Like a Professional” collection qualifies as a BOLO (Be On the Look-Out for) merchandise. If you discover it, purchase it!
Featured discover: Classic fleece jackets by Patagonia
Autumn is the proper time to speak about fleece jackets, and Patagonia makes a few of the finest. The corporate’s rising reputation within the retail market has sparked a shopping for frenzy within the resale world.
Based in 1965 by mountain climbing fanatic Yvon Chouinard, the corporate bought its begin forging steel climbing tools. Progressively, focus shifted from climbing {hardware} to clothes.
In the present day, Patagonia is synonymous with high-quality outside clothes, equipment, and kit.
Since its starting, Patagonia has demonstrated that goal and earnings can work hand-in-hand. A transparent set of values drive Patagonia’s tradition. Social accountability, environmental stewardship and a tireless assist of aligned grassroots organizations set the corporate aside. The corporate even launched Worn Put on, a service that repairs and sells used Patagonia merchandise.
However the largest company information got here in September 2022, when Chouinard transferred company management of Patagonia to a belief and an environmental nonprofit. This transfer ensures that Patagonia will stay a constructive drive for local weather motion in perpetuity.
Why purchase it?
In my expertise, Patagonia garments are extremely well-made. The corporate has managed to embrace its rising reputation with out taking shortcuts. New or used, Patagonia clothes lasts, and even “very classic” items really feel retro and hip fairly than dated.
If you’re concerned with reselling for earnings, all issues Patagonia ought to already be in your procuring listing, however pay particular consideration to the fleeces. For some items, resale values may be astounding. Whereas touring in Vermont in 2021, I discovered two fleece pullovers for $8 apiece. I flipped one for $180 and the opposite for $110.
However these days, resale costs have skyrocketed. On eBay, this classic zip-up fleece from Patagonia’s Rhythm line offered for $950, and this tribal-inspired pullover, a part of the corporate’s Synchilla line, offered for $399. On Etsy, this Patagonia Glissade zip-up is listed for $600, and this heavily-worn fleece is accessible for $798.
See additionally: “Make a Small Fortune Promoting Outdated Garments From These 10 Manufacturers”
What to search for
You’ll discover the Patagonia label contained in the garment or on the outside left chest. The most typical emblem contains a lowercase “patagonia” in opposition to a silhouetted mountain vary. Some early variations of the emblem included “Ventura, California” below the wordmark.
If you happen to’re shopping for classic fleece to resell, pay particular consideration to:
- Situation: Although situation is at all times necessary in terms of clothes, a bit of wear and tear and tear doesn’t appear to faze Patagonia followers. Nonetheless, examine to verify snaps and zippers work and there’s no harm to the material.
- Common traces: Figuring out used Patagonia clothes by line may be difficult. Particular line names are normally printed solely on the unique retail tags. After a little bit of analysis and with a number of gross sales below your belt, recognizing completely different types will get simpler. Bestselling traces within the secondhand market embody Synchilla (each a cloth and a product line), MARS, Glissade, Rhythm and Minnehaha.
- Sample and colour: Don’t be afraid to purchase the loudest fleece on the rack. In contrast with stable neutrals, daring patterns and vivid colours promote for a premium.
See additionally: “11 Secrets and techniques to Discovering High quality Clothes at Thrift Retailers”
