How to make money thrifting: A beginner-friendly guide

If you love the thrill of a good find and have a knack for spotting value in unexpected places, thrifting could be more than just a weekend hobby. It can be a real money-maker. Whether you’re flipping vintage tees or secondhand furniture, thrifting offers a unique way to turn small investments into solid returns. And with a little strategy, patience, and know-how, just about anyone can get started.

What does it mean to make money thrifting?

At its core, making money thrifting means buying low and selling high. You hunt for underpriced or overlooked items at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces, then resell them for a profit. This side hustle can be a fun way to earn extra income. For some, it can even grow into a full-time gig.

Thrifting is one of many ways to create a new income stream. 

1. Start with what you know

If you’re just getting started, begin with categories you’re familiar with. Love fashion? Start flipping clothing. Into retro gaming? Scan old consoles and games. Familiarity helps you spot deals quickly and understand item quality. For example:

• Know your brands: A Patagonia fleece or Levi's jeans can fetch higher resale values.

• Understand condition: A minor tear on a collectible toy might be acceptable—but not on a handbag.

2. Learn what sells and where

Not everything will be a hidden gem. Research what items tend to resell well. Popular flip categories include:

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• Vintage or branded clothing: Think ‘90s-style logo sweatshirts, leather jackets, and denim.

• Books and textbooks: Look for college-level textbooks or out-of-print novels.

• Furniture: Mid-century modern, solid wood, or items with DIY appeal.

• Collectibles: Pyrex, Pokémon cards, vintage toys, and vinyl.

• Electronics: Older cameras, stereo equipment, and calculators (yes, TI-84s still sell well!).

Use platforms like eBay’s "sold listings" feature to see how much similar items have sold for. Poshmark and Mercari also show historical pricing. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns. For more ideas, see these apps to sell stuff online.

3. Master the art of the hunt

Here are specific tactics for sourcing your inventory:

• Thrift stores: Visit on weekdays when shelves are restocked. Use store loyalty programs or color tag sales.

• Estate sales: Best for high-end finds. Use apps like Estatesales.net to locate nearby listings.

• Garage sales: Haggle gently and bundle items for better deals.

• Online flips: Watch Craigslist’s free section or local Buy Nothing groups.

• Storage unit auctions: Riskier but can yield bulk treasures. Try sites like StorageTreasures.

Bring a flashlight and tape measure when thrifting. Use a portable battery to test electronics. Pack hand sanitizer and reusable bags—you’ll need them!

4. Think like a buyer

Would you want to buy the item? Consider condition, uniqueness, and fixability. Items that are clean, in good condition, and have a story tend to perform best. Minor improvements, like replacing buttons or repainting a frame, can increase value significantly.

Avoid common traps:

• Buying outdated tech (e.g., DVD players that aren’t in demand)

• Picking trendy clothes without checking resale potential

• Underestimating repair costs, especially if you’re not confident in fixing things

If you're not sure something is worth picking up, look it up on your phone in the store. A quick search can save you from buying a dud.

5. Take great photos and write honest descriptions

A solid listing can make or break a sale. Here’s how to stand out:

• Photos: Use natural lighting, plain backgrounds, and multiple angles. Include close-ups of labels, tags, and flaws.

• Descriptions: Include measurements, condition notes, brand, and any relevant keywords buyers might search for.

Example:

Vintage 1998 Nike Windbreaker, size L. Excellent condition with minor wear on zipper. Measures 23" pit-to-pit. Rare colorway.

This level of detail helps potential buyers feel confident, and that usually leads to quicker sales.

6. Price smartly

Start by searching what similar items have recently sold for. This helps you avoid pricing too high or too low. When listing your item, you might see the term "OBO,” which means "or best offer." It tells buyers you’re open to negotiating the price.

Pricing tips:

• Consider how rare the item is. If it’s hard to find, you can usually charge more.

• Think about demand. Is this something people are actively searching for? Use Google Trends or platform search bars to check.

• Factor in seasonal timing. Winter coats sell better in fall. Holiday decorations fly off shelves in October and November. Back-to-school gear moves quickly in late summer.

If you're unsure, start slightly higher than what you hope to get; you can always lower the price later. And if eBay is your platform of choice, here's a guide to making money selling on eBay.

7. Build systems to stay organized

As your flipping game grows, so will your inventory. Keep track of:

• Cost of goods (COGS)

• Time spent sourcing or refurbishing

• Platform fees (e.g., eBay’s 13%, Poshmark’s flat fees)

• Shipping costs

You can use a simple spreadsheet, or apps like Vendoo, List Perfectly, or Notion to stay on top of it all. Organization helps you understand what’s working and what’s not.

8. Know your local laws and taxes

Once you start making consistent sales, check your state’s income reporting requirements. You may need to:

• Report earnings on your tax return (usually with a 1099-K form from the platform if you hit a certain threshold)

• Collect and remit sales tax if selling locally or in high volume

• Apply for a resale certificate if buying in bulk from wholesalers

It sounds complicated, but a quick call to a local tax advisor can help you simplify and keep everything legal.

9. Keep learning and growing

Flipping is constantly evolving. Here are ways to keep your edge:

• Join Reddit’s r/flipping and r/thesidehustle for daily tips

• Watch YouTubers like Daily Refinement or Rally Roots who walk through real-life flips

• Follow #resellercommunity on Instagram or TikTok for inspiration

• Read seller forums on sites like eBay or Poshmark to stay on top of trends

You’ll get better with every find and sale. Think of it as on-the-job training—with real money involved.

10. Have fun with it

Beyond just being a hustle, thrifting can be a creative outlet, eco-friendly, and a community experience. Whether you’re making an extra $200 a month or building toward a full-time business, the skills you gain, such as pricing, negotiation, marketing, can pay dividends in other areas of your life.

And if you’re a kid or teen looking to start early, check out these ideas for how to make money from home as a kid or teen.

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.