How many times have you walked into a thrift store only to turn around and walk out empty handed? You are not alone; We have all been there at one time or another. Today, I wanted to share with you a few alternative ways to source for inventory as a reseller when you aren’t having luck at your normal thrifting spots.
Alternative Sourcing Methods:
Clean Out Your Personal Closet
Sourcing from your personal closet is one of the easiest and quickest ways to acquire inventory. Personally, I like to clean out my closet every few months. I will usually take the clothes that I am no longer wearing to buy-sell-trade stores for cash/store credit or sell them on my various reselling platforms. This is a great method for a newer reseller as there is no risk involved unlike sourcing through other methods.
Let People Know What You Do and Accept Donations
Talking with family, friends, and even strangers about your business can have great rewards. If the people around you know that you are a reseller, then they are much more likely to give you items that they were going to donate anyway. This can be a great way to acquire inventory as it involves little to no risk. Any items that you are unable to sell can be donated for someone else to use.
Try Consignment
Another option that might be worth considering is forming consignment agreements with people that you know. This involves more risk than just accepting donations and shopping your personal closet but involves less risk than spending your own money on inventory. In these arrangements, once an items sells, both the seller and consigner receive a percentage of the sale and; If the item does not sell then the consigner will receive their items back.
Source at Non-Thrift Stores
There are many great retail options out there when it comes to sourcing for inventory as a reseller. Some of the best inventory that I have ever found over the years has come from non-thrift stores. Here are some other places that you can shop at to find inventory that are not thrift stores: buy-sell-trade stores, retail sales, rummage sales, consignment stores, estate sales, garage sales, and through online sourcing.
Travel to a New Area
If you are unable to find inventory at your local spots, why not try traveling to another town or city?! I love going sourcing in different cities and towns when I can. Each area has a unique demographic so items are going to vary and you never know what you can find. Additionally, if you are ever on a vacation in a new place, why not hit up a few thrift spots while on your travels?!
Go Back Another Day
Thrift stores are constantly receiving and processing new inventory. Just because you didn’t have any luck on any one day doesn’t mean that you won’t find something amazing the next time that you stop into the store. If you ever walk out empty handed, it will be okay; Perhaps, stop back in on another day and look for items with the newest color tags. Who knows what you will find on your next visit?!
Reach Out to Other Resellers
The reselling community is a great resource when it comes to finding inventory. There are many resellers who are looking to liquidate their inventory for many reasons and you might be able to find items for discounted prices or even for free. Be sure to follow reselling groups online and network with other resellers in case that opportunity arises.
I hope that you find this post helpful! If you have any questions or just want to chat, please reach out!
If you are interested in seeing some other items that I have found while thrifting, check out THIS post.
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