Gently Used: Have to Have the Thrift Store Game Down Cold (Goodwill Isn't Only Game in Town)

 Goodwill, which once was the only game in the gently-used niche, is thriving, documents The New York Times. But it's no longer the only place or even the place to shop for extreme bargains. During these inflationary times with so much joblessness, plenty of competition has sprung up. 

For example, just along one short stretch of S. Reynolds in Toledo, Ohio other thrift shops include St. Vincent de Paul, Toledo Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, Great Find and ReDecor. That means you have to invest time and patience in sorting through all of these to succeed in this game. A Goodwill may or may not have the best deal or the best quality in a category such as office furniture or winter coats. 

If you get good at this specific kind of bargain hunting you can land brands for peanuts. Here is the Calvin Klein - a real find:


And here is a chair with a classic design:


The popularity of thrifting opens the door to fresh career paths. Get experience working in a Goodwill or other gently-used environment and with that experience you can launch an enterprise in this niche. If you structure it as a consignment store then you don't have to invest in inventory. Vendors usually handle the staging for their own booths.

Of course, it takes hustle and emotional intelligence to develop relationships with vendors in the area and low-cost pick-up and delivery manpower. To keep bargain hunters coming by often you also have to ensure high turnover in the inventory. Like so many, you can build relationships through a newsletter such as on Substack. Host special events, like a free workshop on fashion or interior design.

Rather than shame at being spotted "doing secondhand" there is an aura. A few neighbors asked to go shopping with me so I can guide the whole enchilada, ranging from which store to what deal.

Save money. That puts you in a position of strength. Become a solopreneur. That frees you from the tyranny of being bossed around. Coaching/tarot readings janegenova374@gmail.com

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