These 3 Tips Could Cut Your Sourcing Time in Half

[@porterlockwood2032]

I try to shop at stores that sort by size and focus on only sizes L and up.

[@EmmyandAl]

I sort for a “bins” style store a few hours a week and get to keep/pay for what I find. I have to touch everything because I am pulling for them too buttttt, I have two bags under my table now. One for things I don’t have to lookup to keep (average cogs is $0.75) and one for things I don’t know that I want to look up. It has saved so much time waiting until the very end to comp everything instead of as I come across it. I guess that could be a tip for a regular store too!

[@mariemin2517]

I source mostly linens, and searching for a brand tag in a king size fitted sheet takes wayyy too much time!! So I've been working on going by touch only. I can skim the rack with my hand and hone in on the items that feel high quality. Once you learn what Ralph Lauren sheets feel like, you know the instant you touch them!

[@thomasmosby1231]

I remember you talked about only looking for new tags awhile ago. So i asked my local stores what the tag schedule was and stored it on my phone. So i always knew which tags i've already looked at and i skip them. it's cut my time so much that the employees have commented "quick trip? you used to be in here for so long!' Thank you! 😄

[@cayleyelaine]

That's so good to hear!!! I'm so glad you tried it out. Smart tip on asking for the tag schedule!

[@marmeone]

Tip #3, new color tags makes so much sense.

[@Going_Twice]

I have 2 local thrift stores (Red, White, and Blue Thrift Store), and they change out coloring system every Wednesday. But the items they put out on the floor on Tuesday (just one day before the color change) will be discounted. This is the color tag that I find most of my inventory. I typically leave with 30 items every Wednesday from each store and 80% are last week color tags I will agree that if someone walks into a random thrift store on a random day (not color change day), it's best to look at the new color tags primarily.

[@pamprier4710]

Cayley, this was VERY helpful. Thanks, as always.

[@FranklinandFig]

Problem is I love sourcing/shopping but struggle with taking the pictures to list… lol

[@krc780]

ha! This is so relatable. Taking photos is my least favorite part.

[@FranklinandFig]

@ SAME!

[@kylen6430]

Do it first thing in the morning. Doing things you least enjoy first thing in the morning is often the best way to make sure they get done

[@curvymamathrifts366]

I motivate myself by doing it by 1 tote at a time…tote then break…and so on….i can get 40 items in

[@cayleyelaine]

Sounds like you might be a great wholesaler!

[@to1drlandthrift]

A recent change at our local thrift stores made more difficult to just look at the new tag color. They switched to clear plastic tag barbs (previously they were the same color as the tag color), & the tags are now white with a colored stripe on just one side. So frustrating!

[@priscillacavazos2473]

this video has a lot of valuable information. Thank you!

[@marmeone]

I've heard that Good American plus sizes do well. I'm sure that's case with several brands.

[@SomeDaysYoureBarbra]

You give great advice; I appreciate it.

[@stevengarcia1823]

I can use my eyes to see if the item is a good quality brand without flipping through the rack or bins but I can't figure out how to use my eyes to see if the item has a good style aesthetic. My thinking is you have to see the whole item if you are picking something up style based. Would you be able to give some tips on how to use your eyes for style based pickups

[@cayleyelaine]

I can try!

[@kyrasmith5554]

Yup, I look at new racks. Sometimes I pick one row and go through every single piece. I went through Athletic wear row a few days ago and found leggings- Athleta, Tommy John, Manduka and one pair with a G logo that I cannot remember. It did take a couple hours!

[@emilyhope7721]

I’m curious if thrift stores sort by color tag? Because I never understand when people say to just look at new colors- my thrift store has everything mixed together, so you’d still have to sort through everything.

[@cayleyelaine]

They get mixed up but they are easy to spot.

[@debrahansley]

Incredible insight Cayley! I am saving this video to remind myself how to not spend 3 hrs in one store! Thank you! ❤

[@sharonmerrihew2804]

Is the new color the one on the new rack or the one that came new for the week. Thanks Cayley!

[@cayleyelaine]

Both! The color tag on the items on the new racks (the ones the employees are wheeling out and putting onto the sales floor) should also be the same new color that is being put out that week.

[@nancywilliams9041]

How can you find out about the tags and what color is new or old ?

[@cayleyelaine]

I normally can tell by paying attention to the new racks that come out and seeing what color tag is on the new racks. If not, I ask an employee. Be sure to specify that you're asking for the new color and not the sale color.

[@curvymamathrifts366]

My little honey hole…I wait until Dollar day and get GREAT stufff…so my store is the NEW color and the $1 Color! (34% of store) …. but ONLY XL+

[@frugalflamingo6452]

Thats my strategy too! I find amazing stuff for $1 lol

[@basecardcollector1698]

100%🔥

[@amykatz691]

Shein always fools me until i touch

[@bellesbottoms]

thanks. i spend like 2.5 hours last night and got four things. the thrift was SO packed it is impossible to even move the stuff on the racks. Their prices were also SKY high. I mentioned lowering the prices so that they could thin out the store, but it did no good. This was a gigantic store. Youd never be able to find anything or go through the racks. It would take a whole entire day!

[@cayleyelaine]

Unfortunately most of our stores are getting this way as well.

[@emilyhope7721]

This is so sickening, America really needs to do something about our garbage clothing industry 😭 I’m hoping SHEIN is banned someday 🤞

[@bellesbottoms]

our goodwills dont tag anything! so its impossible to find the new stuff without going through everything again and again. they also dont allow people to touch the new racks as they are being put out. THey just shuv stuff in my color of the item.

[@gina496]

Same for my area. Takes me forever!

[@emilyhope7721]

How do they price items then? An assigned price for jeans, sweaters, dresses in general??

[@bellesbottoms]

Yes all dresses $5.19. All tops $4.19. Sweaters jeans etc. set price. Not separated by size. No way to find new stock. So much, the racks are packed. Most is garbage of course.

[@gina496]

@ I'm in NC and they have a price list on the wall with prices for each category (i.e. women's tops, men's shirts, etc.). They do have some individually priced items for bulky coats, high end designer handbags that are kept in cases, and home decor.

[@emilyhope7721]

@@gina496 wow, interesting. I’ve seen that while traveling but forgot about it. I can’t imagine finding a SHEIN top for the same price as Lululemon or something!