Thrift with Me for New Home Furniture | VISITING 10 THRIFT STORES

[@KaosityReign]

I've definitely noticed that as the thrifting trend has grown over the past few years, thrift stores are catching on and raising their prices. They know people go in looking to buy and flip. This goes for clothes too. It's ridiculous because it hurts the lower income people that actually go to these stores because this is their only option.

[@amyjacob2100]

I’ve noticed the same thing.

[@shelleycoleman1760]

Yes, furniture prices at the restore and thrift stores have increased significantly in the past 2 years. They are double or triple what they were.

[@shelleycoleman1760]

If I am buying for myself and plan on keeping a piece I am willing to pay more. But when flipping, the price is important in order to resell at a profit or to at least cover costs of materials.

[@marymarks7046]

I've noticed this too! You don't make a lot of money flipping furniture or clothes, but it can bring a descent living and places just want to crush the working class who want to make their own way in the world.

[@onetwoxplore]

According to Forbes, thrift stores drove 11% higher profit over brick and mortar stores in 2021. Another article just popped up: Thrift store profits are now in the billions. I think the trend of increasing prices is here to stay. The poor are gravely affected, yes. In my area, prices are stratospheric. Sometimes, prices are more than at reg stores.

[@vivianzuniga8814]

I find it incredible that good will and most other thrift stores do not pay for what they sell, but they want full retail when they price stuff, it’s ridiculous!

[@elbeachy]

Yes, and then they ask if you want to round up your total to the next dollar!! They have no cost to buy their inventory!!

[@barbfrank917]

Right, at least a reseller buys their stuff and flips it.

[@sandrachristiansen1271]

It’s the same in New Zealand..we have a hospice shop in our city and they are so overpriced for their stock and then they have the audacity to complain about the amount of stock they have to dump. No brainer!!!! have lower prices -people will buy and less wastage.

[@Jane5720]

I know all the stuff is donated yet they want to make a lot a lot of money and they don’t even get back really much to the community

[@lindafrazier8799]

The Goodwill CEO is a millionaire. Go figure!

[@debmarie55]

There's always room for more chairs! And they are green, woohoo! Lauren, I loved the table with the leafs underneath. I have one similar to that, when you pull the table apart the leaf raises up into the opening, at least mine does.

[@makeuplover6852]

I would be going back for that table with the built in leaves that is an amazing - extremely well made table and as your family expands, you have people over...you will never ever regret having that amazing table! Down the road it could be left fully expanded in a crafts/toy room where ample space makes game night/ puzzle making etc so much fun...seriously - it's a gem, and you could make it a true labour of love. The designs on the chairs are also. Beautiful. I am sure you could modernize the base of the table no problem. I hope you re consider it. I would snatch that up in a heart beat, no storing the leaves somewhere else, this is such a well built table.

[@kathyrobertson4493]

Perfect set!

[@donnahubscher7995]

Agreed. The chairs are uniquely beautiful...

[@TheWyndrunner159]

20 years ago i paid 1800 for just the solid oak table with1 leaf. they are called butterfly leaf''s for the way they are stored. chairs were 200 each.. those chairs looked Scandinavian in design

[@karenniehues4786]

I have a table like that(not same design). I love it! With the leaves stored like that you’re not having to find a place for them & it’s easily expanded. And as was said, as your family grows, you’ll need a larger table! It was a lifetime buy for me!!!

[@burntbeansoup]

Its like youre advertising lol

[@patriciareeps3389]

That’s a beautiful table and chairs at the end of the video. Very well made. That lady was not old

[@vickyb9918]

For people who are in their 20s I guess anyone 40 or over is old but yeah he could have left that word out when referring to her.

[@donnahubscher7995]

Yeah...watch it with the old lady comments. At 60 I could work circles around most kids a third my age. At 70 not so much...lol.

[@bonitahobbs2374]

Weird too when I was 60, I was 35❗❗❗ But at 68 "LIFE'S BUTT" has been TRYING to kick mine!! 😆🥴🤩

[@karenniehues4786]

@@bonitahobbs2374I’m 71 & life has definitely kicked my butt!!!

[@MK-hz2bn]

My husband just walked by and said “are you watching someone shop?” I told him “yes, thrift stores, in Omaha, I’ve never been to Omaha!” Lol y’all have some good stuff up there. I’m in Alabama and our stores aren’t the best. The antique stores are really expensive here but have the best stuff. Thrift stores here are usually more dishes, lamps, small furniture, clothes and Knick knacks.

[@helentaylor4911]

To fix the button cut a circle of the material larger than the button. Do two running stitches around the outside of the circle pull it tight till it fits over the button and tie off the threads. Hope I’ve explained it well enough

[@amynicoletaylor588]

I was scrolling to see if someone had commented this, and my grandmother that actually taught me how to sew.. her name was Helen Taylor. I was shocked to say the least 😂😊

[@Aragedie]

​@Amy Nicole Taylor isn't the internet awesome? ❤

[@Ucongold]

It is super easy to cover that button. 2 minutes tops.

[@swonsley245]

Was in a Good Will store with high prices and the store manager noted that their higher mgt has RAISED the budget that her store must meet every month to $200k which explains the unbelievable price per item. She is now considering a change in employment because she hears complaints about this subject everyday.

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

instead they should price things lower to MOVE things out quicker at a higher volume!

[@swonsley245]

Exactly....That is the most logical for sure. Maybe that's the reason we would not be considered to be on their boards. LOL

[@lydia67119]

The goodwill in my area said the same thing!! Higher management is increasing monthly quotas :(

[@swonsley245]

@@lydia67119 That explains it! Wow!!!

[@janeevans4758]

It's such a shame the big spoon stiring I am's from the top get so greedy! It really ruines things for everyone, the store will eventually get closed down as it has no turnover, local ppl don't get a bargain,flippers end up shopping out of town which boosts other area's, management need to re look at what they are doing for sure. In the uk so many of our charity shops have closed for that very reason, we used to have a £1 charity shop,it was brilliant & always packed out...now after the powers that be have intervened,nothing is £1 and nothing moves 🤷‍♀️ such a shame. We have a charity called Katherine House and due to the price increase alot of items don't move so they actually smash the items up and dump them and tons of clothes get put in landfill! It's totally disgusting and everytime I go I write out a complaint form to higher management.

[@MK-hz2bn]

We bought a new home awhile back and previous home furnishings didn’t go with our new house. I am a real estate photographer and get a lot of deals and free stuff from people moving. I just furnished my sons house at college that way and thrift stores. All really cool items. Real Leather couch set with recliner had the cool stitching, Lane furniture $100 came from a house that the homeowners were downsizing and not going to have a movie/game room at the new house. The furniture had barely been used. So it can be done, you have to know what you need, have patience and look around. Family yard sales are great too and they usually start on Thursday or Friday afternoon.

[@barbaradiaz345]

In alabama where I live they do yard sales on Fridays and Saturdays.

[@Mark32115]

I love what you create ….and ur helper…so glad you two talked things out and are giving your relationship a chance.

[@valarieogle2768]

I had that exact table. You pull the outer leaves apart and the center leaves food down. My son salvaged it (and 6 chairs) from the dump and brought it to me. I refinished the top, cleaned it up and used it for a couple years before I sold it. I loved that the leaves were self storing.

[@JennyinGero]

I’ve been watching you guys and love your thought and selection process in your videos!! Ps the picture was not Van Gogh for $25 - it was Edvard Munch who painted The Scream 😱 ☺️😍ps can’t wait to see what you do with the green chairs!

[@paulinecoyne3324]

I love your upcycling you've taught me so much. Can't wait to see the A B&B completed. Great work. Your Irish fan Pauline. I am 70 and get a kick doing some upcycling. Thank you.

[@jeannemcmillintwinlakeses3767]

You are so right about furniture prices. I'm in Vegas and the prices some places ask for used furniture is crazy. Night stands cost more than a huge dresser that is in better shape. Stuff that is falling apart and covered in kids stickers is even more! And each Goodwill prices how ever they want. The store in my part of town is sometimes 3 times as much as an store in an older part of town. We have a Deseret Industries and they get a lot of new furniture from a furniture store in town and the prices are about the same as used junk. Just gotta keep your eyes pealed and something will pop up.

[@PettieBettie]

I’m also in Vegas. Desert Industries?

[@pamboone6921]

Hi guys, Those old tv stands are also turned into play kitchens for kids, The ones I’ve seen is so awesome!! ❤

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

Yes they are! I just wish more people wanted them so it would be worth it!

[@kimberlyrudolphcap1789]

I love that you hit all the stores but curious as to why you wouldn’t take the truck knowing you were trying to buy furniture. Can’t wait for the chair video!

[@RevdUp.Art.Fotografer]

My thought exactly.

[@bettykline348]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Lauren, you can buy the metal replacement buttons for the green chair at a fabric store. You just cut a fabric circle and press the two parts together and you have a matching button.

[@rebeccavinyard2899]

I liked the last dining set that you looked at. The chairs were very unique. ❤

[@tonicamp7069]

To fix a spot on edge where it is torn a bit. Take a pair of really sharp Scissors and scrape fibers off of the skirt with one edge of scissors, then use a clear fabric glue and put fibers on spot missing fabric. You may need to change directions on fabric if fibers are not coming off. Works like a charm!

[@michellepeters6532]

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve checked out your channel. And the minute I hear you and Neim talk it takes me back to why I fell in love with you guys and why I love watching you. I have to admit something though. I REALLY miss Neim’s dreads!! Lol!!! And even though I’m old enough to be your moms, he just has SUCH a baby face! Lol!!! Maybe he’ll grow them back again someday. (I also know that was a looong time ago!😂) I’m so glad I came upon this thrifting video! It’s so much fun to actually see what’s different in different parts of the country. I live in the Southwest. COMPLETELY different home decor styles out here. Keep thrifting my luvs! And I’ll definitely catch yas on the Flip Side. ❤️❤️💋💋💋

[@DenisePiscitello]

I liked the dining room table w/built in leaf & chairs just the way they were.

[@deleila_charlie2068]

That cabinet at 13:21 you can also turn into a kid's play kitchen. You turn the closet part into a fridge and the where the TV was you make a cooking area or sink. It's an easy flip and fun.

[@MochaQueen22]

I would love to see that old school entertainment set turned into a buffet, coffee bar, or something for those less used kitchen items made into a "statement piece"

[@MK-hz2bn]

I love that table and chairs. Beautiful. Dining sets are usually always in great shape

[@kimhough7753]

Wow…that’s a lot of thrift stores! Wish there was that many in my area. The prices for furniture has gone up here at my thrift stores too. Thanks for taking us along!

[@mariabolt3881]

Your Local Charity Stores are generally better to buy from. More competitive prices, local charities so your helping your own community and have better pricing for delivery. 😊🇬🇧

[@jeannineayres9553]

Button kit! They're super easy. The table with the awesome chairs and built in leaves is amazing. I'd reconsider if it's still there!

[@dwagnerful]

I work at a thrift store, and in their defence, they are trying to survive the high cost of doing business. You complained at the high price for a dresser, yet you're willing to take a $15 chair from them and resell it for $175?? That's quite a mark-up, and you're not really investing in improvements to the chair! I know the store I work at in Phoenix pays around 5k a month in summer for just the AC bill, not counting, rent, payroll, taxes, insurance, utilities, and much more! People abandon tons of junk furniture, garbage outside the store everyday and it cost $$ to have it hauled to the dump. All said, everyone is in business to make money, including the thrift store!

[@byebyebye5096]

They have buttons at the sewing store that are specifically used for making covered buttons. It’s a little kit.

[@randywolff580]

Remember Goodwill is not a charity, you donate , they make a big profit. Also I believe MDF is basically compressed, glued sawdust.

[@michellepeters6532]

I have the EXACT same china cabinet (Hutch) as the one in the thrift store with the table and chairs that you were really interested in! (@37.28 min in). What a trip! I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve had to move it! lol!!!!

[@annevalanche]

Hey! Not Van Gogh, it’s Edward Munch! Thought you’d wanna know! You two are fabulous! May blessings flow!

[@kimkuks6370]

DUDE! first of all she was a wise woman, not an old lady! and that is not van gogh...its munch. lol. I plan to thrift furniture when i move to FL. you guys are smart!

[@forevergogo]

@19:40 If you have an empty wall in your kitchen, I would highly suggest some deep shelves. I got some brackets and shelves from lowes, it was an afternoon project, and it filled the awkward empty wall in my kitchen "breakfast" area. And they are like 12" Deep shelves, so I keep my countertops pretty bare and have the shelves loaded with the appliances- instant pot, air fryer, food processor.. and some of the more decorative things I have, a couple pretty cake stands, a couple baskets filled with those tacky disposable paper plates plastic cups and utensils kinda stuff, one shelf of food containers- pastas/rice. All in all just 6 shelves, but it really helps keep the kitchen counters tidy.

[@wildflower1929]

If I had a house, I would absolutely be getting that large table and chairs! Solid wood and sturdy. A table like that will last a lifetime.... or multiple even

[@jarcha4200]

That print at 33:11 not a Van Gough. In fact, is a copy of a very famous painting “The Scream” by Edward Munch created in 1893 and Is arguably as iconic as the Mona Lisa. A shout to to my college Art Appreciation professor.

[@tammye6905]

I adore you both. Hello Gorgeous 😂 I thought the dining room set with cane back chairs looked really cool. Happy thrifting 🎉

[@colleenbrady9675]

The chain thrift stores vary upon location. Some are better than others. I love thrifting!!

[@kevinajohnbaptiste7005]

Ohhh lord i wish my country had a place like this!!!❤❤❤

[@jekku4688]

I've been noticing that at Goodwill, Salvation Army AND St. Vinnie's, they are acting more like regular brick & mortar stores, and are pricing accordingly. I'm really tired of going to what should be a "bottom of the barrel" priced, non-profit thrift store only to find (USED!) shoes for $39, purses for $29, etc. They know people are now very savvy when it comes to certain items, and as you said, they're taking advantage of that. The worst part is that people who really need super cheap, bottom of the barrel prices just get by, can't even afford to shop at thrift stores any longer. Personally, I will now only go to these stores on their "half off" days, when the prices are closer to "normal." 🙄

[@teresaminick1169]

Ty for sharing your knowledge of what makes a quality piece worth purchasing and what is not quality.

[@sandyschneider6792]

Older furniture has better bones!! Tongue and groove, teal wood vs particle board, etc!

[@tracyfield4238]

You’re making the right decisions on what not to add to your inventory. Trust those instincts ❤

[@tinkertailorgardenermagpie]

That $35 buffet or credenza woulda made a great coffee bar! Later coulda resold to a business as their cash-out stand.

[@trixie9777]

@39:43 “well we are getting one” about dining table. I love how authentic you guys are & didn’t edit out that little disagreement 😁😁😁

[@carolynsmith9184]

You are very wise and have the experience. If your gut says no and you are doing the work don’t be swayed. 🙏🌹

[@marysmith9083]

Love the design on dining chairs, set gorgeous as is !

[@samanthastaton2761]

New subscriber here! Thank you SO much for sharing such great tips for prepping and refinishing! Very helpful information. I love to thrift, both for resale and for myself but I've never ventured into furniture. Maybe now I will. Good luck with the new house!!

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

You’ve got a whole new world awaiting you ✨ you’re very welcome and I’m happy you are enjoying the information! If you like this I have a new program that’s pretty stinking amazing if you want to check that out! Here’s a link for more info: awesome-queen-912.myflodesk.com

[@tradergirl7067]

that store is enormous what a furniture gold mine

[@midcenturyflipper]

Good thrifting! I love this - I'm shooting a restoration video right now. A Mid-century bar cabinet. Stay tuned 🙂

[@bonitahobbs2374]

You are a strong little lady!! Great young couple! Stay safe

[@tinkertailorgardenermagpie]

Easy to recover the button w/fabric taken from a seam on the skirt (especially since u remove it!). You can buy a new button to cover from a fabric store (if that one is missing the top metal dome; they come in 2 parts). Easy-peasy.

[@cindystuder9090]

Have you all ever thought of taking an old piano, gutting it and turning it into a desk or open liquor cabinet? You could take the heavy interior stuff to a scrap yard to make some money back as well. As long as s rap prices are good that is. Lol. Just wondered since I saw an old piano at one of the stops. They always look so cool when done up.

[@cynthiawilson8294]

Here’s a link to the painting you said was a Van Gogh, but is actually a Munch ( pronounced Moonk): en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scream

[@janinewoodbridge3814]

Nice to see you yes things have been flying around in our garden and the second storm is going to hit tonight

[@bonniemasterjohn5440]

Ooops the painting is called The Scream and it is by Edward Munch. You can cover the button (dark green velvet chair) with fabric from the skirt.

[@mlm7598]

Excited to see what you do with the Green Corduroy chairs and footstools. I loved that large table and your idea to remove the spindles and put squares or wrought iron in that space. That was an expensive set when new especially with all that underneath storage and leaf's under and the hardware. Bonus is your family will be getting bigger and gatherings and you wouldn't have to "store" leaf's somewhere else........that is a pain in the behind. LOL Just saying. I wonder what the price was on that. That would be beautiful done up in your idea or just restain the wood to a deeper color..........depends on which way you go. Those chairs weren't cheap either.......and very well built. Yikes, I would have grabbed it and switched it up as you said! :-) You have a good eye on things!! Blessings and Happy Saint Patty's Day!

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

The set was $195 so really not bad at all since we would've kept it for ourselves! But I do want something we both like! Thanks for watching!

[@vickyzak-px2lp]

Super easy fix on the green chair button! The extra fabric you take off put over another button!

[@patriciap8112]

To cover the button is so easy ....cut a circle larger than the button wrap it over the button and wind cotton or elastic over it and there you go covered button....good luck cant wait to see how it turns out.....😊🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@paulettedutcher2093]

You can go to a big fabric store and get a piece of matching fabric to cover the button or there may be enough extra in the skirt. If you don’t sew, have someone that sews help you.

[@karenjohnson2759]

You are so thorough , love the way you the at used furniture, thanks for information.

[@susanseifert925]

SCORE on the green chairs😁😁😁 Like ti see those wheels turning when you find something. Can’t wait to see your flip. Like you said, if you can buy find the right size button that is meant to cover, it will be an easy fix. Waiting!! Oh, and in the last store, did you see the massive lamp selection😮. ✌️

[@johnwolfe2616]

Sue Wolfe- I had that table you're looking at from NFM. You open it by pulling on each end which enacts the gears and makes room for the leaves stored below. Pretty smart!

[@carolynpfiffner6683]

The Button is an easy fix.. There are covered button repair kits available at most fabric stores. The directions are on the kits. Get a curved needle to attach.

[@SneekySecrets]

I prefer special and unique furniture and decor. Quality vintage pieces beat the poor quality goods pumped into the market now. Its also feels good to save trees. Btw, those furnitre prices are not bad compaired to retail. You are just used to getting some incredibly deals!

[@dhammes9616]

I was thinking that very same thing take the skirt off and use the material to cover the button good thinking Lauren

[@LollieMouse]

You dodged a huge bullet with that Intercon table at the end. They look beautiful, but try to add a leaf and it's all downhill...gaps with the leaves are considered withn vendor tolerance and you would have to adjust the rails to make the leafs work without gapping. A lot of work!!

[@debbibowen]

The green chair just needs a button cover! You get them at sewing supply stores. Thats how they made the buttons to begin with. Just steal a bit of fabric from somewhere else on the chair.

[@kelle1808]

The dining room set w the cane back chairs, I have something similar they look like cousins. Same leg detail, different wood detail around top of chairs. I Bought w my house last March 2022. Really glad I did. New furniture prices are crazy (too). I hope you go back for that set. I really need to see how these chairs can be spruced up;) The cane backing is quality but needs something extra. Congrats on the new home!

[@Danajanene]

Some how this video came up in my feed today...I'm so glad that it did...new subscriber.

[@carro4479]

As a former furniture recovering...adding fabric from the skirt to make the button cover...the sewing stores have kits to cover buttons with fabric.

[@mariaglode712]

Edvard Munch The Scream!!!

[@gottathinkupanewone]

If you're pulling the skirts off these older chairs, anyway, you can just get another button the same size as the ones on the chair and cover it with piece of fabric from the skirt. The "dimple" is already part of the tufting; you can just cover the new bottom and glue it in place. You could have repaired the torn side of that yellow chair from the first store, too, with a piece from the skirt and some simple stitching.

[@susanmulvey6311]

At goodwill prices, because the items cost is so high, I would just buy new!!

[@mlwashington4118]

Thanks for taking us along and giving great tips.

[@elizabethgoetz8040]

If you pull off skirt, use material. You said it as I was typing it!!!🎉

[@paulamcclellan8436]

Fixing drawer slides is easy, as for bottom wood skirt & legs those can be removed & replaced ,I saw a flip where it was done & it looked great.

[@denisekoenig9479]

What kills me is these places get items for free that are donated to them and then they wanna charge a fortune smh

[@annagia153]

You guys were ruthless in your search and what do you know it paid off. 😂🤣 Neman… you have to wash your hands for sure now!!!

[@hnycreek]

I really liked the last dining set. You could do wonders with that. Looks like mid century bamboo style.

[@FurnitureFlippingTeacher]

yes! that was super cool - just waaaay too large for us

[@kathydoran6176]

That was interesting, thanks for taking us along!

[@charlottes8134]

You don't have to get rid of the skirt to just fix the one tufted button. The part where the skirt folds over on the hem and the inner part that doesn't show can be cut out a little just to the size needed for the button. Hope I made sense.

[@tarynkriebel319]

I agree, the prices are absurd at some of these “thrift” places.

[@juliecampbell430]

There are kits at craft stores where you can make buttons. Or take the fabric to an upholstery shop in your area and ask them to make a few buttons. Worst they can do is say no.

[@TinaLouise528]

Oh yeah. Hurray! Yahoo! A new video from you! 🎉🎉🎉 Thanks!

[@sandybrenda3226]

You can buy covered button kits, (comes in many sizes).since you will have scrap fabric to cover it.

[@chandrasutton4669]

Yep, cover the button with fabric from the skirt!!! Whoot Whoot 😊

[@nanceward6317]

Those buttons on the green chairs are fabric covered buttons, and if you look in any place that sells buttons, these should be metal buttons that are not put together and they're very easy to do

[@teresa-kurtolander9579]

Re: the missing button. I think it’s just the top “shell” of a covered button. Go to Joanne’s with the measurement and buy a covered button. I think you will need to glue and sew. Am Nd I’d love a video. About how you met and your relationship.

[@karynm3365]

I've found the same problem with thrift stores in my area as well. There was even a shirt that still had it's original tag attached, and the Goodwill price was actually higher than the original price! Lol.

[@nunyabznz3029]

I used to go to the Restore that is part of Habitat. Recently they totally emptied everything and are barely stocking things.

[@confusedandsleepless]

The painting over the green velvet chair is not a Van Gogh. It's "The Scream" by Norwegian painter, Edvard Munch.

[@lindah120]

Wow, I can’t get over those ridiculous furniture prices. Our thrift stores, GW and SA, generally ask $15-25 per piece.

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

it's nice how you explained things about the pieces, their construction and why you liked or disliked.

[@marinatroxell4956]

Love your ideas and your help. Thanks! Btw, The Scream painting is actually by Edward Munch, not Van Gogh. All of us are learning all the time! :)

[@jetta.silence6356]

I used to work at a salvation army thrift store. They are way overpriced. If you like a few pieces you can haggle with the manager on a better price. Especially if you know its been there awhile. Sometimes its priced high so no one buys it because someone that works there wants it. But it has to hit the floor first to see if they can sell it. If it doesnt sell within 24/48 hours they will price it way down so the worker can buy it.

[@TammiTrail-w6w]

Friends son works for goodwill. He says donated items will be tossed in the trash before selling at lower prices or FREE. Many people dig through their trash.

[@arizonajo2791]

You could have used the fabric from the ottoman to restore the button. They sell buttons to recover at JoAnn or an upholster shop.

[@chrischevalier1980]

If I’m looking for furniture for myself l’ll go to a furniture consignment shop. You’ll pay more but the quality and brands are better. Thrift and donations are usually pretty beat up by time they are given away. Flipping and repurposed for resale is a great way to keep it out of the land fill.

[@denisekoenig9479]

You could use the material from the skirt like you said for the green chair or just change out the buttons