The ULTIMATE Thrift Store Guide for eBay Resellers (2024)

You can check out my app Flipwise here: flipwise.app
The other KZbin channels I mention in the video are:
- Thrift School @ThriftSchool (Media)
- Back From Burnout @backfromburnout (Books)
- Thrift a Life @ThriftALife (Clothing)
My favorite reselling tools that I use:
- Label printer: tinyurl.com/28hdx8y8
- My favorite packing tape brand: tinyurl.com/29k792e6
- Postage scale: tinyurl.com/zakyprz5
- The best tape gun: tinyurl.com/55pmcbr9
- Photography lights: amzn.to/4bRgVOj
You can also find me on Instagram here: / justinresells.yt
Some of the links above contain affiliate codes, which means I may get a cut if you decide to make a purchase. And Flipwise is an app that I co-founded. Thank you for your support!

[@wwz1011]

A couple things I like finding: vintage books and vintage auto repair guides. Vintage books do not have bar codes. So the typical book buyer misses them. If you know literature, you can find what they miss. Bought a Spensers Mountain, 1st edition, at the bins while three other people ignored it while they scanned other books. Sold for $100. Bought a 1st edition Atlas Shrugged at a church sale, paid $1, sold $300. On auto repair guides, the best are from the manufacturers and the worst are the Haynes and Chilton brands. Just sold a BMW manual, in German, $200. Bought about 30 repair guides at a bag sale for $1. I've sold about $500 from that bag. I even bought a few Chilton/Haynes. At 3 cents each, I'm OK selling those for $10 to $15. While these finds are rare, the vintage book lots are not rare and you can sell a set of 20 for $50 to $60. Just sold 31 pulp fiction PB lot for $72, paid 25 cents each.

[@dinero8069]

As great of information as this is, if you are a NEW SELLER STAY AWAY FROM BOOKS! In 23 years of selling on eBay with over 8,500+ sold items, I have never been hit with a VeRO until... I started selling books. Just from selling books I was hit with 4 VeRO strikes. One more and my eBay would had been banned. Now I was allowed to get away with 4 strikes because I have been on the platform since 2001. If you are new, lets say 500 sold items new, you don't get a warning you just get a permanent ban. BE VERY CAREFUL WITH BOOKS. Understand what you're selling, who the publisher is, and if the publisher is okay with you selling there books. I always contact publishers before posting from now on, and 80% of the time I get a response from their lawyers saying I am not allowed to resell the book on eBay.

[@AlexButler-ry3hj]

Thousands of books sold, never one Vero. I guess you got singled out.

[@dinero8069]

@@AlexButler-ry3hj Definitely not singled out, it’s a massive issue that people have been complaining about on eBay community & eBay groups for years. I’ve been on eBay for 21 years. You must sell a specific niche of books with specific publishers that you know is safe. The problem with books, that publishers don’t like is that they’re trying to sell their books for $50-$90 online, and eBay sellers go and gouge the prices down to $5-$10 so eventually they just started to VeRO everyone. At least the ones who know what they’re doing.

[@dinero8069]

@@AlexButler-ry3hj There’s no shot you have sold thousands of books or have any clue as to what you are talking about. I’ve got 4 VeROs from books and the eBay community is outraged by it on the forums as they have too. I’ve been on eBay for 21 years now. Lol. Not to mention based on your uploads from a couple of weeks ago, you are 6 years old.

[@AlexButler-ry3hj]

@dinero8069 It's my youngest daughter using my account. I don't make it a habit to give my kids free reign of the internet without supervision. The fact you immediately jumped to that tells me everything. Have a great day.

[@deborahveryking6441]

One of your best videos. Lots of information with quick presentation. Love your style!

[@joshmarshall8694]

I always get something from your videos! Thank you so much for sharing! You rock!

[@heatherbeach4506]

"Look for underwear, tell 'em Justin sent ya" 😂😂😂😂😂 LOVE IT! LOL

[@oversizedshipping]

Wow great video man just subbed appreciate the info. Been doing all categories for about 10 years myself. It's great to still find channels that I can learn from.

[@Retired2Resell]

I'm a fairly new full time reseller and this is just a great list of products to look for, you nailed it with the VCR DVD combo players, those things sell so quickly! Thanks for the videos!

[@Tiffany-mu5ob]

Thank you for this very informative video. I'm thinking about getting into reselling, so video's like this are very appreciated.😊

[@rachelsaelid6081]

Good tips. Thanks for referencing the channels that specialize in things like books.

[@ScratchinwithGarfolink]

Love the video and the footage. Makes me want to go to the thrift stores. 😊

[@amandapowell2750]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@theflippintoothfairyjackie5702]

You just totally described how I thrift in GW 😊 I never leave empty handed…there’s always something that I can flip for a profit 👍 Thanks for your knowledge!!

[@Teena6565]

Great Video. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@thriftingtiger]

Shout out to Mel! She's so lovely. Great info!

[@laurad164]

Thank you so much for all the valuable tips!

[@TheWildwoodPicker]

I have no idea what thrift stores you’re shopping at or where they’re located at, but the Goodwill stores here in NJ and PA are through the roof. I’ve even talked with the Region Manager for my area and he tells me the Goodwill is spending a million dollars a month to BUY merchandise? Buy Merchandise?!?! Since when does the Goodwill buy merchandise? I thought everything was donated to the Goodwill? The Goodwill stores have caught on that there are lots of resellers out there making lots of money from buying at thrift stores. Now they want in on the action too. Then you have Mom and Pop thrfit stores, they're so small if they don't have higher prices they will go under. I don't want to be negative, but I think Flea Markets, Yard Sales, and Estate Sales are going to be the best places to find great items to sell. It's cold here now so there are no yard sales happening in my area. That's the bad part of living in the NE part of the US.

[@kaonashiitoi3682]

There are other thrift stores aside from Goodwill. Go to Salvation Army and get creative. Utilize FBM as well

[@TwoTrakMind]

The Goodwill near me is mostly brand new merchandise that was purchased. It's worthless to shop there, because there is so little actual "thrift." It's just a retail store that sells thing for the same price as any other store.

[@ohno1017]

I'm in Southern Louisiana and it's the same down here. Goodwill and thrift stores have basically become ebay brick and mortar stores. Yard sales is your only real chance

[@TheWildwoodPicker]

@@ohno1017 I agree it seems like Goodwill is turning into an eBay brick and mortar. That being said, I still find good stuff to sell and I am selling them making money it’s just getting harder and harder to find that treasure. I’m starting to get into clothes mainly shirts. I don’t think I’m gonna mess around with pants but shirts seems to be an area where once I learn more what’s good and what’s not I think I can do pretty well with that.

[@justinresells]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJmziWtjjqqrps0

[@myfamilyteam5156]

Amazing video brother! 🙏 Much ❤ and success to you.

[@mikeoxbig4705]

This video is a game-changer for a newbie like me who just stepped into the world of eBay selling a month ago. Your content is a goldmine of authentic and valuable information, and I can't thank you enough for sharing your insights. Your sincerity and professionalism shine through, making the learning process enjoyable. I appreciate your positivity and the absence of negativity towards different selling approaches. It's refreshing to find such a supportive and informative space. In the short span of your video, I've gained an incredible amount of knowledge that's immensely beneficial. Consider me a new subscriber, eagerly looking forward to more of your invaluable content. Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for being a guiding light for us new eBay sellers!

[@justinresells]

Thanks Mike. I appreciate the kind words!

[@mikeoxbig4705]

@@justinresells Kind words they are but they are meant to be a sincere "Thank you" and a positive feedback from a new reseller. I'm on a mission to watch your videos as I sit and list items.

[@heidihicks2677]

Me too

[@ZeeCapp]

Hey man I’m just getting into reselling today, how’s your first couple months doing it been?

[@mikeoxbig4705]

@@ZeeCapp My wife and I are in our 4th month of reselling and it is certainly a great journey. We are continuing to grow and we thoroughly enjoy it. We are seeing the "fruits of our labor". Do yourself a favor and apply for a "FlipWise" beta tester. This is a "must-have".

[@GeneralFrankenberry]

Excellent episode! This the exact type of video I imagined when I suggested it in the comments of a prior video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Justin. Also, I completely agree, anything goes at the stl bins 😂

[@justinresells]

I'm still trying to pick the hair off my screen.

[@rockinrob2004]

@@justinresells OMG I thought the same thing! ;p

[@jenniferteague8784]

Excellent video as always!

[@WronaworksWondershop]

Fantastic info as always! Next we need Justin’s Guide to being a good human! ❤😂

[@pamprier4710]

Hahaha! Love it!

[@Teachbakeflip]

Great video! I love selling mugs and board games also and had some great successes.

[@MindsetMatters333]

Great video thank you. That software looked amazing I'll try it out. I'm just getting started and look forward to digesting you're content to help me on my journey. :)

[@hollykadrich7505]

Best most educational video I've watched, ever

[@DuffyHomes]

I walked into a Goodwill and bought 64 pairs of underwear from 1987 to 1992! paid $1 per package. I sell them for $25.00 and I am down to four packages in less than two months.

[@justinresells]

living the dream!

[@PickingVegasandBeyond]

The misc section of the thrift store is a goldmine. I probably find the most valuable items in that section.

[@williambreeze2659]

Thanks for the guide!

[@jamieomahen2656]

😂😂😂😂 I will be sure to tell them Justin sent me! Excellent video thank you!

[@hdbinnc8583]

Thank you! Very helpful.

[@happycowgirl32]

Great video. Big tip: The shampoo tray is very popular for people in wheelchairs. This is how my mom's hairdresser shampoos her hair.

[@tshirtfactory07]

EASILY my favorite reseller channel!

[@justinresells]

thanks!

[@JridePicks]

Good stuff as always

[@gggeeek]

Those board games and MtG commander deck... I've never seen anything even close to those. Crazy good finds.

[@fpgaruda9966]

I agree it’s important to have some knowledge about what has value. One of my favorite things about thrifting is taking some time outside of what I know and just looking closely at the things I’d normally pass off as junk. I end up doing some research and discover history of items. A tip I’ll share is if you found something that’s worth much more than you expected, sell it and take the profit. It’s been 15 years since I last sold items and I had a few things I didn’t post, things have sat packed in a box those years. Recently I thought I’d take some time and start selling again. I found the items to sell that I boxed so long ago. Mostly media items, I have a few Wickerman collectors edition wood box dvd that in 2011 were selling for around $150, now they sell for $20. That’s about what I paid for them back then. I’d say from that 15 year old box, 5% has gone up, 50% stayed stagnant and, 45% decreased in value.

[@midgardian2216]

I agree with the knic-nack shelf idea, I have found valuable items there but it is basically my last stop. I once found a vintage Japanese tea bell that sold for $80 and I paid $6 for it.

[@bbfan1014]

Thanks for a great informative video

[@tebourgeois]

Thanks for the Great info!

[@btackett2]

Tremendous video, thanks a lot

[@LeanneLaney]

WOW! How organized you are! I never thought to keep this detailed information for all my items! How long did it take you to do this?

[@PickingVegasandBeyond]

The media section is easy to learn. I just found 2 high dollar dvd sets along with a high dollar vhs set. I don’t find many high dollar books, but I have found a few.

[@heidihicks2677]

Man I love your information and fast talking. Super satisfying for my ADHD 😊

[@LaurieAnnCurry]

Hero’s Quest was/is the best! My kids & I played for countless hours. We had all the expansion packs and it burned in a house fire. Love that game

[@DFerrante-nz6sk]

Learning a lot,Thanks!😊

[@hkenn5891]

Good info, thank you.

[@ellenm1937]

I found that in general Mondays are the worst days to go. Weekends are big thrift store shopping days, a lot of stuff has been picked over and Sunday is often closed and they haven't processed anything that's been donated over the weekend yet. By Tuesday there will usually be new inventory out.

[@KittyMama61]

It's hard for me to shop just for resale, because I take my husband, and he wants stuff for himself, lol. My strategy is going to be to keep separate carts, and a separate account for my little resale hobby. I have that square red crockpot and I love it! Great for racks of ribs, pork chops, chicken leg 1/4's. If you have one, know that it runs hot, so line it with foil before you cook.

[@julieh80]

Thank you!!

[@arthurgphotography]

Very eye opening thank you

[@steph6197]

Great sales 🎉

[@dennyps1]

Just gound your channel and subscribed, some great and realistic tips

[@BoringReviews]

Hey. Another great video. Could you share what you use to clean your products after getting them from a thrift store

[@865Picker]

Ty for another great video. Any idea on when you think flipwise will be ready. I signed up to be notified but was hoping you might have an idea as to how much longer. Really need to get something soon especially since it’s first of year.

[@justinresells]

I would expect it'll be ready in the next 60 days, but that is a guess. Could be sooner, could be later. If you're interested in getting access now as a beta tester, fill out this form and we will get you in there sooner: forms.gle/cRJZaHMokgjC7yn1A

[@deannajohnson5464]

“Tell em Justin sent you” 😂😂😂😂

[@annland781]

Great video. I appreciate the info on areas I don't usually look at. My areas are vintage decor and toys. Subscribing ✨🎉

[@user-gh2of4zs5q]

Great video

[@korban007]

Thrift stores around here in Texas hard to find either good shape, and price too high. Even finding some garage sales pricing in at ebay prices. Have to keep pushing through and get to know items. And keep going to other sales till find the right one. And the last day doesn’t mean the good stuff is gone either. People miss items. I got my skill up by going to the hardest place the pawn shop. They should know prices for everything. But often found at least one item. All the searching over and over got me to spot deals easier. Then started other places than pawn shops, and thrift stores and do good at garage sales, estate sales, and flea markets. Even bulk trash can have items along with supplies for your business. If feels like their isn’t anything out there, you still early in what to look for valuable. Don’t be desperate and if I started over I’d get to know one category as can speed your knowledge at the same time be equipt to ship the same type of items. Everything sellers may be the hardest way to go, just expect longer learning periods. Good luck 👍🏾

[@LannieLord]

FIND A GOOD FLEA MARKET - even if it's a few hours away.

[@swolluminatiofficial]

It's funny because shipping from Canada is anything but cheap. The cheapest options outside of letter mail are typically around $14.99 CAD so it makes eBay reselling quite a bit more challenging. Great information though and I agree, sharpening your skills on what has value is the best way to get in on the reselling gold mine

[@dgh5223]

I bought a dvd/vhs player to keep for myself to especially test vhs tapes out. I’ve had vhs tapes look fine with your eye but it didn’t work right in vcr. Test those vhs tapes out if you can.

[@susanb374]

I sell vintage and not so vintage handbags and small leather goods. I clean, refresh, and recondition them. I never buy unless I can sell between 3x-5x cost which is a great turnover. They do take a while to sell, and some never leave my house (but that's a whole other issue lol).

[@PieceofScrap]

I just stumbled on your video and so glad I did! I've sold those super shooters in the past but have been passing them up recently. I need to rethink that :) Wow! that Starbucks mug. Have you noticed a decline in selling Starbucks / Yeti since the Stanley craze?

[@justinresells]

yeah prices have gone down on those mugs but they were already headed down even before the stanley craze

[@Residew]

Awesome video. Thank you! Millions of waffles. Billions of dishes. 😊

[@debbieholt8261]

I find that the Resellers in certain areas of the country do better than others. If you live in an area like around PA or the Midwest, Church Rumage Sales are quite common. That truly is one of the best places to shop! You have people pricing that for the most part have little knowledge of the value of a lot of items, especially hardgoods!

[@justinresells]

i talk about my love for church sales in this video! I bought $265,189 worth of eBay inventory from these 8 places (ranked) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKq7ZZx-aJKkeqc

[@metavinci427]

I picked up a bunch of those DonJoy and Breg (knee) braces at my local TS for $3/per. They move kinda slow but are a good staple.

[@timma9027]

I want to use Flipwise for sure. Curious about pricing when they go live.

[@MaddFinds]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! When are you releasing your app?

[@justinresells]

hard to predict exactly when it’ll be ready for prime time but probably sometime in Feb

[@FashionablyRestyled]

Hi from snowy Wisconsin. Galaxy CDS Rocks & Flips is another excellent resource for books. Additionally, he has a great weekly podcast all about reselling news. I never miss and highly recommend

[@pamprier4710]

Shane, at Curator for the Lost, is another great source for learning which types of books sell best.

[@treygriffin6681]

Ive sold underwear and pantyhose that were brand new vintage that I bought at estate sales usually for less than fifty cents a pack and sold them from 10 to 40 dollars each.

[@Flowmo911]

Great video, thank you

[@justinresells]

You are welcome!

[@NostalgiaPicker]

Knowledge in multiple niches will increase the opportunities to buy.

[@nancycrane7584]

Thanks. Lots of good ideas. ! Now, it's just to find things that will sell ..lol

[@Pensacola_Flipper]

I can’t wait to use your app. I got an email for extra information hope I get picked 😊

[@user-hh5bq2bs7e]

Unless your at the bins! 😂😂

[@Gabe06.10]

keep your eyes out for 2016 five nights at freddys funko plushes! also lemax christmas houses do good as well

[@Lgirl89]

I wish my local thrift stores would have resonable prices!!

[@mb-pc3zn]

Weekday mornings seem to work for me 9:00 in-between 11:00 am

[@kwit7377]

Too funny…I have that new wave oven and was going to drop it at the thrift store!

[@justinresells]

i probably would have bought it!

[@kwit7377]

No doubt😂

[@andreabeard2553]

I love seeing the variety of items, and sometimes unique items, you sell. Do you normally research your items and list them as Buy It Now or do you put them up for Auction and take your chances?

[@justinresells]

Thank you for watching. I have a whole video on that subject! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4CWY3ecgNeEr5I

[@Rescued_Goodies]

Most resellers' BOLO videos are a waste of time, but this video is very high quality content! Thanks for putting this together. Lots of great info.

[@TheAeasy19]

How much would you say is a good dollar amount to spend on your first haul ?

[@amandamarr460]

My bin store now has a priced section So the treasures you maby couldve got for 1.25 a pound is now 25.00

[@KittyMama61]

I have a ton of vintage Stanley Thermos'. I thought maybe they would be worth something, but alas...

[@Ruslan-li8yu]

But how do you know the full name of the product that you sell, how do you receive paintments and how do you know where to price it at?

[@ronaldjoe5529]

How do you figure out the cost of shipping on your items?

[@savedbyshosh2676]

Great Content! Quick question; when you say "test" the camera, do you actually load film? or do you just "power it up" with a new battery? TIA!

[@justinresells]

i don’t film test it personally, just power

[@savedbyshosh2676]

@@justinresells thank you so much!

[@red4delta27]

Thank you so much for the tips and tricks. The only thing I would like to ask is, the items you’re showing that you sold, were they set a “buy it now” or “bidding” items on your store? Thank you in advance.

[@justinresells]

When to Use Buy it Now vs. Auctions on eBay kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4CWY3ecgNeEr5I

[@red4delta27]

I understand it now. Thank you so very much

[@patland1762]

At the thrift one day I picked up 10 bathroom plumbing items. Turned out they were new and high end, $50 into $2,100 in two months.

[@shannonowings8117]

Hey, I recognize some of those cities in your logs 😀 If I'm correct, I'm just across the river. Hi neighbor! (It not, hi anyway)

[@justinresells]

hi neighbor!

[@nonasmith2405]

Sometimes, in my opinion, people will have a friend buy an item for a high price to get higher sales.

[@zacefrondluffy]

If my item listing is going to be renewed should I drop the price? If so by how much 5-15%? Ive had this item at the same price renew for 2 months with 0 views and 0 watchers. What should I do? Thank you in advance!

[@DrVanNostrand01]

Lol haven’t seen a hero quest in the wild in abt a decade

[@dealdishingmom]

Do you look up everything you buy or do you just take a chance on items? Or have you been doing this a while, and you just know things that will sell? Thanks for all the info.

[@justinresells]

answered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHjVgZduhNSCeqs :)

[@melissamenier9657]

Hi Justin, I appreciate your insights on reselling electronics. Specifically, I’m curious about untested items. When you list something as ‘Untested’ and it sells for a significant amount, I assume buyers expect it to work regardless of the fact that you clearly stated it was not tested. In your experience, out of every 10 untested electronic widgets, how many end up not functioning, and the buyer requests a refund? In those cases, you are responsible for shipping to him, and possibly back. Maybe even some fees. In which case, it's a net loss. The question being, of course: How many times out of 10 does that happen?

[@justinresells]

when i sell things untested i list the condition as for parts / not working with returns turned off. so buyers do not expect it to work unless they do not read the listing. i sub think i’ve ever had that happen though

[@sunilpimplikar7766]

Do you put a fixed price on the items sold or do you sell through bidding?

[@justinresells]

i have a whole video on that :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4CWY3ecgNeEr5I

[@rockinrob2004]

I love it! ;p "I have no shame I'll buy underwear from the thrift store but only if it's in the packaging I'm not going to buy any loose underwear, I'm NOT a maniac!" LMAO! I'll tell them you sent me! ;p

[@niutak76]

Do you fully test small kitchen appliances or just turn them on for testing. Example, do you make coffee with a coffee maker, make a waffle with waffle maker, etc? This is one niche I haven't gone down because I don't have the time to actually make things just to resell it and some are just large to store and take up too much space.

[@justinresells]

It depends on the specific item, but I do not usually do full tests, no. Just basic power for the most part, which has been enough.

[@niutak76]

@@justinresells I kind of figured as much but good to know. This is one niche I usually just pass by but never hurts to learn more of them. Great list in this video and thanks for the quick reply.

[@Rodogg7787]

Even if they are broken (dvd vcr combos) you can sell it for parts as is & make a little $ that way.... I know you'd rather sale working ones but if you have a few, you can do a lot, that way someone who works on them can buy them from you...... Just saying....

[@justinresells]

I usually stack my broken ones up and then put them on FBMP as a lot for other resellers who know how to repair.

[@josephmann9569]

I’m new at this. Do you guys use the auction or just buy it now when you’re pricing your items.

[@justinresells]

When to Use Buy it Now vs. Auctions on eBay kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4CWY3ecgNeEr5I

[@born2perform26]

Do you look at sell through rate? This is what i am having trouble with! List it and forget it? Or grab whatever makes profit? 🤷 ty

[@justinresells]

this video should help you: Why are my eBay sales so slow? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGG4YaKZg5WHr9E

[@born2perform26]

@@justinresells ty!

[@thomascabral8443]

wowgreat tips,,,

[@matthewwhelan7305]

I have one store that I’ve grown the relationship at that I literally ask once I’m done searching “Do y’all have any other racks you can bring out before I leave?” They end up bringing more out most of the time if they have the floor space, giving me first access to fresh inventory. Planning on rewarding the main employee with a gift card soon.

[@dtanner7]

Do you list coats and jackets year round or do you wait for the fall/winter to list them?

[@justinresells]

year round. no sense in letting it sit in my inventory unlisted :)

[@dtanner7]

@@justinresells do you buy less in the warmer months or keep a steady amount coming into the store?

[@justinresells]

i buy valuable items whenever i see them regardless of whether they are in season or not

[@dtanner7]

@@justinresells great advice, I like the way you think.