Every day there are people cleaning out their attics and basements, tossing perfectly good stuff into the trash. While some folks might donate to Goodwill, most of them just junk their old things. That is where you come in. Clearing out a basement can create a big mess while you wait for the garbage truck to haul away sofas and tvs and such. But what if someone offered to pick all that up and take it away for free?
With a pickup, you can relieve these cleaners of their so-called trash, pick out the jewels and sell them while taking the rest to the local dump. All you need is transport and a store front, which, depending on your area zoning, could be as near as your garage.
Thrift stores thrive on variety. There is nothing too weird for a store of this type. People searching for a part for that 1952 coffee maker, head first to shops like yours. So don't toss items that don't work, save the parts. If you are at all handy, you can earn even more money buy fixing up broken, free appliances and selling them at 100% profit.
Old furniture is usually fine after a light sanding and refinishing. Slip covers do wonders for upholstered pieces and a couple of cushions can brighten up a sofa. The point is, don't discard something just because it looks old and used. First, decide if you can fix it or if you know someone who can do so for a low price. If the item is worth it, keep it.
You will need to advertise, of course. The best way to do this is place an ad in the local paper and word of mouth. Don't limit your ads to inviting people to your store, let them know about your pickup service as well.
Should your space be limited, limit your products as well. Stick to smaller items such as books, toys and the like.
Prices are why thrift shops are frequented. You can't expect someone to walk into your store and pay a couple hundred for a chair you refinished. If you are into that, you should have an antique store, not a thrift shop. So, keep your prices low, reasonable and offer deals. For example, $5 for as many books as you can fit in a paper grocery bag.
With fair prices and quality product, your store should be a hit in no time. And as it grows, you might consider expanding onto the internet. This is a great market for one-of-a-kind items.
Resources:
http://www.tgtbt.com/startashop.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Start-a-Thrift-Store&id=219416
http://home.nc.rr.com/thriftcourse/
http://www.ccthita-swan.org/main/reuse.cfm
July 29, 2008
