thriftflippers

Thriftflippers are individuals who buy secondhand items from thrift stores, charity shops, flea markets, or garage sales with the intention of reselling them at a higher price. They may operate as casual hobbyists or as small, home-based businesses. The practice combines scouting, valuation, and selling skills, and relies on identifying items with demand that exceeds their purchase cost after considering cleaning, repairs, and listing effort.

Common categories include vintage apparel, sneakers, furniture, collectibles, electronics, and media such as records or comics. Success depends on knowledge of market demand, item condition, authenticity, size, and current trends. Thriftflippers use research tools such as price guides, sold listings, condition databases, and community knowledge to estimate value.

Sourcing and listing: they visit thrift stores, auctions, estate sales; they photograph items, measure dimensions, describe defects, and set prices. Platforms include eBay, Poshmark, Depop, Etsy, Instagram shops, Facebook Marketplace, and local markets. Some specialize in particular niches and build repeat buyers.

Economics and sustainability: profitability requires balancing purchase price, platform fees, shipping costs, and time. Margins vary widely; some rely on high-volume, others on high-margin, rare items. Flipping can support circular economy goals through extended product life; critics note energy use in refurbishment and potential overconsumption.

Ethics and impact: thrift stores and charities benefit from donated goods but may experience reduced access for cash-strapped shoppers if resellers compete for high-demand items. Local regulations may require sales tax collection, business licenses, and compliance with platform policies. Critics point to price inflation in busy thrift venues and the risk of counterfeit or misrepresented items.

See also Thrifting, Resale, Flipping, Secondhand economy.