Head to These Atlanta Thrift Stores to Find Some New-to-You Goods (2024)

FAQs

How do you find rare and valuable items at thrift stores? ›

Look for Gently Used Items

Items that are like-new may have decent resale value simply because they're still in good condition. For example, real jewelry — which is typically heavier than costume pieces — can be a valuable find.

Look for typically high-value items

Once inside a thrift store, you can search for items that may be ideal for flipping. These items may include collectable items, such as trading cards and action figures, or clothes and accessories, such as shoes, purses and watches.

First, there is no production of new clothing, and items get dropped off directly at the stores. This means that thrift shopping creates virtually no emissions. Second, because the items are pre-owned, costs are much lower and tend to rise more slowly than those of new pieces.

You can hit the jackpot while thrifting if you know what to look for. Antony Charman, antique expert and founder of Vintage Cash Cow says, “There are specific types of items that will always be valuable, including rare coins, antique furniture, vintage toys and jewelry.

Think through your thrifting strategy

Items are often out of place at thrift stores, so a "check every section" approach pays off. You can also sift through sections you generally like. For example, I go to the jackets first.

Dirty. Clothing and textiles that are donated to thrift stores are not laundered before they end up in the store and could contain lots of bacteria or even bedbugs. Some of these clothes are so dirty, a thrift shop will likely immediately throw them away.

Thrifting is unique because it allows the outside world to grasp a small bit of personality from someone else's closet. I love that secondhand shopping is accessible and allows everyone to find and express their own style.

However, keep in mind that bargaining is a two-way street. While you're looking for imperfections, the thrift store staff is assessing the item's value. So, be fair in your assessment and avoid pointing out minor issues that can easily be fixed. Focus on significant flaws that justify a lower price.

What items are best to resell? ›

Vintage Clothes Are Among the Best-Selling Items

Reselling shoes and sneakers, vintage jewelry and accessories, but also, kitchenware and entertainment products can also be very profitable.

How do you know if something is valuable at a thrift store? Look for brand names, quality materials, and vintage items. Research online to determine the value of unusual or antique finds.

You have to look at a lot of second hand trash to find your treasures. If you are going to a thrift store you will find that they have lots and lots of trash. Many items are just too ugly, not complete, too stained or just too out of date. You have to look at all of those items to find your little treasure.

First, I have never found anything I like in a thrift store. They seldom sell clothes in small sizes. Most things are too big for me. Second, it is not cost effective.

Look for signatures on pieces, which can mean a work of art is either original or part of a limited series. A signature can also give you a sense of a piece's potential worth or provide you a breadcrumb for finding out more information about the artist.

Take the collectible to an antique store: Reputable antique stores have in-house professional appraisers. They usually offer fair-market valuations, insurance replacement valuations, and budget-friendly services like verbal approximations.