Secondhand bargains, let's see your cheap treasures!

[SakuraSakura]

I have definitely noticed, since around this time last year,my sales are down. I think thrifting has become so popular (along with reselling) that even when you have the best items it's still tough to make ends meet. The pressure I put on myself to "succeed" is horrible - I really need to take a huge step back. I am still able to sell items but I need to be more selective which in turn means less income. I did find a pawn shop to sell my items to but I can't solely rely upon that for income. I was thinking to find a part time job and supplement my income via re-selling. It also takes up a lot of room to house items. The prices for items have significantly increased = less stock and my prices have to be higher. I love what I do but a good break will do me good.

 

[SakuraSakura]

The people who make a living reselling have my respect; I don't have your patience or willingness to deal with crazy. I think that more people are worried about money, so they are more inclined to sell their items rather than consign or donate them. Which is making the secondary markets a little crazy (seriously, on Posh I saw an authentic vintage Judith Leiber Minaudière sell for $40, and another damaged one be posted for $5000)

I do fund new purchases by selling stuff in my closet.

1) I am crazy picky about what I buy these days; I buy primarily for myself. When I do sell on Poshmark and that ilk, it's things in my closet that I'm ready to move on from. I'm that person at the thrift who only buys the occasional hat or box of fountain pens.
2) I do pay more than usual thrift prices most of the time; sometimes I'm lucky but I didn't regret it because of:
3) In 2016-2018, I could go and sell a bag on facebook groups for what I paid (often $100-300)
4) In late 2018, nothing sold in my usual groups. So in late 2018-2019, I started selling on Posh. Last year, was fine - I sold about 50 items with no problems. Mostly jewelry, some bags. This last two months? It's been a disaster. I sold four bags on posh; one was returned because it was vintage and "the marks don't look like the marks on a newer bag." (This is the bag I spent over $300 at Bottega Veneta to have it relined and restored) Another was returned because it was "stained!" which, again, I had a ridiculous number of bright light photos... Which taught me, not to accept offers and that 2020 is the year of buyer regret.

As for buying - in November and December of last year, i was able to pick up some Christmas ornaments crazy cheap. I also found few nice pieces of jewelry, and the duffle bag to round out my travel collection. This year, in the last two months - I've found one bag.

Oh my gosh! That's bananas. I do think that you have to be pickier now than ever. I was able to sell a stained,ripped coach bag for $20. Now? Good luck.

 

[LuvNLux]

Before I did it, I read that you weren't supposed to use super glue because it clouds the crystal. You found out the hard way. It may have come with instructions from the ebay seller. I bought e6000 glue. I have replaced crystals in a few things with good results. The hardest part was finding the right size crystal. I tried to find them locally first in order to ensure the correct size but was unsuccessful. I ended up ordering a variety of sizes in hopes that one would be the right one.

@whateve
Yes, I did find out the hard way. Who knew that you don't use superglue to repair crystals? I sure didn't! This was a pair of inexpensive craft fair earrings, not a big loss, but I loved them. Thanks for mentioning the e6000 glue, I'll remember that, but we have an excellent inexpensive local jewelry repair shop that I use for most repairs now that I've learned my lesson!

 

[Raven3766]

I'm going to be really candid for a second: I've been reselling for almost three years. Since I started my journey, I have noticed just how over-saturated the market has become along with how detrimentally the prices have risen. It's not impossible to find good deals but you can no longer make a semi - stable income from it. I've been toying with the idea of taking a break for a month and seeing where I am. I went out on both 50 percent off days to gather some items. I constantly feel like I pressure myself to be productive, whether it be posting items or sourcing goods. I feel like I'm running myself ragged here. I adore thrifting and fashion but to rely upon it as my sole source of item is... exhausting. I'm exhausted. The pressure, rising costs and constant hustling are really no longer where I am in life.

It use to be exciting, fun, and relaxing. There is a guy that comes with his girlfriend and when a cart comes out they go crazy; blocking, snatching, and throwing. Now when I see them, I go in the opposite direction. One day I decided to go look after they attacked the cart and the guy was staring at me, rolling his eyes. I stared at him, because I had to be seeing things. Unfortunately, I wasn't. So, I don't like going on Saturdays anymore. I will go on a Thursday or Friday, when things are slow.

 

[SakuraSakura]

It use to be exciting, fun, and relaxing. There is a guy that comes with his girlfriend and when a cart comes out they go crazy; blocking, snatching, and throwing. Now when I see them, I go in the opposite direction. One day I decided to go look after they attacked the cart and the guy was staring at me, rolling his eyes. I stared at him, because I had to be seeing things. Unfortunately, I wasn't. So, I don't like going on Saturdays anymore. I will go on a Thursday or Friday, when things are slow.

I feel like there is this unspoken competitive air about thrifting nowadays. Since everyone now knows about the lucrative profits that can be made through it, it's no longer all that lucrative. I haven't mention this before but I have been accused of shoplifting on numerous occasions, the most recent being a few weeks ago. I'm getting really sick of being treated like this. I'm also getting sick of jerks following me whenever I find something good.

 

[Raven3766]

I feel like there is this unspoken competitive air about thrifting nowadays. Since everyone now knows about the lucrative profits that can be made through it, it's no longer all that lucrative. I haven't mention this before but I have been accused of shoplifting on numerous occasions, the most recent being a few weeks ago. I'm getting really sick of being treated like this. I'm also getting sick of jerks following me whenever I find something good.

What a about the "mob mentality"? The man and his girlfriend, a husband and wife, and the bully that tried to take the jewelry bags out of my hands; they hang on the side and chat. They help each other push people out and run from the swinging cart door to the island in the middle of the store. So let's say you are standing by the island in the middle, someone comes out with something, they rush over and surround you. I feel like a small fish in middle of sharks. When I started selling, it was because my moms insurance couldn't/wouldn't pay for certain items after she had a stroke. Truly it helped me, but now I'm finding it hard to sell anything. I put a beautiful, new, never used Dooney on the bay, someone placed a $125 bid. I want to tell her no, it's okay. I will keep it.

 

[Narnanz]

Im a real novice at reselling and am not doing it to make any kind of money. Im just getting rid of a few things in my closet that I dont wear and seeing if I can get anything for them.
Also seeing a few of my rehabbed coach bags so I can get the a higher end bag I want.
ive see so many youtubers all about thrifting and reselling but it seems so cut throat.

 

[whateve]

Im a real novice at reselling and am not doing it to make any kind of money. Im just getting rid of a few things in my closet that I dont wear and seeing if I can get anything for them.
Also seeing a few of my rehabbed coach bags so I can get the a higher end bag I want.
ive see so many youtubers all about thrifting and reselling but it seems so cut throat.

The first item I sold was a bag I bought on ebay. As soon as it came, I hated it. Back then, no one took returns. I lost money on it but at least I got some of the money back. Then I started looking around the house for things to sell. I sold some textbooks. I sold a cleaver that I never used because it gave me nightmares. I don't remember when I got the idea to start shopping at thrift stores. I guess that once I got used to buying used purses on ebay, it was no different to get them at thrift stores. It was harder for me to get over the ick factor with clothes. I'm fine with coats but still get a little weirded out with clothes that touch my skin and I can't get myself to go near used shoes. I've sold a lot of clothes from our own closet. Generally it isn't really worth it - only clearing $5 or $10 per item.

I've never really come across any antagonism at thrift stores. I don't hang around for new stuff to be brought out. We go when we travel so it is random whether we are there on sale days. Since I know I can't come back, I'll buy things when I see them, not waiting for a better price. Some of the stuff I buy at thrift stores, I buy specifically to sell to fund other purchases but nearly everything I buy is something I can picture myself using. Often I'll use them first. Every trip I end up keeping a few items that I just can't bring myself to part with. Most of the things I sell are things from my own collection that I'm ready to get rid of. I think I would be purchasing less if I didn't know I could sell them. The best thing is when I buy a bag, use it for a year and then sell it for more than I paid. That doesn't happen very often unless I got it at a thrift store.

 

[Narnanz]

The first item I sold was a bag I bought on ebay. As soon as it came, I hated it. Back then, no one took returns. I lost money on it but at least I got some of the money back. Then I started looking around the house for things to sell. I sold some textbooks. I sold a cleaver that I never used because it gave me nightmares. I don't remember when I got the idea to start shopping at thrift stores. I guess that once I got used to buying used purses on ebay, it was no different to get them at thrift stores. It was harder for me to get over the ick factor with clothes. I'm fine with coats but still get a little weirded out with clothes that touch my skin and I can't get myself to go near used shoes. I've sold a lot of clothes from our own closet. Generally it isn't really worth it - only clearing $5 or $10 per item.

I've never really come across any antagonism at thrift stores. I don't hang around for new stuff to be brought out. We go when we travel so it is random whether we are there on sale days. Since I know I can't come back, I'll buy things when I see them, not waiting for a better price. Some of the stuff I buy at thrift stores, I buy specifically to sell to fund other purchases but nearly everything I buy is something I can picture myself using. Often I'll use them first. Every trip I end up keeping a few items that I just can't bring myself to part with. Most of the things I sell are things from my own collection that I'm ready to get rid of. I think I would be purchasing less if I didn't know I could sell them. The best thing is when I buy a bag, use it for a year and then sell it for more than I paid. That doesn't happen very often unless I got it at a thrift store.

Im currently haggling with someone on this consignemnt site over a pair of Beau Coop Boots I got for NZ$15...love them but they dont work with my arthritis.At $110 at the moment that I would be ok with...making $66 on them if they accept my counter offer.
Its been interesting what people offer for something...First offer on the boots was rediculous. Im selling my first rehab Janice there but am waiting for them to allow the listing. Not up for some reason. Just want to seel as Im not using it at all as its too small for me. But it was a great introduction to rehabbing and will always have great memories of it.

 

[whateve]

Im currently haggling with someone on this consignemnt site over a pair of Beau Coop Boots I got for NZ$15...love them but they dont work with my arthritis.At $110 at the moment that I would be ok with...making $66 on them if they accept my counter offer.
Its been interesting what people offer for something...First offer on the boots was rediculous. Im selling my first rehab Janice there but am waiting for them to allow the listing. Not up for some reason. Just want to seel as Im not using it at all as its too small for me. But it was a great introduction to rehabbing and will always have great memories of it.

At one time, Janice would have been too small for me. Now it is a perfect size. I sold my pocket purses and city bags because they were too small. Pocket purse might still be too small but I bet city isn't.

 

[Narnanz]

At one time, Janice would have been too small for me. Now it is a perfect size. I sold my pocket purses and city bags because they were too small. Pocket purse might still be too small but I bet city isn't.

Im loving my citys....am hoping a red one Im watching doesnt go yet...would like to get it so when I come back I can rehab it while Im on self quarantine for two weeks

 

[SakuraSakura]

The first item I sold was a bag I bought on ebay. As soon as it came, I hated it. Back then, no one took returns. I lost money on it but at least I got some of the money back. Then I started looking around the house for things to sell. I sold some textbooks. I sold a cleaver that I never used because it gave me nightmares. I don't remember when I got the idea to start shopping at thrift stores. I guess that once I got used to buying used purses on ebay, it was no different to get them at thrift stores. It was harder for me to get over the ick factor with clothes. I'm fine with coats but still get a little weirded out with clothes that touch my skin and I can't get myself to go near used shoes. I've sold a lot of clothes from our own closet. Generally it isn't really worth it - only clearing $5 or $10 per item.

I've never really come across any antagonism at thrift stores. I don't hang around for new stuff to be brought out. We go when we travel so it is random whether we are there on sale days. Since I know I can't come back, I'll buy things when I see them, not waiting for a better price. Some of the stuff I buy at thrift stores, I buy specifically to sell to fund other purchases but nearly everything I buy is something I can picture myself using. Often I'll use them first. Every trip I end up keeping a few items that I just can't bring myself to part with. Most of the things I sell are things from my own collection that I'm ready to get rid of. I think I would be purchasing less if I didn't know I could sell them. The best thing is when I buy a bag, use it for a year and then sell it for more than I paid. That doesn't happen very often unless I got it at a thrift store.

I just had my first case opened up against me on Poshmark. The item's packaging was damaged by Canada post. This buyer then went on to complain about a very small "stain" that was not "disclosed," but faint residue that can easily be wiped off. I think I need to stop reselling for a while.... this left a really bad taste in my mouth.

 

[Vintage Leather]

I just had my first case opened up against me on Poshmark. The item's packaging was damaged by Canada post. This buyer then went on to complain about a very small "stain" that was not "disclosed," but faint residue that can easily be wiped off. I think I need to stop reselling for a while.... this left a really bad taste in my mouth.

That's awful!
Put in your counter argument right away! Posh processed my case in less than two hours, while I was at work so I had no chance to rebut.

I went through my posh closet, and deleted everything but the stuff I'd donate if it doesn't sell.

 

[SakuraSakura]

That's awful!
Put in your counter argument right away! Posh processed my case in less than two hours, while I was at work so I had no chance to rebut.

I went through my posh closet, and deleted everything but the stuff I'd donate if it doesn't sell.

Thank you, love! I have sent several messages detailing the situation ( that I wasn't purposely trying to damage her package or mislead her - I even mention in my closet that I'm new at packaging items so they may be wonky but I have examined them so many times - five stars, no one else has complained. )The buyer responded but I have decided against saying anything more to her. It was startling to witness someone be so picky about a barely noticeable glue residue mark from manufacturing. I have said my case - now it is time to wait. I'm sorry that I am derailing the conversation. I'll post stuff I thrifted on Monday. Thanks for listening to me ramble.

 

[Narnanz]

Thank you, love! I have sent several messages detailing the situation ( that I wasn't purposely trying to damage her package or mislead her - I even mention in my closet that I'm new at packaging items so they may be wonky but I have examined them so many times - five stars, no one else has complained. )The buyer responded but I have decided against saying anything more to her. It was startling to witness someone be so picky about a barely noticeable glue residue mark from manufacturing. I have said my case - now it is time to wait. I'm sorry that I am derailing the conversation. I'll post stuff I thrifted on Monday. Thanks for listening to me ramble.

We learn from everyone here...so keep on rambling...sounds like you need a supportive outlet.