How to Profit from Selling Items to Thrift Stores: A Guide for Adults

Discover the Benefits of Selling to Second-Hand Stores

Have you ever considered the possibility of earning money by selling items at second-hand shops? This idea can be appealing to your wallet while also helping to clear space in your home sustainably.

Every year, countless second-hand shops in Italy and beyond collect millions of kilograms of various items.
This creates a virtuous cycle: individuals bring in items they no longer use, leading to less waste.
Ultimately, this practice benefits the environment as items and materials are reused responsibly.

Additionally, there is an economic aspect to this practice.
Selling clothing, household items, furniture, books, records, and toys to second-hand stores means pocketing extra cash each year from sales proceeds.
Let’s explore how to make money by selling items to these specialized stores.

How to Earn Money Selling Used Items

When approaching a second-hand shop to sell your unwanted items, the first thing to assess is the item’s condition.
Even if you are aware that you are offering older items, they should still be in a saleable condition.

To maximize your profits, start by identifying a reputable second-hand store.
You can easily find these through online searches, and there are even franchises dedicated to second-hand markets.

Bringing in a larger quantity of goods will certainly increase your earning potential.
If you have high-end clothing or valuable items, especially in the home decor category, you can set a higher starting price, enhancing your profit margins.

The general guideline is that used items are typically sold at a discount of 40% to 70% off their original price.

There are two primary methods to earn money: through direct sales to the shop at agreed prices or consignment.
The latter is a well-established approach.
Here, the item owner entrusts items to the seller to showcase and handle sales while retaining ownership of the items.
The seller earns a commission (a percentage of the sale price) and, upon sale, the owner receives half or another agreed percentage of the sale price, leading to shared rewards.

The more items you offer, the greater your chances of generating additional income.
According to the Second-Hand Economy Observatory by Bva Doxa, Italians earned an average of about 850 euros per year from selling second-hand items in 2023, including online platforms.

What Can Be Sold in Second-Hand Stores?

To ensure you can profit from your used items, keep a few guidelines in mind.
Many categories can be sold, but each has specific minimum standards for sellability:

• Books and Magazines: Ensure they are still readable and undamaged.
• Clothing and Textiles: Must be clean and in good condition.
• Small Household Items: Should be intact and washed.
• Toys: Must be complete and safe for use.
• Electronics: Items like small kitchen appliances, radios, and DVD players must be functional.
• Small Furniture: Should be clean and free of significant damage.
• Home Décor: Must be intact.

Ultimately, each store will decide what to accept and what to discard, so it’s smart to call ahead to avoid disappointment when you arrive with your items.

Lastly, be cautious with items meant for recycling rather than resale.
These include chemicals, medications, dirty or unsellable products, stolen goods, alcohol, and food.