Are you looking to start your own online thrift store? Maybe you've been inspired by the recent popularity of sites like Depop and Poshmark. Or perhaps you just want to declutter your life and make a little extra money.
Whatever your reasons, starting an online thrift store can be a fun and rewarding experience. Learning how to start an online thrift store the right way will give you a huge boost to help you reach your goals.
In this post, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started with your online thrift store, from building up inventory to shipping out orders.
We'll also give you some tips on how to stand out from the reselling competition and make your online thrift store a success. If you're ready to begin your reselling journey, read on.
1. Choose your Online Thrift Store Platform
If you are looking for a way to make a few extra bucks selling your old stuff, there are plenty of online marketplaces and platforms to help you out.
From selling on Ebay or Depop to selling through Instagram - whatever way works best for you - selling used items online can be a great way to make some pocket money while getting rid of the things you no longer need or use.
It takes minimal effort - the process could not be simpler: take a photo of your item and add it to your shop.
The hardest part of starting an online thrift store is setting up a price that works for both buyers and sellers. But with a bit of research on what similar items have sold for in the past, you should be able to set up a fair price that will attract buyers.
Another great advantage selling online brings is the potential customers from all over the world - something which might not be possible in your everyday thrift shop selling.
With online selling platforms, you never know how much money you can make off that thingamajig gathering dust in the corner. And it just might end up making someone else very happy in the end too.
2. Refine Your Online Thrift Store Inventory
Any savvy entrepreneur knows that having a well-stocked inventory is key to running a successful business.
When creating an inventory of vintage items or grails you want to sell, consider the following: product demand, pricing potential, condition of the item, packaging strategy, and marketing approach.
Knowing the product demand is essential in ensuring you stock enough quantities of a given item. Established vintage markets can help you identify desired items and their worth as pricing potential. Find out all about the current trends here at Birdbath, like this article about the current y2k t-shirt craze.
Additionally, before selling an item it’s also important to evaluate its condition and how it can best be packaged for optimal transport.
Having a good understanding of all these things will help ensure that you create an inventory that’s successful and profitable. With the right tools and knowledge at hand, creating an inventory doesn’t have to be daunting.
Setting yourself apart from the competition by curating envious vintage finds gives customers something exciting and new to look forward to every time they visit your store.
With all this in mind, crafting a cleverly curated vintage collection is sure to lead down the path of success for any budding entrepreneur looking for an easy way into the world of retailing vintage goods. So don’t forget- create the perfect inventory with these guidelines and watch those vintage grails fly off the shelves faster than ever before.
3. Take Clear Pictures of Items and Write Accurate Descriptions
Selling items online can be a tricky business - you want to make sure the item looks good, but you also want potential buyers to know exactly what they’re getting.
The best way to do this is to take beautiful photos of each item, and write accurate descriptions that are both informative and appealing.
Here are some example photos from my depop shop for a vintage Aloha style shirt.
You should try to get creative with your descriptions, rather than just “it’s a blue t-shirt.” Instead, describe the fabric material, how it fits on the body, and its details - such as buttons or embroidery.
By writing genuine descriptions that give potential buyers more information about the item, you will increase your chances of making a successful sale. And don’t forget the pictures!
Make sure that all angles of the item are visible in your photographs. That way visitors to your page will be able to truly understand what they would be purchasing – no surprises. With clear photos and detailed descriptions, there will be no room for confusion when it comes time to sell.
4. Price Your Items Competitively
Deciding on a pricing strategy can be one of the most challenging aspects of any business. For those looking to specialize in rare and luxurious items, adopting a high-end, grail-level price point means focusing on quality curation and marketing.
It’s sometimes worth it to charge more for better quality, but if you don’t have the right product or audience engagement - it could be hard to keep profits up.
On the other hand, going down the affordable finds route might sound attractive but remember that customers will still expect top notch service. You’ll likely also have a minimum payment you need to hit so low cost won’t equal low value.
As always it comes down to understanding your customer's needs - because value isn't always reflected in dollars and cents. When starting out, weigh up your options carefully with budgeting and research - are you better off investing in refinement or digging into the bargain bin?
Whichever direction you take depending on what works for you, just make sure your offering is sensible and sustainable before putting your plan into action.
5. Promote Your Thrift Shop Through Social Media
For many businesses, promoting their store on social media can seem intimidating. Thankfully, promoting your online thrift shop doesn't have to be complicated.
To get started, look for ways to connect with potential customers - this could include creating content tailored for them, joining relevant conversations on social media, and giving tips or insights that help others.
Letting customers know about vintage gems that they may not have known about also adds in its own reward. It's fulfilling when people are excited by finding products they imagined existed but haven't seen before.
Setting up vintage markets can make sourcing much easier than expected. There's no doubt that keeping vintage aficionados excited through curating rare finds will bring lasting success. Keeping customers engaged with whatever vintage treasures you have hidden away keeps them coming back time and time again.
Additionally, include a link to your website wherever you post so customers can easily find you. Make sure your posts are interesting and engaging as well: think about infusing your posts with wit or humor if that comes naturally.
Sharing photos from behind the scenes is also a great way to connect with people. With the right approach, social media can be an invaluable tool for reaching out to new potential customers and growing your business.
6. Ship Items Promptly and Efficently
Speed and customer service are the two main ingredients to bringing back repeat customers. Hot on the heels of a sale, it's essential to get those goods delivered quickly.
Packaging is just as important - if not more so - as it helps ensure that every purchase arrives in perfect condition. Learn more about eco-friendly shipping solutions through Birdbath Vintage.
Washing your items before you ship them out will go a long way with pleasing customers. Here is Birdbath's guide to washing thrifted clothes.
And if an item isn't quite right? Don't forget to follow up with your customer too - returning emails promptly and offering replacement parts or refunds where needed goes a long way toward building trust.
By getting these basics sorted out, you can be sure that all orders will be shipped on time and customers will be delighted with their purchases - something that's sure to bring plenty of repeat business. There’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve provided excellent customer service and truly made someone’s day.
The Conclusion of How to Start an Online Thrift Store
Making a little extra cash by selling some of your unwanted items online is easier than you might think - and it can be fun too.
To start your online thrift shop, look for online platforms that allow you to sell used items, create an inventory of items you want to sell, take pictures of each item, and write accurate and appealing descriptions.
Choose a pricing strategy - either fixed prices or auction-style bidding - and promote your store on social media, reaching out to potential customers. Ship items promptly once they're sold, and provide excellent customer service.
Ready to get started? Take some photos and write item descriptions for your first batch of products.