Best Thrift, Resale, Vintage and Consignment Stores in Santa Cruz California (2024)

FAQs

What sells the most in thrift stores? ›

Mondays are often the best day to discover newly donated goods, including unique items or top brands to look for at thrift stores. Over the weekend, many people clean out their closets and drop off bags at their local Goodwill, meaning you can be the first to explore fresh finds before anyone else!

Thrift store prices are low, but that doesn't mean they can't go lower. If you think something is priced too high for what is, ask if they're willing to take less for it. Just be polite in doing so and don't be discouraged if they're not open to bargaining.

Vintage shops have much higher prices than thrift stores; because of the merchandise. Unlike thrift stores, which often receive their products through donations, Vintage stores seek out/buy their products from sellers with products that fit their store's persona.

Marble and Stone Items

Anything that's solid stone or marble and has some weight is going to have more value than a lighter weight piece or a plastic imitation. From marble trays to stone vases, look for items that feel hefty in your hand.

Most secondhand stores don't wash the clothes before selling them. Donations are typically washed before they're donated, but we still recommend giving them a good cleaning when you get home. Even if the clothes are washed before they hit the thrift store floor, people will have since touched them.

According to Goodwill, the perfect time slot to shop at thrift stores is in the morning on both Monday and Tuesday. This is because, at least as far as Goodwill is concerned, people tend to donate garage sale remnants on Sunday, so the pickings are new and fresh come early weekdays.

The popularity of thrifting has created an inflation in the prices these thrift companies can get away with. The modern generation is also quick to blame TikTok and reselling apps for the rise of thrift prices. And, while not the main contributor, these apps have proved to be a threat to thrift stores.

How to thrift shop like a pro? ›

Thrift shops are generally lower priced and you can find some killer items if you dig. Vintage shops will do most of the digging and processing for you. Good vintage shops also professionally clean your items. Both save you time, but it comes at an expense.

A generally accepted industry standard is that items made between 20 and 100 years ago are considered "vintage" if they clearly reflect the styles and trends of the era they represent. These clothing items come with a sense of history attached to them, which is one of the reasons they are valued by vintage enthusiasts.

High-demand items include branded sneakers, vintage T-shirts, and designer jackets, all of which have a dedicated buyer base. The key to success is pricing goods appropriately. Know brand values and current fashion trends to enhance sales potential. Capitalize on limited-edition sneakers or a classic leather jacket.

In general, thrift shops typically aim to generate revenue by reselling donated items at prices significantly lower than those of new items. Profit margins can vary from shop to shop, but they often range from around 25% to 60% of the sale price.