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How to Start a Thrift Store

Starting a Thrift Shop Business

Summary: Thrift shops have become a favorite destination for savvy shoppers. Proof positive that this industry has grown in leaps over time. Read this article if you want to join in on the action and open your own thrift shop.

The thrift shop business offers an exciting and fun way to earn money.

This industry has increased in popularity over the years thus making it a nearly fool proof business endeavor. The market pull of thrift shops stems from the simple and undeniable fact that people love bargains.

There are several aspects to focus on when starting a thrift shop business. What follows is a set of question every person wishing to go on board this industry should ask one’s self.

What to sell?

Decide whether you want to specialize on a particular range of products or you would rather sell a little bit of everything. If you opt for the former, make sure your merchandise is in accord with your interest. If your are fond of clothing then specialize in clothes, if you are into furniture and home essentials then specialize in those, etc.

Once you know what you want to sell then you go on to the next step which is stocking up on your inventory. This is the fun part. You get to hunt around for items that you feel will sell and earn you a profit. There are several places you can explore. You can visit garage, clearance, or estate sales. You can also go directly to the manufacturers and see if they have overruns they want to get rid of. While you’re there, check out when is their next warehouse/inventory sale. If you would rather have your fingers do the walking, you can surf the internet. There are quite a number of online auction sites on the web where you can bid on goods by the bulk.

Where to sell?

You should give ample time in looking for the perfect spot to open your shop. This task should not be taken lightly because location can make or break your business. Choose an area that is highly visible and has a high percentage of foot and vehicular traffic. The rule of thumb to be followed here is “be where your customers are.”

Another consideration is the size of the space. Your floor area must accommodate not only your stock but also your display units, racks, showcase, and counter etc. as well. Make sure you get just the right size of space. Getting too big a place will be tough on your operating budget since it follows that the bigger the space, the higher the rent. On the other hand, if you select a space that is too small then you won’t be able to showcase your goods properly and it is highly likely that your customers might get put off because of the crammed space.

Whom to sell to?

You need to identify and create a profile sketch of your target market. Find out what they want and what they’re not getting. Immerse yourself in the locale to get a feel of what your consumers prefer. Also, check out the competition. Determine what their fast moving items are and how much their goods go for. This is another way for you to get an idea as to what your market like and don’t like.

Of course, you must first put your name out there before you can tap into the local market. To do this, you need to instigate an advertising and promotional drive. For your campaign to be more effective, keep your target customers in mind when you strategize.

42 Responses to "How to Start a Thrift Store".

1. yolette on 4/23/2009 11:31:45 PM

I am interested in opening a thrift store.

2. staceyann on 4/27/2009 2:23:54 PM

i'm interested in opening my own thrift clothing tore but i don't even know how or where to begin.

3. Margaret Yarmush on 4/29/2009 10:42:23 AM

Hi. I am looking into starting a thrift store and pretty much know the business aspects of it, etc. The one question I had was is there grant money available for such a venture that you know of? How do you fund a store in the beginning while growing the business? Thanks, Margaret

4. sharon on 5/2/2009 1:21:01 PM

just a few more questions: are there special licenses for opening a thrift store? must you be associated with a charity? do you think those that are are more successful than those that are not? many thrift stores in my area offer free pick up and use telemarketers to establish routes and get commitments from people, where do they get the local phone lists sorted by neighborhood, that they use to contact people for donations?

5. ALISON COLIN on 5/20/2009 7:01:56 PM

PLEASE HELP I DON'T UNDERSTAND DO I HAVE TO BE NON PROFIT? WHAT KIND OF BUSINESS LICENSE DO I NEED?? THANKS ALISON

6. maria on 6/16/2009 2:52:03 PM

live in kansas city, want to start a thrift store shop. how do i get started?

7. Gloria Snell on 7/15/2009 5:59:31 PM

very interested in starting a thrift store but I need to know how to get started? please help....

8. Dorea on 8/5/2009 12:59:53 PM

I would love to start up my own thrift shop but can you do it with little or no money at all?

9. Karen on 8/21/2009 6:34:08 PM

Hi...all these questions asked are exactly what I needed to know. How to start? Non profit or not? Grants involved if you make donations to a charity? Can a female (minority) do this with little or no money? Thanks...Karen

10. rita on 8/24/2009 12:58:15 PM

I would love to start a store. how do i get started with little to no money and should I pick up the goods

11. Janet B on 8/25/2009 12:03:32 PM

I've read through all the questions asked on how to start a thrift store and they are all questions I would ask! I have no money, work a dead end job, but am passionate about meeting the needs of my community. One of my biggest dreams is to start a thrift store in my community. I know it would be a great endeavor for all those concerned, but haven't a clue where to begin. I have a great deal of support from my circle of family and friends and know I would get a great deal of donations. Who can I turn to for directions on start up, funding, etc. Thank you... I eagerly await return reply! Janet

12. Gail Weldon on 9/8/2009 5:14:31 PM

Dear Thriftshop friends, Ten years ago, I began the Packrat Thrift Shop, in Valdosta, Ga. I am still in business and am having a blast. I can be reached at (229) 834-9901. I am a for profit business that has a goal of reaching my community for Christ. I am open Mondays, Wed.-Sat from 11am -6pm. I sell everything except toilet paper, guns, and food. We have had a huge impact on our city so far and it never cost me a dime. I am starting with prayer and a vision from God as to what to do. He sent me to look for buildings for rent and told me to tell the owner that I had no money and was expecting to have the rent within the first 3 weeks of opening my store. After many folks told me I was crazy and asked me to come back with a few thousand dollars, I met a lady who had a building that hadn't rented in 6 months and she said here is the key. Pay me the rent when you have it. I paid her 6 months store rent and a security deposit within 3 weeks time. I never borrowed a dime. God had told me to do this and then he paved the way. Where He guides, He provides. I have now been open 3 years in my second location and again God did it both times without a dime spent from my own money. The community has really embraced me. I sell all clothing for $1 or less. Anything for your top half is .25cents, anything for your lower half is .50cents and jackets are $1.00. All furniture has been bought cheap and sold just as cheap. Loveseats are $25, Sofas $50, etc. Beds $25-$100 twin-King. Keeping enough merchandist to satisfy the community is the tough part. I love what I do. I deliver furniture when needed at a cost of $5-$20 depending on how far I need to travel. If you have any questions about this miracle store with a heart, call me please. I would love to share. Keep dreaming. If you have the desire to help people, God will work it all out. Thanks and God Bless

13. isis on 9/16/2009 8:25:22 PM

thank you this was just the answer i was looking for! god bless

14. Vivian Pair-Stringer on 10/20/2009 12:15:52 AM

God is awesome. He has given me a vision to start a thrift store. I have been collecting some inventory and I am asking people for more. My desire is to assist my community. Thank you for the encouragement. Vivian Pair-Stringer

15. col leen hogan on 12/7/2009 9:14:11 AM

I am from New Orleans, LA. As an extension of our ministry we decided to start a thrift store. We already distribute food and clothing as giveaways to the community, but the store is something extra special. GOD is in the vision for he led me to this website. Thank you for making it available. What I need to know are there any legal avenues we must address, if so what do we do?

16. Garrett Peterson on 12/15/2009 2:57:34 PM

Hey everyone, I'm in Sacramento CA, and my wife and I have a dream of opening a thrift store. I want it to be non-profit, so all the profit will go directly to local and international charity work. Education for low income families, water wells internationally, int. micro enterprise, mosquito nets, local food banks etc I love recycling and hate waste. I have been searching for a job in which I didn't have to participate in the traditional American economic business system. To own a thrift store is great for me, since I can't work for most companies because of my ideals and world view.

I do have money to start, so my concern is where to get all the items either for free or at a fraction of the price? Anyway, I am very excited about the idea, but it seems to hard when looking at the GoodWill or major Thrift stores in the area. 1 Good will store has more than 50 employees! How can I compete with that? Thanks, G

17. nick sellinger on 12/16/2009 3:15:28 PM

my question is how much $$$ do i need and what kind of license do i need to start a thrift store! thanks:)

18. Debbie Rudisill on 1/18/2010 3:31:21 PM

Hi, I am interested in opening a small thrift store in Richmond, Va. I would welcome any information you could forward to me. ie. start up cost, tax info, license info, fixtures, advertising etc. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

19. luis capote on 1/24/2010 2:55:52 PM

hi, i'm from miami, florida and i'm as well as the rest of the people here interested in opening such store. please provide with any info needed to start up this biz; including start up cost, tax info, license and so on. thanks a have a good one.

20. Lisa Temples on 1/29/2010 11:58:47 PM

I live in Apple Valley, MN and am interested in opening a thrift store. I know I can do this and be of great service to the community. What is the best way to go about it? Any and all information that you could provide would be a huge help. I have been searching the net for many hours daily and there is so much out there that it all gets very confusing. Thank you so much. Many if not all the questions above are the same questions I have. Thanks again, Lisa Temples

21. Spenser Boller on 2/11/2010 3:31:47 PM

I live in Irvine, CA and am looking to start a clothing thrift store. I was wondering what licenses I need and how to get started. Please email me with some information. Thanks, Spenser

22. Charles on 2/13/2010 5:32:29 PM

I live on the Jersey Shore in a nice small town on a main street with a lot of traffic. How should I start it. Thanks. Charles

23. Steve Sturm on 2/19/2010 1:33:03 PM

I live in N. Idaho and have been gratefully volunteering for many years at a local non-profit thrift store. It seems our area has room for more, so I am interested in having the answers to all of the questions above as well. Thank you for your time! Steve

24. Vic R. on 2/28/2010 12:50:38 PM

Hello I recently found an interest in opening a thrift store. I have scouted a few locations that I have to follow up with. I know that I have always had a calling from God to help people in some kind of way. I know I could be of good help to the community by opening up a thrift store. I plan to give away a certain amount every month to needy families. I have a little start up money and a vision. I have a descent job right now, so I am somewhat skeptic of stepping out on this limb with how the economy is going right now. I am praying on it and I know god will point me in the right direction. I am looking for the same answers that the people have asked in the previous posts. I am pretty sure I know my community well enough to be able to make a descent living and help the community at the same time.

25. Ericka Glasper on 3/24/2010 6:14:44 PM

Hi my name is Ericka and I have been reading comments because God has also given me visions. The information Gail Weldon gave was very encouraging. God has given me a heart to go after the youth mentoring meeting up and giving them things to focus on. Teaching them praise dances and starting a choir for the youth thats interested. I have not started this task yet but i was thinking that opening up a thrift store would help me to accomplish some of the things we would be in need of. If there's anyone who has information on grants or funding or any suggestions on how to start the outreach group or thrift store please email me at highlyfavored034eva@yahoo.com thank you and may God bless you all.

26. CaSandra Chaney on 3/31/2010 2:06:41 AM

I live in cedar hill Texas and was wondering what kind of license I need and do I need a tax ID and does the city have the rights to determine what hours I open my store and what I can and can not sale? Also is it best to focus on my type of thing to sale or to be open to many different varieties?

27. Samantha on 4/12/2010 3:01:35 PM

I live in nm. does it have to be non profit?

28. rosiestarr on 4/13/2010 11:38:15 AM

my daughter law and i are just starting a store our thrift store is in Allen Texas..... its my daughter in laws dream to do this.... we are excited..... and scared lol....

29. Alliosn graham on 4/19/2010 11:48:15 PM

Hello!! I live in Manhattan New York. For some years I've been wanting to open a thrift store. I really want to do this, but I'm scared a bit. I don't know the first thing about opening a business!!LOL!!! I'm only 23, and the thought of opening a thrift store makes me excited and terrified. I'm going to pray to the Lord for direction. This is something I really want to do, I feel it in my heart. I just don't know where to begin. Where would I get the inventory, the start up money. With Goodwill everywhere, how would I compete.(sighs)So much to think about!!

30. Jeannie on 4/29/2010 12:41:53 PM

I would like to open a thrift store in a small town in Alabama. During the economic struggle, the dollar stores and thrift stores have survived in our small town. Just curious where the inventory comes from? Can anyone that has already opened one elaborate on what they do? Thanks!

31. Cassie on 5/18/2010 5:59:02 PM

Hey all!! I am so encouraged to fall upon this website. If anything it has only brought confirmation. I think with those who have opened Thrift Stores as well as those looking to open one, we would have a great community of Networking! I feel like God has set clear, that I am going to open a thrift store here in San Diego, as a nonprofit that reaches out to the homeless here, providing jobs, and working rehabilitation to help get individuals back into the working field! I am so encouraged to hear from all of you!

32. Sandee on 6/2/2010 12:12:58 PM

As strange as this sounds, thrift store dumpsters are FULL of good resale merchandise that they have too much of. Save it from the landfills!

33. curtis on 6/4/2010 9:15:21 PM

please email me @ c_stylez2005@yahoo.com, i'm looking to open a thrift store in the Saint Paul, MN market. i have a location in mind that has a great deal of customer walk ins and in located in a VERY high traffic area. i have the know abouts of how to do this. i am able to get this deal fully licensed and insured as a LLC for profit company. will reg with the SOS of MN. i am a business banker for a well known bank so obtaining the doc's needed will NOT be a problem. getting the merch we need shouldn't be a problem either i have MANY resources available and i would do all the leg work. by opening this store i will plan to have at least 10-15 FTE's hours would be 9am-9pm 7 days a week closed all major holidays. pay will be determined thru EXP and business payroll will be done by a professional. all accounting would be done in house by a exp book keeper lic. this is going to be a great venture and i am looking forward to getting this completed by no later than 11-01-2010. this store will sell a supply of computers, tv's, clothes for all, furn, beds, books, jewelery, sporting goods, exercise eq, movies, all sorts of electronics, knick knacks, household items, and many other various items. prices will range from $0.50 - $249.99 depending of items. nothing will be in the store that looks like junk or broken everything will work correctly and will be inspected before being put on the shelfs. also thinking of having a online website to hold auctions almost like ebay on certain items. what i am needing is a partner someone who is willing to do some help with cost's and running the place in the event i'm not there. the catch is my credit is not the best and i will not qualify for any SBA loans or personal loans at that matter. this is why i'm looking to make a GREAT deal for ANYONE willing to help. i have 2 people that are for it right now and i'm in need of more help. if your all for this PLEASE feel free to message me to exchange #s my email again is c_stylez2005@yahoo.com we can and will work out a deal for the right person. THANK YOU..CURTIS

34. sarah on 6/6/2010 6:52:16 PM

I'm from a small town outside Vancouver BC, Canada. I am determined to open my own thrift store but am having trouble figuring out the license and selling specifications etc. I would like to open a store that offers support to missionaries, but at the moment I am stumped as for opening costs and the legal issues. Is there any advice from anyone . I would ever so greatly appreciate it, Thank You . . .

35. Nikki on 6/17/2010 9:59:57 AM

I also had a vision from God to start a thrift store in my community in South Carolina. We only have the Salvation Army store here and the other thrift store does not sell clothing. I want to sell most clothing for 1$. I am currently serving free bag lunches to the homeless on Saturdays and would love to help with other needs for homeless and poor people. We do not have a shelter in my town. My problem is deciding whether to go for profit or non-profit. I will pray and ask God for direction on which way to go. I know that if you ask anything in Jesus name he will provide it for you. I will start collecting items this summer at yard sales and from my church. Please pray for me. Thank you. God bless all who have this vision to help their communities..

36. marfar on 6/20/2010 12:11:17 PM

I once owned and operated a thrift store in Charleston, the reason it closed is due to lack of planning. You cannot pay the rent on $1 shirts and $3 pants, there must be big ticket items regularly sold. When I committed to opening my store I did a lot of research, I took classes on opening and operating a small business, and I took full advantage of the local library. There are also government small business help in town; only to provide advice, not money! I plan to open my store again in the future, and currently take accounting classes at my local community college. Oddly enough I am at this web-site doing research for a paper that's due about "what you plan to do in 10 years." My advice to all is research, volunteer or work part-time in a re-sale shop. That is the only way you will find out details, no-one ever gave me ALL the information that was needed. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

37. Lynn N on 6/23/2010 12:44:34 PM

The Treasure Chest thrift store will open sometime this summer. It is part of the total vision of a memorial project - Lighthouse Library in Dexter, KS (a tribute to our daughter who was killed in a car wreck just before her wedding while she was driving back to her dorm at K-State). We collected 20,000 donated books & held fun-raisers to purchase the building material for the library, the thrift store, & a lodge (cabin - Grouse Valley Lodge) on the site. The cabin is the other sustaining project for the main library (to raise funds to pay for the utilities). 100% of the proceeds from the lodge & thrift store will go back into the the library project. The library is a project of ECCRC, a 501-C non-profit started in 2003.

People were generous to donate the opening merchandise. I do hope/pray they will continue once the shop is opened. We decided (due to space limitations) to only sell one type of clothing. We cannot sell furniture due to lack of space, but will sell shelves, clocks, & very small furniture. We are not selling any electronics only because after receiving donated electronics for the past several years, there is a high amount of non-working products & we do not want to sell defective merchandise. We plan to sell clean & working items.

There will be a large section of ocen-themed items since the library (Lighthouse Library) has an ocean theme. There is even a 25-ft working lighthouse on the library site. People passing through Kansas can stop in, see the lighthouse, & buy something in the shop to remember their stop-over.

We have a tiny chapel planned to use up the left-over building material (Tiny Heart Chapel). My husband thinks this project is silly - but everyone I've shared it with loves the idea. It is called Tiny Heart Chapel because it is so small & is in the heart of America. I have donated & historical items donated by several area churches. Other items were purchased from church auctions.

Everyone has been very supportive & are patiently awaiting the opening. I quit my corporate job in the big city of Wichita, KS. I am a licensed teacher & am praying for some sort of online teaching assignment or some college courses to teach online while at the thrift store. I have no clue how our family will meet our financial obligations. I just made the plunge because one day at my job, it seemed like the right time. I am trusting God for the outcome. Someone on this post stated something like "Where God leads, He will provide." I love that!

I do know that a thrift store will help our local small rural Kansas town. There is little to do there. People need a place to stop by & get a Coke, shop for gifts, or just visit. We have given away food boxes for several years to those who need food. We have given away coffee or hot cocoa in the winter for anyone stopping by (at our other location). We had free space at another small town, but were asked to leave due to a paying renter in the building. At first, we were very hurt. But it turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise. What others help for evil, God turned into good - as is always the case.

I wrote a book, Whippoorwill:A Journey Through Loss - & proceeds from the book go to help finish the library project. Here's our website: http://www.freewebs.com/eccrc

It is my desire to run the library & thrift store, see families enjoy the peace & quite of the lodge, & get the chapel built. Financially, this is one crazy idea for my family. But sometimes you just have to follow your heart & trust the Lord. He has brought us this far & has brought us through some very deep valleys. I love to help others & love to be out in the community visiting with families. Can't wait to get the computer lab up & running & start teaching basic computer workshops again!! Please pray for us & we will pray for all those on this website who also have a heart for others. Thank you & God bless. You may e-mail me at ECCRC at: eccresourcecenter@yahoo.com

38. bev.. on 6/23/2010 4:03:44 PM

I have a storage with unwanted items & would like to give the items to a thrift shop for free. I am also looking & asking for a thrift shop to come & pick up the items for free. I live in the city of virginia beach va, if any thrift shop is in need of unwanted items please let me know. you come pick it up its yours for free. Thanks

39. Susan Wachowiak on 7/13/2010 8:07:43 AM

Saginaw, MI. I'm an Auxiliary president. We have a Thrift Shop that's open 1 day a week, 9-3, all volunteer run. It's a small gold mind, and I'm working on increasing the days open but change is difficult for this group! Looking for any information/resources you can pass along for donation dumpsters that can be placed outside the Thrift store and outside the hospital for employees to use. Thank you!

40. Christina on 7/16/2010 5:09:18 PM

Hi I just opened up my thrift store. Like many others I had vision from God. i love helping people and the community and I also wanted something i could do to reach out for souls. It's all about God in everything I do. the owner gave me the keys with no money down and i do not have a job. I know that this is God. He handed me the key with joy and the location is in the perfect place I waited on God and he showed up and showed out. Be encouraged and stay focused. My Business is Located in Laurinburg, NC 28352

41. chris kenrick on 7/22/2010 3:09:24 PM

Hola, I am interested in starting a thrift store in Mexico and I am reading all about what it takes. This page is full of people who have questions and many more who have experience and answers. I am from the United States, but my girlfriend is from Mexico. I am 26 years old and recently moved to Mexico for many reasons. I now want to start a thrift store here and I am looking for some advice, guidance, and all around insight into the industry. I know Mexico is a different place, but I believe it can work here too. Take care and I look forward to hearing from you.

42. Brandy Sigworth on 7/25/2010 11:58:00 PM

Hi there, it's nice to see all the posts of successes. I've been researching opening a thrift store in our small town for about a year now. Mostly reading online and books from the library. I am looking into grants for women wanting to start a small business. I would love any feedback, not sure about start up money, where to find all the racks and shelves, legal issues. I want to run this on my own and pass it on to my children when they're older. Thanks.

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42 Responses to "How to Start a Thrift Store".

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