I took the offensive today to hit 12 thrift stores over 7.5 hours with lots of walking, 3 subway rides, and one bus ride. I spent 3.5 hours at one store, so the other 11 in 4 hours is more of my speed. I saved the best for last below.
Inspired by 
The store gets overflow/leftovers from local stores (and their own donations), and puts them out in big bins on a regimented schedule a few times a day. There are organized floor clearings, bin refreshes, and the ever-so-fun mad rush to the new stuff. People line up like bulls ready to stampede. People are freaking crazy and have big bags strapped to their waists to run and fill up like psychos. They then take the grab bags back to their "home-shopping-cart-against-the-wall-mothership" to filter out the junk.
Signs are everywhere to not run, but everyone except me ran. Here's my clandestine picture of the pre-stampede defiantly taken where there are signs saying no photography. Only for Steemit.
Since the last time I went there, the store STOPPED putting out housewares and electronics, my bread and butter. While I stayed for fun since I already made the trip, I probably won't be going there for a while. They currently have 90% clothes/shoes/handbags, and 10% books/records/CDs. Not worth it, and I usually stay the hell away from clothes, but I wasn't leaving empty handed.
Instead of rushing, I stayed back and waited for people to put the clothes they filtered through back. These are the things I found there, noting that I HATE buying clothes. I had no choice today but to adapt and win.
#1 A 1953 US Navy Jacket.
- It's missing one button, but is otherwise so pristine in condition that it scares me. See the label from inside the pocket with the guy's name and info. He either had this sewn into a jacket remake or seriously never wore the thing. I got this for about $1.50 and feel I could probably sell it for about $80. TBD here.
1953!! Name removed for privacy.
#2 Hide Society Canada Genuine Sheepskin Women's Full Coat.
- It's absurdly heavy and likely meant for Eskimos in a deep freeze.
- Surprisingly excellent+ condition. I checked obsessively for flaws.
- Since it was charged by weight, it was about $13-$14.
- I can sell it for around $150 over time with moderate shipping.
- I'll profit about $100-$105 on it.
- This better sell
#3 & 4 Tahari Women's Suit Jacket and Limited Edition P90X Workout.
- Nothing fancy, but these will be the quick sellers. Mint condition.
- Cost about $2.50 together
- Will sell for about $40 and $20 with minimal shipping costs.
Not satisfied with this alternative stuff, I went back to my main circuit to save the day. No stopping for food, just fueled by will-power.
All of the stores were picked, barren, or overpriced, but I pressed on. On my 10th store, which I rarely go to anymore since they stopped carrying housewares, I hit the jackpot for the day.
In the front glass case at the register, with a sticker that was 3 days old (it sat in front of everyone for that long all day), was this GEM below... FULLY SEALED. The second I had them take it out another guy came up and put his hands on it. I defended my turf and he told me I was lucky. I told him I was out all day and I was due. While looking at the unit, a manager I know brought out sealed Bose earbuds. I grabbed those right away since they sell fast. I schmoozed with him to earn $10 off for buying both. The jealous guy couldn't believe what I found and that I got a discount on top of it. He sulked out immediately after that.
BEHOLD!!!
Logitech Squeezebox Boom - Sealed New (a sick find)
- You don't find these new.
- Got for $87 after discount and tax.
- Should sell for $720 to undercut the competition at $743.
- Easy net of $550+ profit after fees and shipping.
Bose Earbuds - Sealed New
-Got for $21.76 after discount and tax.
-Should sell for $60 for about $28 quality profit.
Was I done? NOPE
After running home to ship out stuff, I went to two local spots. One was a dud, but the second had exactly what I needed for myself for the warm weather...
Both pairs in my size and barely appeared to be worn maybe once. Condition 9.7/10 easy.
The Nikes are about $100 new and the New Balances run about $70 new.
My cost for both was $35 - both essentially new!
Moral of the story... HUSTLE. I almost didn't go to the store that "never has anything", but I forced myself and it turned out to be the biggest stop of the day.
Total Spent: $121.40 on inventory & $11 on transportation.
Realistic revenue: $1,070 before fees/shipping.
Am I done?
NOPE.
Time to go outside and curb hunt in my neighborhood. Mondays and Tuesdays are the best nights, and I want more Bitcoin for the long haul.
Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think and if you have any questions.
