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I just recently took responsibility for running a local non-profit thrift store. Our profits go to running and operating the local animal shelter, a cause that is near and dear to me.
We are in a very rural, low cost of living area in the South (very upper North Florida/lower Georgia area) Right now the store is full of over-priced junk, but I have a huge warehouse full of donations that need to be priced and placed in the store to sell. A LOT of clothes, shoes, purses. Boxes and boxes of books, some electronics. Tons of knick-knacks and home decor, etc. Not much furniture.
An incredible amount of dishes, china.
Pretty much anything and everything. Probably 25% of it is junk, 50% is decent quality, and 25% is valuable collectables and antiques.
I have a pretty strong background in retail, so I know all the basics of running a profitable business, but I could use some advice on what thrift store shoppers are looking for, and more importantly the prices they are willing to pay. I need to make decisions as far as what to put out for sale (and at what price) and what items are basically a waste of floor space.
Any one have any suggestions? I'd really appreciate it. I just want to bring in as much money as possible for the animals
I think one of the most important things thrift store shoppers are looking for is a low price, even for good items. That's why most people shop at thrift stores- they want something used, and that they think is neat, but it has to be a bargain.
It sounds to me like you have a bunch of items that people would buy. If I were you, I'd put everything you can up for sale, except I would get rid of any the clothes, shoes and purses in poor condition. You can try to sell other items that may have minor damages (for an extra-deep discount) if they seem like they could be easily repaired and are collectible. (No damaged glassware though, glass collectors don't want cracked or chipped items.)
Anything you have that you think is truly a valuable antique would be better to try to sell on eBay if you want to try to get more than you would at the thrift store.
I hope this advice is helpful, good luck with your store!
Thank you so much for your reply. Now to convince the board members that we need to keep our prices low and our quality as high as possible.
Any other thoughts/suggestions are very welcome
Thank you so much for your reply. Now to convince the board members that we need to keep our prices low and our quality as high as possible.
Any other thoughts/suggestions are very welcome
Low prices are important, but refreshing merchandise is the key. Once shoppers feel your merchandise is stale, they'll stop coming. You need repeat business. So go through everything already on the floor with a critical eye--remove what needs to go. If you get lots of little toys (Happy Meal type things), bag them in large plastic bags & sell for $2-$5, depending on the size of the bags. Keep things very clean & tidy and do not overstock clothing. If customers can't see it, they won't buy it! Don't worry if you sell something & find it was worth quite a bit more--that will keep people coming through the doors. Run specials, like Tuesday is 2 for 1 on clothing, or half price on wares.
Low prices are important, but refreshing merchandise is the key. Once shoppers feel your merchandise is stale, they'll stop coming. You need repeat business. So go through everything already on the floor with a critical eye--remove what needs to go. If you get lots of little toys (Happy Meal type things), bag them in large plastic bags & sell for $2-$5, depending on the size of the bags. Keep things very clean & tidy and do not overstock clothing. If customers can't see it, they won't buy it! Don't worry if you sell something & find it was worth quite a bit more--that will keep people coming through the doors. Run specials, like Tuesday is 2 for 1 on clothing, or half price on wares.
Good luck!
Thank you for the great advice. I personally agree with everything you said
Unfortunately, it's pretty much the exact opposite of how things are now, and the board members are VERY resistant to change.
Still, they brought me in to increase sales because what they are doing now isn't working, so they are just going to have to go with the (new) flow or find someone else.
Really appreciate the input! I just want to make as much money for the animal shelter as possible.
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Need advice from thrift store shoppers.....
