Is It Worth It?
Sometimes thrift stores price items that’s practically a steal. Sometimes they over price items. How do you know if you are getting a deal? My advice is know what the market value is for an item. Ask yourself if you can get the item new at a TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Marshall’s, Ross Michael’s Craft Store, Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc. The main item that a lot of thrift stores will overprice are trunks. Really, you shouldn’t pay more that $15 dollars for a wicker or press board trunk. Now, wood and antique or vintage metal trunks are a different story. Be willing to go up to $50, even $75 for an item like that. I have we seen a few priced for $150, but really, that’s over priced in my opinion.
| Item | Market Price (approximate as of December 2018) | Good Second Hand Price |
| Carved Wooden Box | $40 | $5.99-$14.99 |
| Large Trunk /Footlocker | $50-$230 | $14.99-$25 |
| Small Pressboard Decorative suitcase/trunk | $16-$40 | $9.99 |
| Wicker Trunk | $21 | $5.99-$14.99 |
| Casual Dress | $40-$80 | $5.99-$9.99 |
| Wedding dress | $300-$5,000+ | $25-$50 |
| Prom Dress | $150 | $9.99-$19.99 |
| Skirts | $12.99-$29.99 | $7.99 |
| Leather Jacket | $30- $200 | $9.99-$19.99 |
| Embroidered Shirt | $20-$30 | $5.99-$7.99 |
| Button Up Shirt | $20-$40 | $7.99 |
| Pants | $20-$50 | $9.99- $14 |
| Moroccan Tray Table | $80-$200 | $40 |
| Small decorative chest | $10-$30 | $5.99-$9.99 |
*I will be updating this list over time.
The other question to ask yourself is what condition is the item?