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

FAQs

What is the best day to go thrifting? ›

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.

Clothing. Clothing is an item that sells best in thrift stores. Accounting for 31.8 percent of industry revenue, clothing is the largest revenue generator in the Thrift Stores industry, according to IBISWorld. Instead of paying higher retail prices, many people are switching to thrift stores for their clothing needs.

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.

Depending on the city, you may want to bring about $30 to be safe. Clothing these days at thrift stores are good quality and a lot of stores are using color charts and trends to keep the stores spruced up. I say this to say don't panic about prices but don't be shocked if you do find a shirt that cost $5.00.

“Firstly, the cost of operations — including rent, utilities and wages — has increased over time. Secondly, the quality and brand of donated items can also influence pricing. High-end brands or items in excellent condition may be priced higher.

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.

It's not uncommon to find thrift store flippers making close to $100k every year from thrift store flipping. It, however, still depends on how much you put in. If you're willing to put in enough time to learn about flipping and carefully research the items to sell, you can make a comfortable living.

How to save money at thrift store? ›

Spring and Summer Are a Hit

Warm weather, spring cleaning, and garage sales all have a positive effect on thrift store hauls, according to Bowker. 'Tis the season for people to declutter and purge items they no longer need, resulting in larger donation piles.

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!

Wednesday Is the Best Day to Grocery Shop

In addition to it being the day when new specials take effect—hence all the new endcaps you see—it's also that weekday grocery workers are most likely to give you a little grace.

A thrift shop is safe, but it's also as intimate as you wanted to be there. Like theme parks for the imagination. And buying each other a little souvenir gift. is a great way to flirt. Isn't that more fun than staring at someone.