3 Ways to Turn a Thrift Store find Into a Great Investment

Thrift stores have recently become popular (thank you Macklemore) again and it’s because people are beginning to realize that sometimes the least expensive find is one of the best finds. Thrift shops are technically designed for those who want to save money on things they can’t otherwise afford, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid these stores. Some people find the most amazing investment pieces at thrift stores simply by knowing what to look for and how to find pieces that will end up being an investment in the long run. Your buys can be very, very wise. Here’s what to look for the next time you’re thrift shopping so you end up taking home investment pieces.

Designer Furniture

Oftentimes people who don’t know any better will donate grandma’s old hutch or china cabinet or coffee tables to a local thrift store because they’re a little dinged and scratched and they’d rather just buy brand new ones at the local furniture store. What these people don’t realize, however, is that sometimes grandma knows best. Sometimes her old furniture is actually very expensive designer furniture that she’s had for decades. This makes it an antique, and this makes it worth a lot of money. By doing your research and learning about different high-end furniture and designs, you can hit up the thrift store in search of great investment pieces that will earn you a lot of money.

Designer Clothing

This is something you should consider if you live near a bigger city with a high-end popular (we’re looking at places with big hospitals and other upscale places of employment that bring about wealthier residents). People here often take their unwanted items to local thrift shops, and sometimes they take good stuff. It’s not uncommon to walk into a thrift store in LA and find an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag or vintage Chanel flats. These are investment pieces that will last you a lifetime, and you can find them for affordable prices at thrift stores.

Designer Dishes and Accessories

Another common find in big thrift stores in upscale neighborhoods are designer dishes and accessories. This could be anything from Waterford crystal flutes to high-end dinnerware. People get rid of things they don’t want, and those who don’t need the money just give them away or donate them. By learning what is of good quality, you’ll know to be on the lookout for these items, which are always investment pieces, the next time you hit up your local thrift store.

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