How To Make Money When Thrifting

Here's how to pay for your addiction.

We all love to find those bargains when 

shopping at Thrift Stores and garage sales.

But even a bargain costs money. Those little

fun finds can make you feel a bit guilty 

because they are "wants" and not "needs". 

I also need to clear out the old to make room

for new ideas that pop into my head. It
makes it so much more fun to treasure hunt
when I know my purchases will be free! 

Here's what I do. When I see something
that's "too good to pass up", I buy it.
Sometimes it needs just a
"lick and a promise" to make it look better.
 It can't be too big because we don't
 have a truck. The 2 pieces I found on my
last trip were a bargain! The kitchen island
was only $20. I'll list it for $75.
The server/cabinet/dry sink is a

 vintage Ethan Allen piece selling on eBay
 for between $199-$499. I got it for $25
 and have already sold it locally for $125. 

I don't refinish or paint 'cause that's too much
work. Just minor repairs, wash with soapy
water, polish a bit. Oh, and merchandise it
before I take a picture. That also helps to
 give the piece size perspective. 

Then it gets posted on Craigslist and
maybe my town's Facebook marketplace
page for local pick-up.

This is the "before" of the island.
I took it outside to give it a good cleaning
with soap and water.Then I sanded the top
 and oiled it (use plain mineral oil).

 A little merchandising and it's ready for
pictures. I always post several pictures.

 It gives people an idea on how they'll
use it in their home.

If it's small and collectable, 

I will post on eBay. So far, so good.
Everything always sells.

Maybe we need a truck!

Cheers!

Links: Between Naps on The Porch,
Coastal Charm, Dwellings,