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4 Easy Steps for Starting an Online Thrift Store

 

 

4 Easy Steps for Starting an Online Thrift Store

A thrift store is a special place. It’s a utopia of one-of-a-kind collectibles, unbelievable bargains, and opportunities for up-cycling rarely seen outside of their hallowed halls. Once limited to brick-and-mortar storefronts, tech advances have made opening an e-store easier than ever before. Here are four easy steps to start an online thrift store:

To Niche or Not to Niche?

While thrift stores don’t have many downsides, having to sift through random piles of stuff to find that one diamond in the rough can be frustrating. Curated is the new buzzword for selling things second-hand. Customers appreciate a store that offers a specialized selection of their favorite things.

If you have a passion for retro-board games or high-end fashion, then you might have your beginning. If not, take an honest inventory of your interests, experience, and knowledge, or use a productivity calendar to track how you spend your time. Sometimes the thing we spend most of our time on is the one thing we take for granted.

Create your Identity

Identity is all about finding that certain something that makes your store unique. So dig deep and uncover what about your business moves you. It can also be helpful to check out other online resale sites in your niche to get a feel for what works and what doesn’t.

You can also assess the marketability of your chosen product using keyword planners or forums such as Facebook Groups and Redditlist. For example, suppose you’re crazy into velvet Elvis artwork, but nobody else is. In that case, you might need to think a little bigger to make it profitable.

This is also an excellent time to start thinking names, and there are a few considerations that come with that, some of them legal. Additionally, it’s also important to begin exploring the regulations for running your business as states and cities may have different rules.

If you Build Your Thrift Store, They will Come

Online is one of the easiest ways to get your business in front of new customers. The rise of Covid-19 and associated restrictions have driven many customers into the loving arms of internet retailers.

You have a few cloud-based business options, but an eCommerce platform might be most accessible for those new to the industry. These platforms allow you set up your site even if you don’t have elite tech skills. Some of the best known include Shopify, Squarespace, and WooCommerce.

Also, you might want to pay attention to mobile apps as many customers shop using their smartphones. Apps such as DePop, Poshmark, Instagram, and ThredUp have massive followings and can give your burgeoning business a good boost.

Start Small and Grow

When you first open your virtual doors, start with a few select pieces to see what sells. It’s tempting to rush into buying a lot of inventory, but starting small can help streamline your pricing processes, categorize, and store your goods.

These four steps got you to the starting line, and now your thrift store is in the race. You are in control, and there are no limits.

Read More:

How to Start a Vintage Clothing Business

Business Franchises You Can Launch for Less than $15k

Side Gigs that Make More Money than a Full Time Career

Photo by Becca McHaffie on Unsplash

Posted in: Career, Career and Work, Online Income, Personal Finance

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