Used or thrifted (as we would normally call it) items are basically those items that are fairly used but are still in good shape for another person to use.
Selling of used or thrifted items online has now become a very good and profitable business. Now you would ask, who will want to buy used items? Not everyone can afford new products because of how expensive they are, so the thought of being able to get that same product that literally serves the same purpose and is still in a good and perfect shape, at a cheaper price is definitely exciting.
So if you are looking for ways to make extra cash then you should definitely try out thrift business. Selling of used items online could either be a side hustle or main hustle because it is very profitable. If you don’t know how to start this business then you need not worry because right here, we have created this guide which will teach you how to successfully start your thrift business.
1. DECIDE ON WHAT AND WHERE YOU WANT TO SELL
The first thing you should think about when starting a thrift business is the choice of products. There are so many used items that are being sold online, the most popular items are clothes and household items. You could choose the item based on your accessibility, requests, season, etc.
Choosing the right platform is another important thing you need to decide. These online platforms give you access to a store space where you display your used items. These platforms help with free advertising, and they also make payment and delivery very easy. It’s always best to choose platforms according to their audience. I.e choose platforms that align with the items you want to sell. For example if you want to sell used clothes, shoes, then you should try platforms like EEStylebox because it is a fashion platform.
2. TAKE GOOD AND CLEAR PICTURES OF THE ITEMS
When it comes to e-commerce especially when it has to do with used items, your pictures are very important. You need to put extra time and effort in taking nice and clear pictures so that your intended customers could have a clear idea and picture on what they are about to purchase. Always make sure the pictures are beautiful, clear and attractive so that it would draw potential customers. Avoid busy backgrounds so that it wouldn’t take away the attention from the main item you are putting up for sell. Lastly, always try to use live pictures instead of pictures from company websites. Live pictures make your potential clients trust you more.
3. BE HONEST WITH YOUR DESCRIPTION
When posting your available items in your online store, always be honest with the description. Sometimes some used items may be lacking one or two features, it is always important to state that in the description box so as to alert your potential clients about the condition and to ask not to waste their time. State the brand, the size, the color, how long it has been used and also state the areas that it lacks.
And since we are talking about used items here, you should never forget to always state that they are used.
4. ALWAYS PUT UP A FAIR PRICE
When it comes to pricing of used items there are so many things to consider , you have to first consider how long the item has been used for before now, you also have to consider the condition. You could also research similar items and see how much they are being sold for so you could put it up for a competitive price. You could also decide to price it lower so you could sell faster. But whichever way, just make sure your prices are always fair.
5. PROMOTE YOUR STORE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
After opening a store space in your preferred platform you still need to promote your store on other social media platforms to draw people to your online store. Create accounts on social media platforms like Facebook, instagram, twitter, TikTok etc .Create links that would take people straight to your online store from any social media platform.
6. USE THE RIGHT KEYWORDS WHEN POSTING ONLINE
In e-commerce, the use of the right keywords are very important because you would want your potential clients to easily locate you when searching online. Since we are talking about selling used items, always use words like ‘used’ , ‘thrift’ , ‘fairly used’ so as to be easily found on any platform.
7. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR ITEMS CLEAN AND PRESTABLE
You need to always keep your used items clean and tidy. They are second hand products doesn’t mean that they should appear dirty and rusty. Always keep them clean especially before sending them to your customers. If you are selling thrifted clothes then you should wash and iron them, when a customer sees how clean and arranged your products are they will definitely come back to buy more.
8. KEEP RECORDS AND PROVIDE GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE
The only way a business will survive is if you keep good records and provide good customer service. When you keep records you are able to monitor the business accurately and make corrections where necessary. If you provide good customer service you will definitely have returning clients. So always pay attention to clients, answer their questions, be polite and always try to be available. Don’t post an item and then go offline for days leaving your customers unattended to.
CONCLUSION
Thrift business is generally a very good lucrative business which anyone can do. You could either do it as a side or main hustle. Just choose the right platform, take nice pictures, keep good records, provide good customer service, promote your online store on other social media platforms, put up a fair price, take clear and sharp pictures, be honest with your description etc.
With these few guidelines you would be able to successfully run a thrift business.