What are the best days to go thrift shopping for resale?
Weekday Mornings
Many thrift stores restock overnight or on Monday mornings after weekend donations. Shopping early on weekdays gives you first pick before the after-work and weekend crowds. Stores are less crowded, so you can take your time inspecting items.
Tuesday and Wednesday are often cited as good days because the weekend's donations have been processed and put out. Some stores have special sales on certain weekdays, which can improve your margins.
- Monday: post-weekend restock
- Tuesday-Wednesday: new items on floor
- Thursday: still good, but more competition
- Friday: weekend crowd starts
Weekend Strategies
Weekends bring more shoppers, but also more donations. Saturday mornings can be good if you arrive early. Some stores put out new items on Saturday for the weekend rush. However, by Sunday, the best items may be picked over.
If you shop on weekends, focus on stores that are less popular or in areas with less reseller activity. Also, check for estate sales and garage sales on weekends, which can complement your thrift store runs.
- Saturday: early bird gets the worm
- Sunday: leftovers, but sometimes restocked
- Holiday weekends: hit or miss, often busy
Special Sales and Discount Days
Many thrift stores have daily or weekly tag sales (e.g., 50% off blue tags on Wednesdays). These can be great for resale if you know which colors are discounted. Sign up for store loyalty programs or newsletters to get alerts.
Some stores offer senior or student discounts on certain days. If you qualify, that can add to your profit. Keep a calendar of these events to plan your shopping trips.
Common mistakes
- Assuming weekends are always best; weekdays often have fresher inventory and fewer crowds.
- Ignoring store-specific discount days; these can significantly lower your cost of goods.
- Shopping only in the afternoon; mornings are usually better for new stock.
