Where do thrift stores get their merchandise?
Public Donations
The majority of thrift store inventory comes from individual donations. People drop off clothing, furniture, housewares, books, and electronics they no longer want. Donations are often left in bins or at attended donation centers.
Donations can include anything from everyday items to valuable antiques, depending on the donor. Stores sort, price, and display these items. Some donations are unsellable and are recycled or sent to outlets.
- Clothing: most common donation
- Furniture: bulky, varies by store
- Books and media: often plentiful
- Electronics: tested or sold as-is
Retail Salvage and Overstock
Some thrift stores, especially larger chains, get merchandise from retail stores. This can include overstock, discontinued items, returns, or slightly damaged goods. Retailers like Target and Walmart sometimes donate or sell salvage to thrift organizations.
These items are often new with tags but may be out of season or have minor defects. They can be good for resale if you know the brands and current demand.
- Overstock: new, but outdated
- Returns: may be damaged or missing parts
- Discontinued: limited resale value
- Salvage: unsold from other stores
Estate and Corporate Donations
Thrift stores may receive entire estates when someone passes away or downsizes. These donations can include furniture, jewelry, and collectibles. Some stores have partnerships with estate liquidators to take remaining items after a sale.
Corporate donations can come from hotels, offices, or schools upgrading their furnishings. These might include linens, office supplies, or electronics. The quality and resale potential vary widely.
- Estate donations: often vintage or antique
- Corporate: office furniture, supplies
- Hotel: linens, small appliances
- School: books, furniture, electronics
Common mistakes
- Assuming all thrift store items are donated by individuals; many come from retail salvage or estates.
- Thinking that new items are always better; retail salvage may be out of season or damaged.
- Overlooking the possibility of corporate donations; these can include high-quality office items.
