There are three types of thrifters in the world

1. People who need items and go to thrift shops to find them for a lower price than retail
2. People who like to find unique, antique, pre loved items
3. People who thrift to flip

Personally… I have a problem with person #3. Thrift stores are a resource for those who need them and we should be careful consumers when going into these spaces. But that’s not why youre reading this page.

I identify as person #2. I thrift to find things I love. Giving a new home to old items, and finding sustainable solutions instead of buying new. I always buy with the intention of putting items into my home, but sometimes… I find out the cool pieces I buy are worth A LOT.

The infamous golden fan

• Purchase price – $20
• Retail price – $1450

Oh this fan – my first thrift. I saw it laying in the side of my hometown thrift store when I was bored one day and knew I had to bring it home with me. It has been the staple of all my apartments racking up the most comments – both love and hate. After finding its true price I cant say I am shocked, I knew she was special from the moment I saw her – but not $1450 special. She will never be sold and will always have a centerpiece in my home. Why? Because I could never replace her, no amount of money is worth how cool this piece is.

The Brass Bar Cart (or is it?)

• Purchase price – $40 (to be honest I’m not sure but I know $40 is my max)
• Retail price – Range $300- $1,464

Okay okay lets address the elephant(s) in the room. YES I know Its not a bar cart – but honestly I had no clue what it was when I got it so give me some brownie points for creativity. TWO its missing some ~essential~ pieces. Do I think this piece is worth even the $300 mark – NO. Seeing its missing the mirror and matching chair I cant even begin to assume the price of this find. But again, I’m not selling her as a flip.

The Anthropologie Mirror

• Purchase price – $30
• Retail price – Range $450-600

You’re just going to have to just believe me on this one – because why would I lie? Truthfully when I found this one I knew it was worth a good bit. After spotting it at the thrift store I noticed on the back the famous “Anthropologie” name and knew it was worth something. I have done some deep searching to find this mirror online, even sending this tag to anthropologie’s help email to try to track it down. So basically, if you can tell me the name and price of this mirror I’d greatly appreciate it. But… seeing that the primrose mirror goes for hundred I can safely assume mine is the same.

All in all – I bought these pieces because I love them. They all caught my eye at the thrift store not because of the gold, or the “potential profitability” but because of the aesthetic and potential in my home.

DONT THRIFT THINGS JUST TO FLIP. Thrift to find some sick stuff, and maybe it can be worth a lot more than you think.