15 Thrift Store Items That Often Resell for a High Profit

This post may contain affiliate links.

Thrift stores aren’t just for secondhand clothing and old furniture; they can also be a source of items with real resale value. With a trained eye and a bit of research, it’s possible to spot pieces that are priced low but sell for much more on the resale market.

As interest in secondhand shopping continues to grow, so does demand for quality vintage, collectible, and hard-to-find items. For thrifters willing to learn what to look for, reselling can move from a casual hobby to a profitable side hustle. Below are 15 thrift store finds that often resell for a high profit when chosen carefully.

Mismatched China

Individual plates or cups from well-known porcelain manufacturers like Wedgwood, Royal Worcester, or Limoges are in demand. Collectors of vintage china often seek out rare patterns, even if the pieces are not part of a complete set. These are particularly valuable when in great condition and bearing the signature of renowned makers.

Although discovering an entire set is a big bonus, one rare piece from the desired manufacturer can be sold for hundreds of dollars on eBay and other similar websites. Vintage china is in demand for decoration, where single pieces can be used in different styles.

Original Oil Paintings

Original oil paintings are among the most valuable finds in thrift stores. While mass-produced reproductions are common, finding a true original from an unknown artist or even a well-known painter can yield impressive returns.

To determine their worth, examine for signatures, provenance, and condition. These works can be sold through galleries, auctions, and online sites.

How to Create a Stunning Gallery Wall on Stairs

Pedestals

Pedestals that were once standard pieces of furniture in wealthy homes now sit on thrift-store shelves for a fraction of their original price. Most of these pieces, especially in marble, wood, and metal, are highly salable for collectors and interior designers who want to display sculptures or plants.

Pedestals can be very valuable if they are antique; some 19th-century pieces have sold for thousands of dollars in auctions, especially if they are in good condition. Even modestly designed pedestals can appreciate value due to their rarity and classic aesthetic appeal.

Picture Frames

Picture frames, especially antique or vintage frames, can be great finds in thrift stores. They were once crafted with great detail, and most of the designs were very ornate. They were made from high-quality materials such as gold, silver, or wood.

Frames from the Victorian or Art Deco periods can be worth a surprising amount. Even simpler frames from unique materials, such as tortoiseshell or hand-carved wood, can have high resale potential.

Frames that depict their age can be worth more than their modern, mass-produced counterparts. Many collectors will pay a premium for frames that complement rare or original artwork.

Vintage Sporting Goods

Vintage sporting goods are a niche that is gaining popularity among collectors. Items like old baseball gloves, golf clubs, and antique fishing rods can command high prices.

For instance, a vintage baseball glove from a Hall of Fame player or a classic wooden golf club might be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Sporting memorabilia has been in high demand, particularly from early 20th-century games, as evidenced by auction results.

Signed Art

Signed artworks, particularly those by renowned artists or of historical significance, command a much higher value. The occasional paintings, prints, or sculptures from highly acclaimed artists make thrift stores the most unlikely of places to strike gold.

The key would be to authenticate their signatures to establish their value based on their provenance. Even unsigned pieces from renowned schools or periods can fetch high prices when their style or technique appeals to collectors.

Quilts

Quilts can fetch a handsome amount when sold, especially antique ones or those made by hand. Hand-quilted quilts from the 19th century or with unique patterns have a high demand among collectors and interior designers.

Quilts in good condition can fetch between a few hundred and thousands of dollars at auction. The value of a quilt depends on its age, fabric, craftsmanship, and pattern.

Collectors often focus on quilts made by well-known makers or those associated with historical events, such as Civil War-era quilts. Vintage quilts can be sold at specialty antique auctions or online platforms like Etsy, where buyers look for functional and decorative pieces.

15 Crochet Projects That Keep Your Hands Busy and Your Mind Engaged

Glass Art

Glass art, including Murano glass, Venetian glass, or blown glass, is often undervalued at thrift stores, offering excellent resale potential. These can sell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, especially for vases, bowls, and sculptures made of vintage-era glass.

The main ways to identify valuable glass art are to recognize the maker’s mark, look for bubbles or imperfections that may indicate the item was handmade, and assess the item’s condition.

Coffee Table Books

Limited-edition books signed by the authors or featuring great photography can fetch quite impressive prices in secondary markets.

Rare books on art, fashion, or history are in huge demand. Look for first editions, books in excellent condition, or those with unique features such as artist signatures or special binding.

Say What? People are Freezing their thrifted books

Silver and Gold Jewelry

Antique and older silver and gold jewelry also turn up at many thrift stores and can be resold at a considerable margin. Gold and silver items, if in good condition, can be melted down for their metal content or resold as collectibles.

Look for items with hallmarks identifying the quality and place of origin, such as “925” for sterling silver or “14K” for gold. Designer pieces may also be valuable, including older Tiffany & Co. or Cartier items. Vintage costume jewelry, especially from the 1920s and 1930s, is also in great demand.

Vintage Fiestaware

Dinner plates, serving bowls, and mugs from specific periods demand a high price, especially if they are discontinued colors or in mint condition.

Pieces from the 1930s through the 1960s command a premium, but specific color glazes really make items like turquoise or ivory pop. Note the marking on the bottom of the pieces for the year of production.

Glass Candlesticks

Antique glass candlesticks, especially those from renowned firms like Fenton or Murano, can be quite valuable. Glass candlesticks are among the most underpriced items in thrift stores, so they are among the best items to look for as a savvy shopper.

Condition, age, and maker’s mark all determine their value. The more intricate the design or the rarer the glass type, such as art glass or lead crystal, the more valuable the candlesticks will be.

Look for candlesticks with unique features, such as hand-blown designs or unusual colors, since these attract collectors and decorators.

Decorative Wall Brackets or Corbels

Once functionally used to hold up shelves or mantelpieces, wall brackets and corbels are now highly sought after for their decorative potential. Antique specimens made from wood, iron, or marble can fetch hundreds of dollars if resold.

Brackets or corbels used in house renovation or rehabilitation projects are highly valued by collectors and designers alike. Their appeal is powerful when they feature minute carvings made from rare materials or are produced by renowned factories.

Bookends

Bookends, especially antique or vintage ones, can frequently be found at thrift stores and resold for substantial amounts. Items made from brass, marble, or wood with detailed designs or historical significance can be worth hundreds of dollars.

Bookends featuring famous artists, landmarks, or periods like Art Deco or mid-century modern are in high demand. Please pay attention to the item’s condition and any designer marks denoting its origin.

Vintage bookends remain highly popular among collectors and anyone seeking to add sophistication to their bookshelves.

Spongeware

Items such as bowls, plates, and pitchers can easily bring hundreds of dollars at auction, especially if they are pieces from well-known manufacturers.

The color schemes of these spongeware items could vary, but the top three most common colors are blue, red, and brown. Collectors, of course, would want spongeware with a pattern very seldom seen or produced from specific potteries.

Age and condition will both play a major role in determining value. Look for spongeware with clear markings, as they can command a significant premium when resold online or at antique stores.

Other Posts You Might Like

• 20 Collectibles in Your Parents’ House That Could Be Worth a Fortune
• 13 Random Items in Your Home That Could Be Worth Thousands
• From Oil Lamps to Porcelain Pigs, These Are the Strangest Things People Collect
• 13 Garage Sale Items That Collectors Actively Look For (and Pay Well For)
• 17 Everyday Items in Your Kitchen That Are Secretly Valuable