Unless your local thrift shops employ a professional appraiser, and most of them don't, you're likely to come across tons of incredible bargains every time you enter one. The problem is that most people aren't able to distinguish trash from treasure, but thanks to this handy guide you won't be one of them any longer!
Here are 7 common thrift store items that can make you heaps of cash:
1. Anything Made from Blue Willow China
Blue Willow China seems to be a thrift shop staple, and while it's certainly highly classy, it could also be worth far more than the couple of dollars you'd typically be paying. The next time you find a complete set, turn over the largest plate, and see if there's the manufacturer's insignia printed somewhere. If the set comes from England, then it may actually be a collector's item.
2. Vintage Mason Jars
Ever since mason jars were introduced in the 1850s, they've never really gone out of style, and there's a good reason for this, since mason jars are a fantastic combination of functionality and beauty. If you stumble across one that looks particularly old, then be sure to grab it, since some of them have been known to fetch as much as $1000.
3. Silver Items
It's astounding how many perfectly decent silver items are freely given to thrift shops each year, simply because they appear rusted or dirty. If you happen to see anything silver at a bargain price, then don't think twice about buying it. Most tarnished or damaged silver items are easier to clean than you'd imagine, and you can often make tons of cash reselling it later on.
4. Antique Postcards
Old postcards not only make wonderful gifts, but quite a few of them are worth their weight in gold. One such example is something that's known as a 'Pioneer Postcard,' and is a type of postcard that was sold before 1898. These postcards typically sell for around $400 each. Not bad for an old piece of cardboard!
5. Vintage Dresses
While many people tend to routinely avoid looking through the clothes racks at thrift shops, dresses should certainly be an exception. This is because good-quality dresses from reputable fashion houses can often fetch a lot of money from collectors or fashion enthusiasts. What's more, many antique garments have managed to withstand the test of time because they were made with far more durable materials than the mass-produced clothes we find today. This means that anyone who knows how to sew can repurpose it into something beautiful that'll practically last forever.
6. Wooden Furniture
Buying brand new wooden furniture is an extremely expensive affair. That's why you shouldn't pass up any fantastic deals on wooden furniture that you find in a thrift store. Even if it has any cosmetic flaws, such as nicks, chips, or water stains, they're often far easier (and cheaper) to get rid of than many of us would imagine.
7. Pyrex Items
Believe it or not, many collectors from around the world are currently obsessed with Pyrex cookware, and have got plenty of cash on-hand to pay for it. If you can manage to find an original set that's more than 40 years old, it could sell for thousands of dollars! Curiously, pink sets fetch even more cash than other colors. However, if you can't find a complete set, custom arrangements called 'Frankensets' can also easily fetch you hundreds of bucks, so don't be afraid to pick up a couple of pieces from each thrift shop you visit.
