How to create an online thrift store in 2020?
In this article, we'll explain the few steps you need to take to set up your online thrift store in 2020. If you too, like us, are eager to enter the wonderful world of thrift stores, this article may be of interest to you.
How to create an online thrift store in 2020?
Step 1: What's an online thrift store?
By definition, a thrift store is a store that collects old objects and clothing to mend and resell them. You can imagine that for an online thrift store, the process will be slightly different.
Why?
First of all, because you won't be able to present thousands of clothes on your website. You'll have to sort them out because when you have to put them online, if you have too many, you won't be able to manage.
On the other hand, the second-hand market is booming. You will clearly have to think about how to stand out, so why not start with a clothing theme from "olden times" in order to acquire originality. For example, at Moitié Moitié we claim to be a thrift store with an 80's style.
2nd Step : Where to find these vintage clothes ?
Plenty of options open to you!
To know that there are already a lot of sorting centers for clothes in France, which can be a good alternative for you to stock up. This is the most common method used by second-hand shops, which buy in bulk, usually in 25-kilo bags.
I'm linking you to a great article about recycling our old clothes! ( Small Reminder : The textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world ).
(Click on the photo for the article)
You can also go to the Emmaus, the centre of the Red Cross, to find specific pieces. The problem is that this method is going to be very expensive for you in time and money! But it can be a good way for you to find specific pieces for your first clothing "collection".
Finally, don't forget the flea markets and empty houses! You can find some very nice rooms there. But here again, you'll have to be very reactive, like to get up in the morning, and also have a lot of time!
How to create an online thrift store in 2020?
Step 3: Where to sell them?
Here again different possibilities are open to you!
First of all, I don't think I can teach you anything, but you know that there are plenty of Marketplaces to resell your clothes. When you start this can be a good way to sell your first stock! However, be careful not to be everywhere, as you may have difficulties managing your inventory.
You can also create an E-commerce website, but this will cost you a lot of money if you have no experience. Knowing that you will have to think about your positioning on the web if you want to make regular sales.
4 th Step: the shipments.
Today, it is very easy to sell online and to manage your shipments. This was not necessarily the case a few years ago.
The 2 most common shipping companies for an online thrift store are :
- The post office
- Mondial relays (which is clearly the most reliable and most used)
Remember not to neglect your parcels, make beautiful packages so that your customer sees that you are a quality salesman. So don't neglect your boxes, you can put some goodies of your brand in them to differentiate yourself.
Conclusion:
We hope we've answered all your questions about how to create your online thrift store in 2020? It is estimated that the second-hand market is set to overtake the fast fashion market in 2023. So that's pretty good news for our beautiful blue planet.
However, don't forget that this is a sector that is becoming very competitive! It will not be enough for you to find the most beautiful pieces in the world in order to sell them.
Find yourself, an identity, an innovative concept in order to differentiate yourself as much as possible!
