Wisconsin thrift stores are hit or miss but the auctions and estate sales are insane. So many basements full of stuff. I have that Wusthof santoku and it’s my go to after replacing my Sani-safe that I loved more than my fancy knives.
I went to a few thrift stores while I was in Appleton. I was surprised that the prices at the St Vincent de Paul were basically the same as in California! LOL! Damn internet.
When I used to live in Concord (CA) I would frequent the ARF thrift store. Seemed like one of the last places in the East Bay that actually had items marked for $1-$3 on almost anything bc 100% proceeds went to the ARF pet rescue program. One time I bought a HUGE brand new cat tree for $25 and the volunteer even said sorry it was so expensive. I swear there was a woman nearby who would donate the best clothes in my size so I had an amazing new wardrobe for $10 (JCrew, Banana Republic etc). After a couple years, I think people kept cleaning them out so they started raising prices and most donated items were not great. I've noticed since resellers have a new space to sell, its slim pickings and Goodwill here in Albany is charging almost department prices. Im excited for the homework!! I still have hope!! Love to you and Mami!!
have you also looked at your local Buy Nothing group? i got my La Pavoni espresso maker and a beautiful cast iron tart pan by Coussances for $0. and a deep fryer. the best find was an antique Japanese bronze urn. i found the dealer that sold it via Google, and he said it's now worth about $6k. i have a feeling the happy widow who gave it to me used it to dispose of her husband's ashes out on the Bay (i found the obit of late husband online) and no longer needed it.
I love hearing about your finds!! That art auction is a thrifting dream come true!!
I've also been a thrifter my whole life. Grew up poor; it's what I know. The only thing I won't buy thrifted is underwear and shoes (unless the shoes are clearly not worn in - something about feeling other people's feet in my shoes feels too weird, lol).
I have thrifted my entire Le Creuset collection within the last 5 years, including a brand new, classic red pot for $25. I was on a roll. I actually wrecked that one (please don't ask how, I'm not a chef, clearly) and Le Creuset sent me a brand new replacement in Agave - yes they let me pick the colour, and I didn't need to show the receipt.
This week I thrifted an almost new Le Creuset kettle for $16 and resold it for $40. I could have asked more but I try to buy low and sell for something that feels like a deal to the purchaser, as well. I also bought a brand new, in box Woodstock water fountain that sells new for $380, for $10. I resold it for $175. I'm on medical leave at the moment, so this helps me. I never used to resell; I gave everything away.
I try not to be greedy. Prices here are also generally fucking stupid. Aggravatingly so. HOWEVER. My local VV is so overstocked as the only other store of theirs in my city burned down a year ago. My local is only a 5 minute drive away, so...you can guess how often I go. In and out in 15 minutes, usually. And there are so many deals around the 1st of the month, which is when %90 of residential moves in my province happen - that's when there is a flood of donations from people who move residences.
stop encouraging people! :)
LMAO!
Wisconsin thrift stores are hit or miss but the auctions and estate sales are insane. So many basements full of stuff. I have that Wusthof santoku and it’s my go to after replacing my Sani-safe that I loved more than my fancy knives.
I went to a few thrift stores while I was in Appleton. I was surprised that the prices at the St Vincent de Paul were basically the same as in California! LOL! Damn internet.
That’s why I started doing the auctions! So much cheaper and I don’t have to smell all that moldy Packers junk. The one I tried is called hibid.
I've never heard of it. Will check it out. Thanks for the tip!
When I used to live in Concord (CA) I would frequent the ARF thrift store. Seemed like one of the last places in the East Bay that actually had items marked for $1-$3 on almost anything bc 100% proceeds went to the ARF pet rescue program. One time I bought a HUGE brand new cat tree for $25 and the volunteer even said sorry it was so expensive. I swear there was a woman nearby who would donate the best clothes in my size so I had an amazing new wardrobe for $10 (JCrew, Banana Republic etc). After a couple years, I think people kept cleaning them out so they started raising prices and most donated items were not great. I've noticed since resellers have a new space to sell, its slim pickings and Goodwill here in Albany is charging almost department prices. Im excited for the homework!! I still have hope!! Love to you and Mami!!
You're so right!!!
80% of my home furnishings are from thrift stores!
Mine too!!!
have you also looked at your local Buy Nothing group? i got my La Pavoni espresso maker and a beautiful cast iron tart pan by Coussances for $0. and a deep fryer. the best find was an antique Japanese bronze urn. i found the dealer that sold it via Google, and he said it's now worth about $6k. i have a feeling the happy widow who gave it to me used it to dispose of her husband's ashes out on the Bay (i found the obit of late husband online) and no longer needed it.
WOW! That was a rollercoaster. By the time I finished reading it I had totally forgotten you even mentioned a "buy nothing" group. LMAO! I love it.
I love hearing about your finds!! That art auction is a thrifting dream come true!!
I've also been a thrifter my whole life. Grew up poor; it's what I know. The only thing I won't buy thrifted is underwear and shoes (unless the shoes are clearly not worn in - something about feeling other people's feet in my shoes feels too weird, lol).
I have thrifted my entire Le Creuset collection within the last 5 years, including a brand new, classic red pot for $25. I was on a roll. I actually wrecked that one (please don't ask how, I'm not a chef, clearly) and Le Creuset sent me a brand new replacement in Agave - yes they let me pick the colour, and I didn't need to show the receipt.
This week I thrifted an almost new Le Creuset kettle for $16 and resold it for $40. I could have asked more but I try to buy low and sell for something that feels like a deal to the purchaser, as well. I also bought a brand new, in box Woodstock water fountain that sells new for $380, for $10. I resold it for $175. I'm on medical leave at the moment, so this helps me. I never used to resell; I gave everything away.
I try not to be greedy. Prices here are also generally fucking stupid. Aggravatingly so. HOWEVER. My local VV is so overstocked as the only other store of theirs in my city burned down a year ago. My local is only a 5 minute drive away, so...you can guess how often I go. In and out in 15 minutes, usually. And there are so many deals around the 1st of the month, which is when %90 of residential moves in my province happen - that's when there is a flood of donations from people who move residences.
Sorry for the novel. lol!
Oh, yeah. I definitely need to know how you wrecked that pot. LOL!
Ha! Homework I can get behind. "No take backs, sucka!"
Running away....😂🏃🏽♀️➡️🤑