Thrift Store Items You Can…RETURN For A Profit??
Yes, you read it right! In addition to thrift items that you can resell for profit, I learned – just yesterday, in fact – that you can also return thrift store items for profit as well!
Let me explain:
I was at one of my favorite thrift stores (Savers in Kalihi) and I came across a Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply Long-Sleeve shirt in the men’s section. I immediately recognized this brand and I knew it was a steal for only $6.99.
As I scooped the shirt off the rack I also noticed that it still had all the Macy’s tags – including the return label – still attached. Having shopped their many times with my girlfriend, I know that they have a pretty decent return policy and as long as the return label is still attached then you should be able to return an item for merchandise credit.
However, because I didn’t have a receipt, I would only receive the lowest price available for that item. So if it was on the sale rack for $9.99, then that’s how much credit I would receive . Oh well, I figured I only bought it for $6.99 and there was a Macy’s store about 10 minutes away in the Ala Moana shopping center so why not give it a shot right?!
I get to Macy’s, head straight to the men’s department, and I was shocked to learn that the merchandise credit available for this shirt was $58.22!! (It was $55.60 and I was also credited an extra $2.62 return tax for a total of $58.22)
I had to muster every last of measure of control to keep a straight face and not laugh hysterically at just how amazing this was. In my ebook, one of the advice I mention is to look for sales tags that are still attached to the thrift store item. These tags have helped me tremendously in the past at discerning the value of an item, but now these sales can also help you profit from an item in a matter of minutes. I mean, I was able to make over $50.00 in 10 minutes. That’s pretty incredible!
I forgot to take a picture of the shirt but you can check it out on the Macy’s website. 
Oh yeah, and one last thing: If you do find an item and you’re going to try to return it for credit, please don’t forget to take off the thrift store tags! I was so excited and was so busy making up a reason for the return (“It was a gift from visiting relatives, but it doesn’t fit.” LOL) that I completely forgot that the thrift store tags were still attached. Thank goodness there was a small line at the register. Can you imagine what would’ve happened if they found the Savers tag still attached? That would’ve been embarrassing hahaha
I hope you’re having an amazing week and good luck at the thrift stores!
-Meinard
This seems a bit ‘sketchy’ to me. Sort of like people who buy used LL Bean clothing and thrift stores and garage sales and then return them to LLB if they have any wear and tear issues.
Hi, that’s a good point and I can definitely imagine people abusing this – Mike @BargainoCentury also brought up a good point about not over-doing it with the returns. With that particular shirt, I felt fine returning it since the tags were still included and it was still in great condition. Now if it had signs of wear such as a rip or missing buttons, then that’s a different story – there’s no way I would’ve tried it in that situation. I guess it’s a choice that each individual has to make for themselves.
Thanks for sharing your perspective, have a great day!
-Meinard
Hi Jason, I’m glad it worked out for you too! I wished we had a Kohl’s down here, I enjoyed shopping there when I visited California.
Have an awesome day!
Meinard