Are charity shops becoming hard to make money from

Introduction

In today's video, I want to share my recent experience visiting local charity shops and the challenges I've faced in finding profitable items. After enjoying a successful trip in a previous video, this time I ventured back to my usual spots in Western Faval, specifically Bernardos and Debenhams.

The Search Begins

I walked into Bernardos with high hopes. However, right off the bat, I noticed that the prices for many items seemed to have increased. For instance, I spotted a pair of Vans that were quite worn out, priced at £10—much higher than I'd pay for used footwear in their condition. I also came across some trainers that, while they could resell for about £15 to £20, were still set too high for my liking.

Next, I found some Wellies marked at £4.50. They could be cleaned up and sold for around £20, but I hesitated given the lack of comparable sales. I continued browsing, which led me to some well-known brands like Timberland. Sadly, each item I considered either had damage or was overpriced, and I had to leave them all behind. I also stumbled upon a Goodman sound system for £15 that could likely fetch £50 to £60—but once again, storage issues prevented me from buying it.

The Charity Shop Struggles

Throughout the store, I encountered various items like an Andrew James pan that could resell for about £20, but nothing seemed compelling enough to buy. Disappointment set in when I couldn't find anything worthy of the investment. Even with popular titles like “American Pie” or “One Direction” books that might have yielded some profit in the past, they were going for nearly nothing in this current market.

Frustrated from Bernardos, I made my way to Debenhams, hoping for better luck. Just like in the first shop, I noticed a general trend of inflated prices. For example, I saw a Mario Kart game listed for £10 while used ones typically retail for £20. I felt the pressure in Debenhams was even more significant, as prices didn't reflect the resale potential.

Conclusion and Insights

When I finally returned to my car after both shopping trips, I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. Historically, these charity shops have been my go-to places for flipping items for profit, but the ever-increasing prices have hindered this process. It's disheartening to recognize that, in trying to support these charitable organizations, I’m finding it harder to profit from the items being sold.

While I met some friendly faces during my shopping experience who enjoy my content, the main takeaway here is that charity shops, especially Debenhams and Bernardos, have significantly risen their prices. If these trends continue, I fear the golden days of easy flips may soon be memories. As collectors and resellers, let's hope for more balanced pricing in the future!

Keyword

charity shops, reselling, UK, eBay, Vinted, prices, profit, Bernardos, Debenhams, sourcing

FAQ

Q1: Why are charity shop prices rising?
A1: Charity shops are increasingly pricing items at rates reflective of their perceived value to generate more funds for their operations, which can sometimes lead to overpricing.

Q2: What should I consider when shopping at charity shops?
A2: It's essential to evaluate the condition, brand, and potential resale value of items compared to their listed price before making a purchase.

Q3: Are there still profitable finds in charity shops?
A3: While some items can yield profit, it's becoming more challenging to find undervalued pieces due to rising prices. Regular market research can help identify potential hidden gems.

Q4: How can I successfully source items for resale?
A4: Building relationships with shop staff, frequenting stores, and researching online trends can improve your chances of finding profitable items in charity shops.