Making a consistent side income by flipping fabulous Goodwill finds is surprisingly easy - if you know what you're looking for. With the abundance of websites like eBay, Amazon, and even Etsy for vintage treasures, you stand the chance to make plenty of extra cash just by doing just a little extra shopping. Sound too good to be true? It really isn't! If hitting up thrift stores around New Mexico is already a hobby, you can easily resell key items and put that little bit of profit toward your bills, a vacation, or maybe even your next shopping spree! Here we've compiled the basics to get you started on your new adventures flipping Goodwill finds.

As you shop, keep in mind that not all thrift stores are created equal. Some thrift shops offer up everything but the kitchen sink, while others have a curated selection of goods with a big price tag. If you're looking to cruise the aisles for low-priced clothing items, functional electronics, and tons of unique furniture and accessories, try the various Goodwill locations in your area. Since Goodwill is once of the biggest thrift stores in the nation, it offers an ever-changing selection at budget prices.

If you want to resell your finds on sites like eBay, it is wise to do a little bit of  “market research” before you make your next thrift store run. Take a careful look at what seems to be selling on sites like this. Some frequently found items at Goodwill that can fetch a high resell value include books (think college textbooks!), brand name clothing (hello, North Face!), and vintage and sterling silver dishware. When it comes to clothing, keep in mind that the season can influence the price you're able to fetch, so you might not want to list those designer sandals on eBay in December.

As you endeavor to flip key items from local thrift stores, keep an eye on your watch. Consider time versus money as you shop. If you're spending all day rifling cluttered clothing racks for a vintage jacket that you only make a few dollars of profit on, it might not be worth it.

By following  these basic principles, you'll be able to come up with your own formula for success in no time. Even if you arrive at reselling success through trial and error, as a shopper you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that dollars spent at Goodwill add up to meaningful service to our community, whether or not they sell for big bucks online. Good luck out there!


About The Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico offers a range of free programs and services to individuals in the state, from job readiness training and employment support to an array of services for veterans. In addition to the services listed above, Goodwill also provides specialized social services through their Brain Injury Case Management program that includes support, care and coaching that make transitioning after a traumatic or acquired brain injury less intimidating.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is typically understood as any brain injury that occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. These injuries can result in minor symptoms such as ringing ears and dizziness, to much more severe symptoms that include confusion, loss of coordination, and seizures. Many people fail to understand the severity of traumatic brain injuries and their potential to devastate the lives of those who suffer from them. Acquired brain injuries are also devastating and can result from medical episodes such as a stroke or swelling of the brain. Symptoms can be just as devastating as a traumatic brain injury.

The prevalence of brain injuries is often overlooked. There are more than 2.5 million hospitalizations resulting from brain injuries in the United States each year. The sheer number of individuals effected by such injuries, on any scale, means there is a huge population of brain injury sufferers in need of life and health-sustaining physical, financial, and emotional support.

Goodwill develops and promotes healthy living and successful reintegration into everyday life for those who have an acquired or traumatic brain injuries through their comprehensive Brain Injury Case Management program. Initial care for those with a brain injury can include surgery and assistive equipment upon release from the hospital while long-term solutions offered by Goodwill's program include life coaching, therapy services, and assistance managing the cost of prescriptions. Some individuals may struggle with cognitive function, sensory processing, and mental health in the aftermath of brain injury.

Through the range of services provided to those in need, Goodwill strives to enhance the quality of life for thousands of people in New Mexico.

To learn more or apply for Goodwill’s Brain Injury Case Management program click here or call (505) 881.6401.  

About The Author
Maggie Grimason is a blog writer living in Albuquerque, NM. She grew up in a family of social servants and teachers in northern Indiana and finds that blogging for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico satisfies creative energies as well as her commitment to ethical living and community service.

Thrifting is partially the art of finding a deal. But what if you had a way to get an even deeper discount off that item that’s already a bargain basement price?  Heck, that would mean you’ve scored big time!

Here’s how you can score an even better deal at your local Goodwill store:

• Shop on Mondays: All Goodwill Industries of New Mexico stores, with the exception of the GoodBuys 99-cent store and Clearance Corner, offer 25% off your entire purchase every Monday. No coupon required, the discount is automatically applied at checkout.
  

• Sign up for Goodwill's E-Newsletter: Every month Goodwill sends out a shopper e-newsletter. This one email contains DIY project ideas, informative articles and often times a special discount coupon. This one can be printed or you can just show the email on your phone at checkout. Sign up for Goodwill's shopper e-newsletter today!
  

• Spend $20 or More: Each time you spend $20 dollars or more at the register, you’ll automatically get a 10% off coupon valid on your next purchase. 

• Attend Special Events: Throughout the year, Goodwill will host special events where they offer discounts to shoppers and donors. For instance, they have one coming up on June 20 at the 1021 Venada Plaza Drive store in Bernalillo. It’s a Camaro car show with sidewalk sale. In addition to seeing some amazing cars, you can spin a prize wheel for extra discounts (and Goodwill swag) at the Bernalillo store. Plus, the event is free, so it’s win-win. 
  

• Fill Out a Survey: Through the end of June, shoppers at specific Goodwill stores can fill out a survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Those stores include: 11500 Menaul Blvd NE in Albuquerque, 7120 Holly Ave NE in Albuquerque, 6636 Caminito Coors NW in Albuquerque and 1021 Venada Plaza Drive in Bernalillo. All you need to do is fill out a short survey about your experience at that store and you are automatically entered to win. The winner will be picked on July 1.  It’s free money, so take a few minutes and fill out a survey!

So as you can see, it’s pretty easy to score a deal at your local Goodwill store.