The Thrifty Thriver

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Finding treasures at the Goodwill Outlet Bins is a reseller’s dream! Everything is sold by the pound, which means if you’re willing to dig a little, you can score incredible deals on new and gently used items from top brands.
Shopping the bins can feel like a treasure hunt. With the right strategy, patience, and a little bit of digging, you can walk away with valuable items for just a few dollars.

Here’s how to make the most of your trip.

How to Prepare for Your Visit

1. Bring Gloves
Be sure to pack gloves. Since all items are rolled out in large bins, you’ll be digging through a mix of new and used items. Think of it like digging for gold—your hands may get a little dirty, so gloves make the process much easier.

2. Know What Sells
Before you go, get familiar with brands and items that resell well. Research trending brands and popular categories so you know what to look for when you’re digging through the bins.
Some resellers even keep a small list of profitable brands on their phone for quick reference.

3. Plan to Spend Some Time Digging
If you want to find the gold, expect to put in a little work. New bins are typically rolled out every 30 minutes or so at many outlet stores. These bins are placed in rows and packed with hidden gems.
If you’re serious about reselling, give yourself plenty of time to search thoroughly. It’s easy to spend a few hours digging through bins.

Thrifty Tip: Make sure your belly is full and your bladder is empty before you start digging!

During Your Visit

1. Grab a Cart
You will definitely need a cart. When you start finding great items, you’ll want somewhere to store them while you continue digging.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Dig
Just like gold mining, sometimes the best items are at the bottom of the bin. Take your time and dig through each layer—you never know what might be hidden underneath.

3. If You See Something, Grab It
Don’t overthink it. If you see an item that might be valuable, grab it before someone else does.
You can always review your items later. Personally, I like to go through everything in my cart before checkout so I can inspect each item more carefully and decide whether it’s worth keeping.

Thrifty Tip: It’s very common for shoppers to revisit their carts and put items back before checkout.
Pay attention to corner bins and end bins, because that’s often where items get returned. Sometimes those items are hidden treasures that someone simply decided they didn’t want anymore.
They may have grabbed too many items and need to reduce their weight, or they may have just changed their mind.

4. Check the Newly Rolled-Out Bins
Whenever new bins are rolled out, head over and take a look. These bins often contain fresh items that haven’t been picked through yet, giving you a better chance at finding valuable pieces.

5. Checking Out
When you’re ready to check out, roll your cart to the checkout line. The store will weigh your cart on a scale, and the cashier will calculate the total based on the cost per pound.
One of the most exciting parts of shopping the bins is seeing just how many items you can get for such a low cost.

After Your Visit

1. Research Your Items
Once you’re home, take some time to research the items you found.
Look up:
• The average selling price on your platform
• What the item sells for brand new
• The exact name and style of the item
Knowing your item helps you write better listings and price competitively.

2. Reinspect Everything
During the excitement of digging through bins, it’s easy to miss small flaws. When you get home, check each item carefully for:
• Stains
• Rips or holes
• Loose threads
• Missing buttons
If possible, give the item a little TLC to improve its condition.

3. Wash and Clean Your Finds
Since items have been handled by many shoppers and may have been mixed with dirty items, it’s important to wash or sanitize everything.
Clean items photograph better and are more appealing to buyers.

4. Iron or Steam Your Items
Make sure clothing items look their best before listing them. Steaming or ironing can make a big difference in how professional your listings appear.

I use this Conair Handheld Garment Steamer (#ad) from Amazon and it’s so easy to use! I don’t even own an iron anymore.

5. Where to Sell Your Finds
Once your items are cleaned and ready, it’s time to list them!
Some of my favorite platforms for reselling include:
• Poshmark
• Mercari
• Depop
• Facebook Marketplace
If you’d like to learn more about reselling on Poshmark, you can read my guide here:
https://wp.me/pg5EQ1-2b

Thrifty Tip: List your items slightly higher than your desired price.
This gives you room to negotiate with buyers while still leaving space for a healthy profit.

✨ Shopping the Goodwill Outlet Bins can be messy, exciting, and incredibly rewarding. With a little patience and a good eye for valuable items, you can turn a few pounds of clothing and goods into real profit.
Happy treasure hunting!