Heading out for a Saturday thrift run? Use this practical thrift run checklist to make fast, confident buy-or-pass calls. This guide doubles as a reseller inspection list and a pocket-sized playbook for what to check before buying, quick repair estimates, negotiation scripts for sellers, and reselling logistics.

Item

What to Inspect

Quick Decision

Buy If...

Electronics

Power on, screen condition, ports, accessories, serial/model

Test power & basic functions

Works or inexpensive fix; model resells well

Clothing

Brand tags, stains, holes, odor, pilling, seams

Smell & visible damage check

Minor cleaning only; brand/size demand

Shoes

Sole wear, insole, odor, size markings, water damage

Inspect sole & inside

Solidity & acceptable wear for price

Furniture

Joints, wobbles, upholstery stains, odor, wood damage

Push/pull test for stability

Structural sound + affordable clean/repair

Collectibles/Toys

Missing parts, authenticity marks, packaging

Confirm key parts & brand

Complete or high demand partials

• Surface condition: Look closely for cracks, chips, rust, water stains, pet hair, or cigarette smell.
• Functionality test: Turn on electronics, test buttons, run a quick cycle for appliances if possible.
• Authenticity & markings: Check brand tags, serial numbers, model numbers, and logos—photograph them if you need to research later.
• Fit and size: For clothing/shoes, inspect size tags and try on when convenient. Measure if unsure.
• Smell and mold: Sniff for mildew or strong odors—mold can be a dealbreaker.
• Missing parts: For sets or electronics, confirm chargers, batteries, cords, lids, or extra pieces are included.
• Safety checks: Look for recalls or obvious safety defects for baby gear, car seats, and electronics.

Have a mental price sheet for repairs—this helps you decide buy vs pass in seconds:

• Minor cleaning (stain removal, deodorizing): $0–$10 and 10–30 minutes.
• Button/zipper repair: $5–$20; quick fix if rare/cheap to replace.
• Shoe resoling or heavy cleaning: $20–$50—only if resale margin allows.
• Simple electronics fixes (battery replacement, fuse): $5–$25; test before buying where possible.
• Upholstery or wood touch-ups: $10–$60 depending on scope—avoid major structural repairs on bulky items unless high ROI.

Use these quick negotiation scripts for sellers when you need to push price down politely and efficiently. Save them to your phone.

• Friendly opener: "Hey — great find. Would you take $X if I can pick up today?"
• Point to flaw: "I love it, but I see . Would $X be fair considering that?"
• Bundle tactic: "I’m grabbing these two — can you do $X for both?"
• Time pressure: "I can be there in 30 minutes for $X — otherwise I’ll have to pass."
• Walk-away close: "I like it, but my budget tops at $X — if not, no worries."
• Percentage counter: "I can go up to about 70–80% of asking given the condition."

• Pack for safe transport: Use blankets, bubble wrap, or household towels to protect furniture and fragile items.
• Load smart: Heavy items first, then softs; strap down wobbly pieces to avoid shifting.
• Carry essentials: Boxes, tape, zip ties, twine, moving blanket, and a dolly if you expect heavy pieces.
• Quick staging for photos: Bring a folding backdrop or use a plain wall; take multiple angles and close-ups of flaws and brand tags.
• Document condition: Take timestamped photos at pickup—use these if you need to list or dispute later.
• Use alerts to beat competition: Tools like Flipify help resellers find listings fast and centralize feeds from Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Check the Flipify blog for more reseller tips.

1. Is the item functional and safe? If no → Pass (or lowball).
2. Can minor cleaning/repair bring it to sellable condition for under your preset cost? If yes → Consider buy.
3. Is the resale price minus fees/shipping still worthwhile? If yes → Buy.
4. If bulky, will transport/time costs kill profit? If yes → Pass.

Quick checklist summary: Know the model/brand → Test functionality → Inspect for damage/odor → Estimate clean/repair costs → Use a negotiation script → Pack to protect it → Photograph for listing.

• Phone + charger + power bank
• Cash & card (some sellers prefer cash)
• Measuring tape & small scale
• Boxes, moving blankets, rope/straps
• Tape, scissors, zip ties, trash bags
• Cleaning spray, stain stick, microfiber cloths
• Basic toolkit: screwdriver, pliers, pocket knife
• Mask, gloves, hand sanitizer

Bonus tip: Keep a short price grid in your notes for common categories (e.g., vintage tees, mid-range electronics, popular shoe brands) so you can instantly recognize a good deal.

Want faster alerts so you’re first at the best listings? Try Flipify’s free 5-day trial—centralize marketplace feeds and get fast, customizable alerts to stay ahead of other resellers. Learn more on the Flipify site or check reseller tips on the Flipify blog.