18 Business Ideas For Thrifters [2024]
Are you a thrifter with an entrepreneurial spirit, always on the lookout for hidden gems in second-hand stores? In 2024, there are numerous business ideas that could turn your thrifty habits into profitable ventures. With a keen eye for bargains and a bit of creativity, you could turn someone else's cast-offs into your treasure trove.
Perhaps you have a knack for finding vintage clothing items that are back in style. You could set up an online boutique, curating unique, retro pieces that appeal to fashion-forward customers. Or maybe you love hunting for rare home décor items; a carefully selected collection could form the basis of your own specialized e-commerce store.
Even if you prefer furniture or books, there's room for growth. You could restore and upcycle old furniture to sell at a premium or start a niche bookstore online specializing in out-of-print editions. The thrift world is teeming with opportunities, and with a bit of elbow grease, you could transform your thrifting passion into a thriving business.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other thrifter businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is a natural fit for thrifters who are skilled at finding unique and valuable items at a bargain. By leveraging your thrifting expertise, you could purchase goods to resell online, bypassing the need for production costs and focusing solely on curating and marketing your selections. Plus, you don’t need to build a website right away—social media platforms can serve as a bustling marketplace to establish your brand and grow your customer base.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could utilize your thrifting skills to find and flip items for profit, monetizing your hobby.
- Low startup costs make it accessible; you can begin by selling through social media and expand to a website later.
- Reselling offers flexibility and scalability, making it a viable side hustle or a full-time business as your venture grows.
For inspiration and further details, you can check out some success stories of ecommerce reselling businesses.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
2. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business is a fantastic opportunity for thrifters looking to supplement their income, make some extra money, or even start a full-fledged side business. Given that you won't need to hold any inventory, the initial investment is minimal, making it an accessible venture. By choosing a niche that aligns with your thrifting interests, you could easily set up a profitable online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and partner with reliable suppliers from AliExpress.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- Minimal upfront investment. Perfect for thrifters who are budget-conscious and want to start a business without a large capital outlay.
- Flexible inventory management. Since you’re not holding any stock, you can easily adapt to market trends and customer preferences.
- Scalable business model. As your business grows, you could effortlessly expand your product range without worrying about storage or logistics.
For more insights and tips on getting started, check out our success stories from other dropshipping entrepreneurs.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
3. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be a fantastic way for thrifters to monetize their knack for finding unique, high-value items. By curating monthly boxes of themed, thrifted treasures, you can offer subscribers a truly one-of-a-kind experience that showcases your expertise in spotting hidden gems. Plus, subscription boxes are in high demand—they provide value through exclusive products and personalized customer service.
Why start a subscription box business?
- Thriving market: Subscription boxes are popular, offering a lucrative opportunity for consistent income.
- Unique offerings: As a thrifter, you can curate exclusive, high-quality items that stand out in the market.
- Customer loyalty: Personalized, regularly delivered thrifted items build customer loyalty and repeat business.
For more inspiration and tips, check out some success stories and ideas on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
4. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be an excellent way for thrifters to share their expertise and passion with a like-minded community while generating extra income. By identifying an underserved niche and creating unique, informative content, you could attract followers, monetize your blog through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and speaking at events. The key to success lies in regularly engaging with your audience and offering valuable insights, which keeps readers coming back for more.
Why consider starting a niche blog?
- You could turn your thrifting passion into a profitable venture, sharing tips and unique finds.
- Monetizing your blog through ads, affiliate links, and brand partnerships could offer substantial side income.
- Engaging content and a passionate community could establish you as an authority in your niche, opening up more opportunities.
For ideas on how to get started, read more at Starter Story's tips on niche blogs.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
5. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel might be the perfect way to turn your thrifting passion into a revenue-generating venture. By creating compelling video content, you could share your finds, offer thrifting tips, and showcase your unique style, all while earning from ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. This platform allows you to build a community around shared interests and create multiple income streams.
Why consider a YouTube channel?
- You could monetize your passion. Turn your love for thrifting into revenue by leveraging ads, sponsorships, and paying subscribers.
- You already have the expertise. Share your knowledge and tips with an audience eager to learn about finding hidden treasures.
- It's a versatile platform for growth. From vlogs to how-to guides, there's endless content potential to keep things fresh and engaging.
For more information on starting a YouTube channel, check out some success stories and profitability tips here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
6. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Leveraging your thrifting skills to start a stock photography business can be a profitable venture by using your keen eye for unique finds. Thrifted items can serve as distinctive subjects for your photos, setting your stock library apart from generic collections. With a minimal initial investment in photography gear and an excellent online presence, you could build a passive income stream by uploading high-quality images tailored for websites, marketing materials, and blogs.
Discover more about launching a stock photography business by checking out these success stories that highlight the possibilities.
Why starting a stock photography business?
- Your unique taste and eye for intriguing thrifted items can create standout and in-demand stock photos.
- It's a low-cost startup option since you likely already own many interesting, photographable items.
- You could earn passive income by uploading photos to popular stock photo platforms, leading to continuous sales without ongoing effort.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
7. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
As a thrifter with sharp instincts for finding unique treasures, starting a niche website could be a fitting business venture. A niche website allows you to focus on a specialized topic, like sustainable fashion or vintage collectibles, offering curated content and products to a dedicated audience. You could generate income through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling digital guides on how to score the best deals.
Building this type of site involves selecting a niche you’re knowledgeable and passionate about, creating engaging content, and using SEO strategies to drive traffic. The potential for passive income can make it a rewarding side hustle or even a full-fledged business once established. To explore further, you can learn from real-life examples of niche website success stories here.
Why starting a niche website?
- You could turn your passion for thrifting into a profitable online venture.
- You gain the flexibility to create and share content that resonates with a targeted audience.
- Monetization opportunities are abundant, offering multiple income streams.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
8. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Are you looking for a side hustle that offers passive income and leverages your passion for thrifting? An affiliate marketing business could be the perfect fit for you. By promoting products and services related to your thrifting niche, you could earn a commission for every sale generated through your unique affiliate links. This allows you to earn money online while sharing your passion for thrifty finds and second-hand treasures with a broader audience.
To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. For instance, you could become an affiliate marketer for eCommerce stores specializing in vintage clothing, furniture, or unique second-hand items, amplifying your knowledge and love for thrifting.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business as a thrifter?
- There’s potential for passive income over the long term.
- You can share your passion for thrifting while earning a commission.
- It’s a low-cost, low-risk way to start an online business.
For more information, be sure to check out some [affiliate marketing business success stories] to see how others have found success in this field.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
9. Start a kid friendly food
Starting a business focused on kid-friendly food can be an excellent venture for thrifters. With your knack for identifying deals and affordable finds, you could source healthy ingredients and packaging options at lower costs, boosting your profit margins. You're likely already familiar with the art of flipping products for a profit, so why not apply that savvy to the food industry, especially in a niche like kid-friendly meals?
Why consider a kid-friendly food business?
- You could use your thrifting skills to source ingredients and packaging at lower costs, increasing your profit margins.
- Families are always looking for healthy and convenient meal options for their children, making it a consistently in-demand market.
- Your ability to find deals allows you to offer competitive pricing, attracting more budget-conscious parents.
For more insights, check out this page on kid-friendly food startup costs.
10. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform can be an excellent way for thrifters to turn their passion for unique, alternative assets into a profitable venture. Leveraging technology, you could create a specialized trading ecosystem that caters to a targeted group of investors interested in collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or even up-and-coming athletes. This not only attracts a dedicated user base but also provides the potential for steady revenue through transaction fees and premium memberships.
Why consider starting a niche investment platform?
- Tailor to a specific, passionate audience. Thrifts can attract and engage niche market investors who are enthusiastic about alternative assets.
- Flexible revenue streams. Make money through transaction fees, premium subscriptions, and portfolio management services.
- Rapid market adaptation. With volatile stock markets, alternative asset trading provides diversification opportunities for your users, making your platform a unique offering.
For more insights on how to get started, check out these success stories of niche investment platforms.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
11. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
If you're a thrifter, starting a podcast could be an exciting way to supplement your income, share your passion, and build a side business (or a full-time venture). By creating and producing audio content that speaks to your niche—whether it’s tips for finding the best thrift store deals, upcycling projects, or interviews with fellow thrifters—you could attract a dedicated audience. Once you’ve built that audience, there are various ways to monetize your podcast, such as through sponsorships, advertisements, and listener donations.
Why start a podcast?
- Podcasts are a growing medium, providing ample opportunity to reach a wide audience interested in unique thrift-related topics.
- It requires relatively low initial investment—just a microphone, headphones, and a hosting platform.
- You can easily promote your podcast through social media and online communities, turning your passion for thrifting into a profitable venture.
Check out these tips on podcast profitability on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
12. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a thrifter, you have an eye for hidden gems and unique finds, skills that can easily translate into valuable lessons others are willing to pay for. Imagine turning your passion for discovery into an online course, teaching people how to spot quality items, flip furniture, or even run their own thrifting business. With the e-learning market projected to soar, now is a great time to package your knowledge into courses that can generate passive income.
Why start an online course sales business?
- The e-learning industry is booming, creating ample opportunities to capitalize on your expertise.
- You can transform your unique thrifting skills into a lucrative passive income stream.
- Teaching others can enhance your own thrifting knowledge and connect you with a community of enthusiasts.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
13. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Starting a mobile app as a thrifter could open doors to a dynamic and lucrative side business. Mobile apps have become an intrinsic part of modern life, and with a clear vision, basic coding skills, or a partnership with a skilled developer, you can create an app that caters to the unique needs of the thrifting community. Whether it's a platform for finding the best thrift stores, a marketplace for vintage finds, or a tool for managing thrifted inventory, the possibilities are vast.
Why develop a mobile app?
- The demand is high. Mobile apps offer a direct way to reach a large, engaged audience that thrives on thrifty solutions.
- Low overhead. Compared to a brick-and-mortar business, the overhead costs for starting and maintaining an app are relatively low.
- Scalability. An app gives you the flexibility to scale your business quickly, reaching customers nationwide or even globally with ease.
To dive deeper into the world of mobile app development, check out some success stories here.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
14. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
If you're a thrifter looking to supplement your income or even start a full-fledged business, developing a lead generation tool might be an intriguing option. This business idea revolves around creating software that identifies and captures potential customer leads for enterprises, helping them streamline their marketing efforts. By leveraging your tech skills and marketing acumen, you could automate the often laborious task of finding new clients, making it a valuable service in high demand.
Why opt for developing a lead generation tool?
- Thrifters thrive on finding value; a lead generation tool helps businesses capture valuable customer data effortlessly.
- The high demand for efficient lead generation services means there is a robust market waiting to be tapped.
- This business can be started with minimal upfront investment, allowing for high-profit potential over time.
For success stories and marketing ideas around this business, check out Starter Story's section on lead generation tools.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
15. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
For thrifters with a knack for connecting people and a flair for writing, starting a cold email service business could be a smart move. This venture involves crafting targeted email campaigns to help companies reach new clients, combining your marketing creativity with your thriftiness. By leveraging modern email marketing tools and honing your skills in engagement, you could supplement your income or even turn this into a full-time business.
If you’ve got a strategic mindset and can write compelling emails, there’s potential for significant growth by targeting small businesses needing lead generation. This business not only capitalizes on your existing talents but also offers scalability as your client success stories grow. Discover more about the possibilities of a cold email service business.
Why start a cold email service business?
- Low startup costs make it a thrifty choice.
- Leverage your marketing and writing skills for profit.
- Flexible opportunities to scale as your client base grows.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
16. Start a cookie consent management
Starting a cookie consent management business is a savvy move for thrifters looking to supplement or replace their income. In today's digital age, ensuring compliance with data privacy laws such as GDPR and CCPA is increasingly crucial for websites. By developing a tool that helps site owners manage cookie consent effectively, you could tap into growing demand and create a successful side or full-time business with recurring revenue from subscription fees.
For those with a flair for technology, building a scalable SaaS solution in cookie consent management aligns well with your skills and ensures you provide real value to businesses. This venture also capitalizes on current trends and regulatory requirements, making it a timely and promising business opportunity.
Why consider starting a cookie consent management business?
- Growing Demand: With increasing regulations like GDPR and CCPA, businesses need effective cookie consent tools to remain compliant.
- Recurring Revenue: Subscription models generate consistent income, offering financial stability and growth potential.
- Global Appeal: Your solution could attract clients from around the world, broadening your market reach and increasing profit opportunities.
For more insights on starting this business, visit Starter Story.
17. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business is a smart move for thrifters looking to supplement their income or start a side hustle. Given the booming email marketing industry, which is expected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, this venture holds immense potential. You could create a tool that entrepreneurs, startups, and even real estate agents use to manage their email campaigns, thus tapping into a vast market with high demand. For more insights, you can visit the profitability section of this business idea on Starter Story.
Why consider an email marketing tool?
- Email marketing is a cost-effective way to expand your customer base and drive sales.
- High demand for such tools makes it easier to find a niche and grow your business.
- With minimal startup costs, you could start this business by simply buying a domain and hosting account.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
18. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business is a brilliant entrepreneurial opportunity for thrifters who have identified common problems or inefficiencies while managing their websites. By developing plugins that offer solutions to these issues, you could monetize your technical know-how and creativity. Plus, you could sell these plugins through various online platforms such as CodeCanyon, or even directly on your own site, turning a simple idea into a steady income stream.
Why starting a WordPress plugin business?
- Low initial investment: You only need basic coding skills and a problem-solving mindset to get started.
- High demand potential: Every WordPress site uses plugins, so there’s a broad market for useful, well-made plugins.
- Flexible revenue streams: You could sell plugins on multiple platforms, offering both single purchases and subscription models for sustained income.
For more detailed insights, visit our WordPress plugin business startup guide.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
