Start with a few categories you understand
Choose a small area to learn well: branded jackets, games consoles, hand tools, cameras, board games or musical accessories. You will get quicker at spotting models, condition issues and incomplete sets. Avoid buying something just because the original retail price sounds impressive.
Inspect before you search
- Clothes: stains, zips, seams, size and label authenticity.
- Electronics: power supply, ports, screen damage, battery issues and account locks.
- Games and toys: missing parts, boxes, manuals and compatibility.
- Homeware: chips, cracks, maker marks and costly shipping.
- Tools: model number, battery/charger availability and working condition.
Some goods require special safety checks or have restrictions on resale; do not sell unsafe, recalled or counterfeit items.
Run the profit check in the aisle
Before paying, identify the item and find a realistic sold-price range. Then use the profit checker on HowMuchForThis to compare purchase price with expected proceeds. Account for travel, packing, seller fees, returns and your time.
Ticket price £8. Likely sale price £24. Expected selling and packing costs £5. Potential remainder: £11 before other expenses. If the item is untested, the risk may outweigh that margin.
Have a put-it-back rule
Walk away if you cannot confirm the version, spot significant damage, see too few comparable sales or would be unhappy if it took months to sell. Leaving a questionable find behind is often better than building up inventory that never moves.
Keep the sourcing respectful
Charity shops raise money for their causes. Pay the marked price, follow shop policies and be courteous to staff and other shoppers. A good resale decision should not depend on misleading anyone about an item.
Have something to price?
Take a photo, check the estimate against the real selling market, and prepare an editable listing.
Check a charity-shop find →