Running a second-hand art and craft resale shop is just like running any other small business – it takes creativity, community, and a touch of strategy! In this post, we want to share how we determine our prices so you can feel confident that you’re getting great value on unique items that inspire your next project.
Most of the products we carry are donated by our community, though some we purchase wholesale. Our donors are enthusiastic about finding a place where their unneeded and unused supplies can be put to good use, rather than gathering dust in basements and closets. Their intention is to pay it forward, and we take the responsibility of honoring that intention seriously while also ensuring we can cover our expenses.
1. Opened and Partially Used Products
When it comes to items that have been opened or are partially used, we check the retail price and usually set our price between 30-50% of that value. If we have plenty of that item or know it doesn’t sell well, we lean toward the lower end. This helps us offer fantastic deals on items like wood-backed rubber stamps, crayons, buttons, paper, and acrylic yarn, ensuring you can explore your creativity without overspending.
2. Unopened Items
For unopened items that are still sealed, we typically price them at 50-60% of the retail price. This allows you to snag great deals on products you’ve been wanting, all while saving money!
3. High-Demand Items in Great Condition
When we have high-demand items that are in excellent shape or unopened, we maintain the same pricing strategy of 50-60% of the retail price. We want to make sure you can find quality items at great prices every time you visit.
4. Vintage and Unique Items
For vintage treasures and unique finds, we look at recent sales on eBay to see how similar items are priced. We aim to price these gems at 40-60% of those sold prices. While we also check Etsy, we often adjust those prices downward since they tend to be higher, ensuring you get a fair deal on one-of-a-kind pieces.
5. When We’re Not Sure
Occasionally, we come across items where the value isn’t clear. In those cases, we make educated guesses based on our experience. If something doesn’t sell after a few months, we’re happy to mark it down to help the item find a new home.
6. Reaching Collectors
We also know that some items – Dimension's Cross Stitch Kits, collectible stickers, Tim Holz and Stampin' Up – are perfect for collectors and serious crafters. For those special pieces, we may list them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, allowing us to connect with enthusiasts who appreciate having us show up where they're already shopping.
The Balancing Act
Overall, our pricing strategy is designed to ensure you get fair and accessible prices while helping us cover our expenses and keep our shop thriving. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore their creativity without breaking the bank.
By sharing our pricing process, we hope to build trust with you and foster a sense of community. Thank you for supporting our shop, and happy creating!
