Thrift Business: Types and Tips for Running It Successfully

In recent years, consumer behavior has undergone a significant shift. While fashion trends used to revolve around new and branded items, more and more consumers today are paying attention to sustainability, affordability, and uniqueness when choosing products.

This change in preferences has opened new opportunities in the fashion industry—one of which is the rise of thrift businesses that combine economic value with a sustainable lifestyle. With growing demand, many entrepreneurs are now venturing into selling pre-loved clothing that is still in excellent condition.

Interested in starting a thrift shop? Let’s explore how to source “bale” products from abroad, along with practical tips to boost your sales.

Types of Products in Thrift Business

Thrift businesses cover a wide range of items that can be resold. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Clothing

Clothing is the backbone of the thrift industry, ranging from T-shirts, pants, vests, jackets, to shirts. The resale price of thrifted clothing is usually influenced by the brand—high-end labels often fetch a higher price than lesser-known or local brands.

2. Watches

Watches can be a valuable addition, especially if they come from luxury brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Hublot, or Omega. However, thrift entrepreneurs with limited capital can still sell popular local brands such as Eiger, Expedition, or Woodka, which remain in demand among thrift enthusiasts.

3. Bags

Bags are another highly sought-after thrift item. The resale value is largely shaped by the brand reputation, but the pricing strategy should also match your target market—whether lower, middle, or upper-class consumers.

4. Shoes

Shoes are a favorite among thrift shoppers, especially rare or limited-edition models. With strong demand, shoes tend to have competitive resale value and can generate higher profits.

5. Books

Thrifting is not limited to fashion. Pre-loved books—such as children’s textbooks, comics, novels, and dictionaries—also make attractive products for resale thanks to their variety and affordability.

Support Local Products First

Large-scale thrift shops typically purchase products in bulk, often in the form of a “bale”—a compressed sack of secondhand goods weighing around 100 kilograms, commonly imported from Japan, Korea, Australia, or China.

These can be sourced through local suppliers selling via social media or marketplaces, allowing buyers to compare prices, quality, reviews, and product contents. Alternatively, direct import is possible from international marketplaces.

However, it’s important to note that importing used clothing is prohibited in Indonesia, as stated in Minister of Trade Regulation No. 51/M-DAG/PER/7/2015, along with Consumer Protection Law No. 8/1999 and Trade Law No. 7/2014.

For that reason, focusing on local products is the safer, legal, and more sustainable option. Not only does it comply with regulations, but it also supports local SMEs while offering consumers quality and unique thrift finds.

Tips to Boost Your Thrift Business Sales

Running a thrift business successfully requires the right strategies. Here are some practical tips:

1. Ensure Good Product Condition

Thrift items may have minor flaws such as stains or small tears. Simple repairs, washing, and ironing can restore them to a sellable state. Since the pandemic, product cleanliness has become even more crucial to reassure customers.

2. Take Quality Photos

Showcasing your products well online is essential. Use your phone camera and edit photos for better appeal. Highlight details, including defects, so buyers have a clear picture.

3. Optimize Local SEO

Register your shop on Google Business Profile, ensure accurate information, encourage customer reviews, and use local keywords (e.g., “affordable thrift shop in [your city]”). This helps boost visibility in local searches.

4. Leverage Social Media

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are perfect for promoting thrift collections. Share high-quality photos, creative videos, and popular hashtags (#ThriftShopStyle, #OOTDThrift). Stay active with stories, comments, and giveaways to build engagement.

5. Build a Strong Brand Identity

Choose a memorable name and logo, emphasize sustainability in your branding, and share stories behind your collections. A unique identity makes your shop stand out.

6. Collaborate with Local Influencers

Partnering with influencers who have the right audience and reputation can effectively attract new customers.

7. Use Online Marketplaces

Expand your reach through platforms like Shopee, Tokopedia, or thrift-specialized marketplaces. Always provide clear descriptions and appealing photos.

8. Offer Discounts and Special Deals

Promotions are great for customer acquisition—such as 20% off first purchases, buy 2 get 1 free deals, or referral rewards for customers who bring in friends.

9. Run Digital Ads

Digital advertising can quickly scale your business. Consider:

Social Media Ads (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) with engaging visuals and persuasive text.
Google Ads to appear across websites.
Marketplace Ads on Shopee/Tokopedia to improve search visibility.

From product selection and branding to digital promotion, the thrift business holds vast potential if managed strategically. With the right approach, your thrift shop can grow, compete, and thrive in today’s market.

And if you need extra capital to expand your thrift shop, BFI Finance is here to help with flexible and trusted financing solutions. With over 40 years of experience, BFI Finance is licensed and supervised by Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK), ensuring safety, competitive rates, and fast processing.

Apply now and turn your thrift shop dream into a bigger, more profitable reality—because with BFI Finance, #SelaluAdaJalan.