Hobbies And Interests
Giant Thrift Stores
Stores such as Goodwill and Value Village can be frustrating. For every mint-condition pair of boots from the '60s, there are 999 beat-up pairs of last year's cheap plastic pumps. The silver lining is that most customers will be looking for much newer items than the vintage clothing enthusiast is seeking. Use your hands as much as your eyes. Vintage quality fabric will feel nicer than newer pieces, so a quick brush down an aisle with your hand might tell you more than visual examination.
Swap Meets
Swap meets, also known as flea markets in some places, can bring dozens of vintage clothing resellers together. Many are unaware of the value of some choice items, so the savvy, diligent collector can find breathtaking vintage garments. Smaller items fly more easily under the radar, so keep an eye out for scarves, men's ties, belts and other accessories.
Estate Sales
Estate sales are typically feast or famine. The recently deceased may have had terrible -- or exceptional -- taste. An older person is likely to leave behind a wardrobe from an era when even basic department store garments were hand-made in the United States. Bring cash, because few estate sales are set up to accept credit cards. At a truly stellar estate sale, consider making a bulk offer for all the clothes on hand. Family members may be more interested in getting rid of everything than making maximum profit on each item.
Online Auctions
Even if you intend to resell items online, you can find tremendous value on eBay if you are persistent. Set up saved search terms for quick scanning of the tens of thousands of garments for sale at any one time. Popular brands such as Ralph Lauren will likely be overpriced, but obscure brands may have value unknown to the seller. Set a realistic limit for what you will spend, and avoid getting enamored with any one piece.