Becky Chorlton, a 26-year-old from Cheshire, has managed to turn her lifelong passion for second-hand clothes into a successful thrifting empire in just four years. With determination and a keen eye for valuable pieces, Becky has been able to make an impressive £100k by rummaging through old clothes and reselling them online.
Starting with just selling pieces from her own wardrobe on platforms like Depop and Vinted, Becky quickly realized the potential for making a profit by reselling pre-loved goods. What began as a side hustle while studying for her masters at Exeter University has now turned into a full-time business, with Becky raking in up to £3,000 a month.
Becky’s success can be attributed to her early introduction to thrift shopping by her mother, Sandra. Growing up, Sandra instilled in Becky the value of finding hidden gems in charity shops and car boot sales. This upbringing laid the foundation for Becky’s thrifting skills, which have only improved over time.
With a knack for spotting valuable pieces among the racks of second-hand clothing, Becky has managed to turn small investments into significant profits. One example of her success is when she found a designer dress by Julien Macdonald in a charity shop for just £1.99 and later sold it online for £40, resulting in a 1,900% profit. This kind of success story is not uncommon for Becky, who has honed her skills in finding high-quality items at bargain prices.
One of the keys to Becky’s success is her ability to adapt to trends and capitalize on what’s popular in the market. She has tapped into the current trend of Y2K fashion, focusing on iconic brands from the 90s and 2000s like Jane Norman and The Sweater Shop. By understanding what her buyers are looking for, Becky has been able to curate a collection of clothing that appeals to a wide audience.
In addition to clothing, Becky has also expanded her business to include selling second-hand homeware. With plans to branch out further in the future, Becky is constantly looking for new opportunities to grow her thrifting empire and offer her customers even more unique finds.
Becky’s Tips for Successful Thrifting
As Becky’s success continues to grow, she is generous in sharing her tips and tricks for others looking to get into the world of thrifting. Here are some of her top tips for making money rummaging through old clothes:
1. **Buy What You Would Wear**: Always think about whether you would wear the item yourself before purchasing it. If you wouldn’t feel good in it, chances are others won’t either.
2. **Look for Classic Labels**: Keep an eye out for classic labels from the 90s and 2000s, such as Jane Norman and The Sweater Shop, as these items tend to be popular among buyers.
3. **Attend Charity Superstore Pop-Ups**: Charity organizations like Oxfam, Cancer Research, Shelter, and Age UK often hold pop-up events where you can find a wide range of items at discounted prices.
4. **Explore Retro Sportswear**: Retro sportswear is a hot seller and appeals to a wide audience. Look for brands like Roxy and Quiksilver for valuable pieces.
5. **Dig Deep**: Don’t be afraid to dig deep into rummage bins to uncover hidden treasures. Sometimes the best finds are buried beneath the surface.
6. **Stay Connected**: Join car boot sale Facebook groups to stay updated on the latest events and offerings in your area. Networking with other sellers can also lead to valuable connections and opportunities.
7. **Haggle Smartly**: When buying multiple items, don’t be afraid to haggle for a better deal. Many sellers are open to negotiation, especially if you’re buying in bulk.
By following these tips and staying true to her passion for thrifting, Becky has been able to build a thriving business that not only provides her with a steady income but also promotes sustainability and the value of second-hand items.
As Becky’s following on social media continues to grow, with 269,000 followers on TikTok and 127,000 on Instagram, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her dedication to finding unique pieces and offering them to her customers at affordable prices has set her apart in the world of thrifting.
With her eye for style and commitment to providing quality products, Becky Chorlton has proven that with hard work and determination, anyone can turn their passion into a successful business. Through her thrifting empire, she has not only made a significant income but has also inspired others to embrace the value of second-hand shopping and sustainability in a consumer-driven world.