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Here's how I just bought a sealed new item worth $170 for $34.12 instead of the thrift store's original cost of $81.65. As a reseller that's a significant savings.  There was money to be made either way, but I'll never ever overspend for bad margin.

![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNkV7Gi3HbXLEhxje2oRGoimsdttRMTsGhqLWUJX1joV7/image.png)

This high end hair removal system was originally was put in the store's display window three weeks ago.  It was then moved to behind the registers where it's been ever since, with me keeping an eye on it.  

This thrift store has price tags with various colors. At some point, each color goes on sale for 50% off in order to make sure stale inventory turns over.  I try to leverage this when the upside of being patient is worth it.  If I miss out on a good item I could've made some money on, I really don't care.  I want to make buys that leverage my money most effectively, even if it costs me some money by not buying.

At times, I hide smaller items to wait for the color to go on sale.  Since this was behind the register, that wouldn't be possible.  It was going to be a war of attrition.  A chess game.  I'd have to wait for the color green to go on sale.

Today was that glorious day.  To sweeten the deal, I also saved up my rewards points from previous purchases to get another $6.70 off.  

_Smart shoppin'_

The moral of the story is to not overspend to make money.  Work wisely and focus on strong margins, as this is a more sustainable model for long term business and growth.  Since I waited this one out, I technically have $47.53 in liquid funds to work with for my business, which I can use to make significant returns through my typical inventory margins.

Depending on shipping, I'll make over $100 profit on this purchase, which is good, but I still don't like spending $34 on something to 3x with it.  I want 5-10x.

Hope this was helpful.

[My last post about fighting crime while recycling!](https://steemit.com/story/@steemmatt/true-stories-i-just-thwarted-2-robberies-2-older-hero-stories-check-em-out)

@steemmatt