What to look for when buying a thrift store t-shirt to resell on eBay

Thrift stores are great for finding used clothing at rock-bottom prices. One of the best finds at thrift stores are t-shirts. From vintage sports t-shirts to Hollister t-shirts the diversity is unlike anything you will find at your local department store. Here is a how to guide to make sure the shirt is worth buying.

1. Check it over for stains. The best way to do this is bring the shirt near a window of the store in the natural day light. You can miss stains on darker shirts if you only look under the lights in the store.
2. Smell under the arm pits. It may sound and look silly when you are doing it, but those smells are hard to get out and just makes the shirt a little less appealing and could effect your feedback once the buyer receives it.
3. If the shirt is purchased at the Salvation Army, chances are the price tag was stapled onto the front of the shirt. If this is the case make sure the material can withstand the staple removal. The very thin cotton is though to remove without causing a rip in the shirt. The best way to remove the staple is to lift up both sides of the back of the staple up with a knife and gently pull the price tag forward away from the shirt.
4. Stretch the shirt out and make sure there are no rips on the shirt. The most common places are the seams where the sleeve is sewn to the shirt, the underarms, the collar and the bottom of the shirt.
5. If there are any loose threads do not worry. You can purchase a fabric shaver for a few bucks at your local drug store (Rite Aid, Walgreen's, etc.) It will easily remove those loose threads and improve the look of your shirt.
6. After a good wash with a stain fighting laundry detergent, you are ready to list your shirt on eBay.

Good Luck

John Paul