How I Use Goodwill to Make Cash on the Side

By Bluecollarworkman @TB_BlueCollar

This time of year is tough going for the construction industry. Jobs slow down, we get laid off, and we just have to wait until mid-January or February for things to pick back up. But I still have a family to feed. And so I still need money. And I get that money with little side jobs and through the use of Goodwill.

Do I actually work at Goodwill during the slow times? No.

I comb through their art, housewares, and tools for things they’re underselling. I buy them and then turn right around and sell them on Ebay, Craigs List, or at a pawn shop.

Now don’t go getting in your head that this is something you should start doing tomorrow because here’s the sticking spot: You’ve got to know what you’re doing! Otherwise you’ll end up with a $50 painting from Goodwill that no one will buy on Ebay. Or a $10 hammer from Goodwill that someone will offer you $2 for on Craig’s List.

But if you know anything about art, tools, metals, or housewares, then seriously dudes, head over to Goodwill immediately. I go probably once a week.

This past time I found this:

Now I don’t actually know what it is but that doesn’t matter. Because it’s silver. And that’s what’s valuable about this doodad. So I bought this unknown silver thing for $3 at Goodwill. I drove down the street to a pawn shop and they bought it for $90. Nice little profit for 15 minutes of work.

If you know what you’re looking for or what’s valuable, you’d be surprised what Goodwill sells that is underpriced – so head on over and make some cash off of other peoples’ cast offs!

General Note About Not Being Dumb: Make sure you know what’s valuable. Never buy something at Goodwill because it looks like it should be sold for more. You have to know that it’s worth more.