We’re only about a week or so into this little community, and I wanted to do a soft check-in just to see how everyone’s feeling so far. Totally normal if you’re still settling in, watching quietly, or figuring out where to start — a lot of people are brand new to thrifting or the idea of flipping, so please know you’re not behind. 👉 If you’d like, drop a tiny update below: - something you found - something you learned - something you’re curious about - or just a simple “hi, I’m here!” or "I have a question" Absolutely no pressure, this is just a gentle way to get a conversation going and help everyone feel comfortable. Over the next little while, I’ll be adding:✨ simple tips✨ weekly threads✨ easy activities✨ more beginner-friendly posts So you can learn at your own pace and feel confident spotting good finds. Happy you’re here, and excited to grow this space together 🌼👇 @Juliet Walter @Kendyl June @Renate Parry @Raven Fuimaono @Sue Barker @James LeBlanc @Katie Irvine @Amanda Jay @Judith Hinz @Sharon Prahl @Julie McGill

I collect Russian nesting dolls, The 1st pic is a doll set I picked up from Sallies in Papatoetoe. I paid about 20.00 for a set of 8 that are vintage. I buy them often from op shops and you do have to for them. Google lens shows me a set very similar on Etsy. I’ve learned Etsy are often very high on pricing. We don’t have eBay here only Trademe and there are quite a few for sale on there but only a couple of actual sales and they were very cheap. What I’ve learned from this is I should actually buy them from Trademe as they don’t really sell and are cheap but it’s not a good platform to sell them. I’m not selling my collection anytime soon though

This is a bag I purchased in unloved shape. It wasn’t super cheap $25.00 but I could tell it was quality. The leather was dry and stained. The interior filthy but the stitching was all good and I knew a thorough clean was all it needed. I wasn’t familiar with the brand but could tell it was a premier bag just by looking at it. What I loved about this was the quality of the leather ( so buttery). The heavy brass hardware and what really clinched it for me was the quality hand done saddle stitching on the sides panel. I’d originally purchased this thinking it would be a resell but it came up so well that it’s become part of my personal collection and another bag from my personal collection has gone into the sale box. I have to have a lid on my personal horde. It’s currently 3 full shelves and it’s now if one comes in another has to go out.

From my house. Would I buy it ? Oh yes. It came from Pukekohe Salvation Army 8 years ago. The artist is Austrian and is famous. I adore the subject which is what attracted me to it

This is an example I found recently. It did cost me 25.00 but it’s a beautiful Italian bag. It was stained inside and out and the leather was so dry. I cleaned the inside first and then saddle soaped and conditioned the outside. I’m very happy with the result. This one came up so beautifully it’s stayed in my own collection even though a friend of mine desperately wanted it. If I were to list it I think it would be at least 150.00 as they retail new for over 500.00