Q: Why should I donate? Won’t I make more money selling my things?

A: Let’s talk about getting rid of stuff.  Maybe you’ve redecorated or combined residences. Perhaps you are helping to move a family member into an assisted living center. You’ve got good stuff. Your parents had good stuff…shouldn’t you sell it?

Maybe.

But before you (shudder) plan that garage sale or put in the effort of finding a reseller and paying them to pick up your stuff…or spend the time to photograph and list your stuff on ebay or craigslist…or find (and pay) a friendly teenager to figure all that internet stuff out for you…think about this…

Garage sales take a lot of time to set up, advertise and many people to stand around on a weekend looking helpful.  Do you really want to invite a bunch of strangers to your house?

Typically, a reseller will take a commission of at least 50% on the selling price of your items. (Which, if you ever had a garage sale, you understand and happily pay!)

Let’s say you have some furniture, maybe some decorative items or china to get rid of. You estimate the value to be between $500- $700. Less the 50% costs of using a reseller or managing your own sale, the net in your pocket is down to $250-$350.  But you can use the actual higher value of your item ($700) as a deduction on your taxes. Depending on your tax bracket that translates into $175 to $245 at tax time-without the muss, fuss and bother of selling your things PLUS the sense of fulfillment you will get from having done “good” for the community. (Please consult your tax profession for advice!)

Let 1^st Rate 2^nd Hand Thrift Store come to pick up your large donations, or drop by with items anytime-we are open seven days a week!  We will sell your good stuff for what it is worth and find it loving new homes. The proceeds will go to help your community. The money stays in Tucson, and helps the people of Tucson.

We have much to be thankful for here at 1st Rate 2nd Hand Thrift Store, not least of all are our wonderful customers! We will be closed for the holiday, but open on Friday and looking forward to seeing you.

Green tags are 50% off and Blue tags can be purchased at 75%  off regular prices until the end of the month.

See you soon!

Mystery Sales continue. This makes 1/2 of the store 1/2 off everyday! We have vintage kids and adult clothes. If you are hungry we have free popcorn!

Our colors for May are 75% off Red and 50% off Yellow. We have lots of vintage items for great prices. Hurry in to see if our furniture sale is still on. If you would like a volunteer opportunity please see our manager, Amy

Come to see it.

Update: We sold the car fast. Please consider donating your unwanted vehicle.

Enjoy these savings and 50% off with the weekly Mystery Sale. That makes about half of the store 50% off at anyone time. We have great merchandise. Come in and see. We are looking for a street sign holder in exchange for store merchandise credit. Come in or call to make an appointment with the store manager.

Spring is rolling around and we have lots of great clothes. Come browse our store for great savings on household goods, furniture, electronics, bedding and much more. Each week is a new mystery sale. We are now open Monday- Friday 9-6 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday 9-4p.m.

Each week in addition to our color sale is a Mystery Sale. One department in the store is 1/2 off. It could be clothes, electronics, household goods, shoes, purses and belts, sporting goods, books, furniture, art or case items.  That means half of the items in the store are on sale from our already low prices. Come check us out each week or everyday as we stock the store daily with the great donations we receive.

Come check out  our new location at 5851 East Speedway.   The store is bigger, cleaner and  very well organized. You can still find treasures tucked away or treasures out in the open. We look forward to seeing you.