For most, thrift stores are a place to hunt for the occasional bargain, from a vintage dress to discounted furniture.
But for 26-year-old Christopher Kidney of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, thrifting has become a second full-time job, one that’s turning old collectibles into a five-figure income stream.
Kidney recently shared how he uncovered a trove of rare, autographed sports memorabilia at his local Goodwill. What he purchased for under $20 included signatures from MLB legends like Don Mattingly and Yogi Berra, as well as a Super Bowl XLII card signed by Plaxico Burress. That collection alone brought in over $500 through private sales.
But for Kidney, that wasn’t a lucky one-off—it was business as usual.
“I started thrifting three years ago and I have a friend Brad that got me into it when he kept finding vintage clothes,” Kidney told Newsweek. “I go at least five times a week, and multiple times a day, as long as it’s not interfering with work.”
While many view thrifting as a hobby, Kidney takes a methodical, business-like approach. “Thrifting is basically a second full time job,” he said. “It definitely is a side hustle.”
And a profitable one at that—Kidney estimates he pulls in anywhere from $65,000 to $80,000 a year through thrifting.
Secrets of the Thrift
Kidney’s strategy centers on knowledge, patience, and sheer time investment.
“I look for video games, clothes, glass, and old books,” he said. “I go through each item and look up the value if it’s something I haven’t seen before.”
So what sets successful thrifters apart from the rest? It’s all in looking closely at each item. “Some people don’t dedicate enough time to looking at each item,” Kidney said “People need to spend hours looking. Everyone will find something of value eventually.”
Top Tips for Spotting Value
Kidney shared his key tips for would-be thrifters hoping to turn overlooked treasures into serious income:
In clothing:
“In clothes, I look for stitching—single is vintage, double is newer. Also tags—always, always look at tags. And content is huge for shirts.”
In books and art:
“I look at the copyright page. I try for books pre-1960, as well as autographs. Art—I look for actual paint signs.”
In collectibles, like baseball cards:
“I look for numbers of printed cards, as well as auto cards. Is it a rookie card or not as well?”
Kidney doesn’t just eyeball value—he often turns to professionals for authentication. “I get autographs authenticated by JSA or Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA),” he said.
Among Kidney’s many finds, one stands above the rest: a signed 1949 book by baseball legend Honus Wagner, purchased at Goodwill for just $1.59.
“For $1.59, I found one of the greatest baseball players’ signatures ever! I’m in shock,” he said. “My grandpa, who passed three years ago, worked for the Reds, Giants, Cardinals, and other sports teams. I truly believe in some divine way I was meant to find this book.”
The book would go on to sell for over $50,000. “It’s my most profitable,” Kidney said. “I signed an NDA, so I can’t say the exact price.”
Kidney regularly posts his discoveries to Reddit, where his finds have earned viral attention. His recent haul of sports cards drew thousands of upvotes and hundreds of amazed comments.
Kidney is quick to credit those who helped him along the way, especially his inner circle. “It’s very important to me that I give credit to my family—my beloved wife Ashley—and my best friends Brad and Christopher Davisson,” he said.
As thrifting continues to gain traction as a creative and sustainable side hustle, Kidney said that it is possible for everyone to find something worthwhile.
“Everyone will find something of value eventually,” he said. “You just have to keep looking.”
The post I’ve Turned My Thrifting Hobby Into an $80K-a-Year Side Hustle—Here’s How appeared first on Newsweek.
