Thrifter With A Savers Coupon Hunted For Things To Flip And Grabbed Antique Canning Jars For $2.99 For Three Plus A Heavy Cast Iron Candlestick For $7.99

A thrift store coupon and a plan to flip a few things for a profit: that was the setup when the thrifter behind @JamiRayVintage headed to Savers in Draper, Utah. The goal, in the thrifter’s own words, was to “see what we can flip for a profit.”

The coupon came from an act of kindness. The thrifter explains that it was earned by donating a bunch of stuff after going thrifting with the youth the week before. That coupon then went to work on this trip.

Walking The Aisles

The trip starts with a quick look at the holiday mugs, then moves on to furniture. “I’m not looking for furniture, but if I was, I’d be getting that cutie little secretary. It’s only $16.” A secretary is a small writing desk, and $16 is a price that would make many thrifters pause. The thrifter also admits to fighting the urge to buy some drawers because there is a need for more organization at home.

That kind of honesty is part of what makes thrift hauls fun. Not everything in the cart is meant to be flipped. Sometimes a good price and a real need make a purchase worthwhile.

Canning Jars And Candlesticks

Then the real shopping begins. “Definitely going to grab these antique canning jars. $2.99 for three.” That is a little under a dollar a jar, and the thrifter planned to grab them.

Next up were candlesticks. The thrifter said, “they have good candlesticks,” and figured about $4 apiece would be an okay price. With the coupon, the plan was to save 20%.

The star find was a heavy one. “It’s nice and heavy. I actually already like the way it looks. It doesn’t need a makeover… It is solid cast iron and it’s amazing. It’s a really good candlestick. So for $7.99 cast iron.”

Why Heavy And Solid Is A Good Sign

Weight is one of the easiest tests a thrifter can use. A candlestick that feels solid in the hand is usually better made than a light, hollow one, and a cast iron piece can last for generations. Heavy pieces also tend to look expensive in a room, which is why a $7.99 find can pass for a much pricier decor item once it is on a mantel or table.

The thrifter’s comment that it “doesn’t need a makeover” is just as useful. A piece that is ready to use and sell as is saves time and supplies.

Thinking Like A Flipper

A flip only works if the final sale price beats what you paid, plus any fees and shipping. That is why the thrifter pays attention to price per piece, like $4 for a candlestick, rather than just the total. Before buying something to resell, check what similar items have actually sold for, not what sellers are asking. Heavy items like cast iron cost more to ship, so local pickup or a local marketplace can protect your profit. And if you are not sure an item will sell, stick to a price you would be happy to pay for it to keep for yourself.

Tips For Thrifting With A Coupon

Read the coupon rules. Check what it covers, how much it takes off and when it expires so you do not miss out.
Donate before you shop. If the store gives a coupon for donations, as this one did, bring a bag of things you no longer need.
Pick items to use your discount on. A 20% coupon saves more on a bigger purchase than a small one.
Have a plan. Decide whether you are shopping for yourself, for resale or both, and set a limit for each.

How To Check Antique Canning Jars

If you grab jars like these, look closely at the rims for chips, since a damaged rim can make a jar unsafe for canning and lowers its value as a collectible. Hold each jar up to the light to check for cracks, and look at the glass for color and embossed lettering, which can make an older jar more interesting to collectors. Older jars are often better used for storage or decoration than for canning food, because modern canning guidelines call for jars and lids made for the job.

Candlesticks Are Easy To Style

Candlesticks are a good thrift category because they fit any room and any season. A pair of matching candlesticks makes a mantel look finished. A single heavy cast iron piece can anchor a shelf or a dining table. If a piece has a little tarnish or rust, a soft cloth and some gentle cleaning can often bring it back, though it is smart to test cleaners on a hidden spot first.

The Takeaway

This trip shows how a bit of planning, a coupon and a good eye can turn a few dollars into a cart full of useful things. Three antique canning jars for $2.99 and a solid cast iron candlestick for $7.99 are small purchases, but they show what a patient shopper can find on a regular day at the thrift store.

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