Many people who get into thrifting as a means to make extra money think reselling vintage clothing is the only way to go, but there are many valuable items you can pick up at your local thrift store and resell for a profit — including glassware.
Not all glassware you find while thrifting will be worth much, but these 13 tips can help you separate what's valuable and what you should probably leave on the shelf.
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Feel its weight
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When perusing the glassware aisle, pick up the items and feel how heavy they are. Valuable pieces of glassware, like crystal, will be heavier than other items.
You may be able to resell a nice crystal bowl or some glasses for upward of $40 on eBay. A vintage crystal champagne flute is even listed for nearly $100.
Look for branding
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You may be able to gauge the value of a piece by looking up the brand, as some popular glassmakers tend to make more than others on the resale market.
For example, look for the markings of early 20th-century giants like Fenton Art Glass Company. Several of its vases, bowls, and decorative items have been listed for upward of $100 on eBay.
Check the glass in the light
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A quality piece of crystal will also look different than other glass items when held up to light.
While browsing, hold the glassware up to the light to check for a rainbow prism. Using this technique, you should also be able to tell if the glass has any cloudiness (crystal is extremely clear).
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Look for flaws
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Flaws in glassware, like bubbles and visible seams, may actually make it more valuable (though you should not find these in crystal).
Many collectors look to buy Depression glass, colorful glassware produced during the Depression, when many families could no longer afford fine china. Some Depression glass may have tiny bubbles or seams since these products were mass-produced.
Do a tap test
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Another way to determine if a piece you're eyeing is crystal is a "tap test."
Crystal and standard glass make different sounds when you give them a tap with your finger. Crystal pieces will make more of a reverberated ringing sound, while glass will sound duller.
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Look for colorful glassware
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We already mentioned that Depression glass can be valuable if you find the right collectors, but other colored glassware could help you make a profit.
Jadeite pieces, which have a mint green hue, and other colorful, vintage glass bottles are often sought after by collectors.
Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke
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When it comes to enjoying things like travel and dining out, thoughtful planning can help you maximize your experience without also draining your wallet. These discretionary expenses often consume a significant portion of many budgets. The key is finding the balance between treating yourself and maintaining your overall financial health.
Here are some tips on how to find that balance:
- Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for similar food at lower prices
- Join restaurant loyalty programs and subscribe to email lists for special offers
- Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
- Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices drop but weather is still pleasant
- Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
- Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself while traveling
Some of the most memorable moments can come from a meal shared with friends or a budget travel experience that takes you somewhere truly unique. Consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience so you can find the things that are truly worth your money.
Look for intricate patterns
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Another valuable type of glassware is known as "milk glass." These products, including vases, bowls, candleholders, and more, are typically white and can be somewhat translucent.
If you find translucent milk glass, that may indicate it's older — and worth more. Milk glass with intricate patterns also tends to go for more on resale sites like eBay.
Look for numbers
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In addition to brand names, glassware sometimes has numbers on the bottom. Older pieces may also have a few clues about when they were made, including numbers and symbols that correspond with a specific manufacturer.
Your best bet is to look for identifying marks and look them up to see if you have a valuable piece.
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Gauge thickness
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How thick a glass is may also give you some clues about its value. Crystal glass can be made thinner than other types and, due to its lead content, is still very sturdy.
Try to compare the thickness of a piece you are considering to others in the shop. A thin, well-designed piece could be vintage crystal and worth a pretty penny.
Search for larger pieces
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Of course, there is the rare lucky thrifter who finds a beautiful set of vintage wine glasses and can resell them for a lot, but for the rest of us, it may be wiser to aim for larger pieces.
For example, glassware experts report that milk glass is quite common in thrift stores — but you can get more if you manage to find bigger pieces, like serving dishes and large bowls.
See if it glows in the dark
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Some vintage Jadeite will actually glow in the dark (yes, really), and collectors may be more willing to shell out cash for these fascinating pieces.
This may be a bit difficult to test in the thrift store (unless you happen to walk around with a black light on you), but it's something to keep in mind.
Look for pontil marks
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A pontil mark, or a circular mark found on the bottom of a piece of glassware, may indicate that the piece is more valuable as it means it was hand-blown (rather than made with a mold). A pontil mark may also indicate that the piece is older.
Be aware of recognizable names
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While you browse, keep an eye out for any names you recognize among the shelves of glassware. If you find the right antique Coca-Cola bottle, for example, you just may be able to resell it for a few hundred bucks on eBay to help you get ahead financially.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.
Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:
- Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
- Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
- Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
- Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
- Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
- Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
- For groceries, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.
Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds.
Bottom line
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Not all the glassware you find at your local thrift store will be worth much — in fact, much of it won't.
But if you look for in-demand collectors' items, such as popular early 20th-century brands, Depression-era pieces, and handmade items, you could have a lucrative side hustle.
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