Which one to choose, depending on your budget, time and ambitions?
The resale of vintage clothing is exploding.
But when you want to get started, one question often comes up:
Is itbetter to open a thrift store or make vintage "drops" online?
At United Vintage, we support dozens of retailers every month. Some open their own premises. Others prefer to sell on Insta or Vinted via themed collections.
👉 Each model has its advantages, its constraints, and may suit your profile.
Here's a full comparison for a clearer picture.
1. The thrift store: a physical space to create your own universe
Opening a thrift store means having a place of your own. A small space, a stand in a shared boutique or even an ephemeral pop-up: anything is possible.
Advantages :
🛍️ Direct local visibility: people pass by, come in, try it on.
🎯 Strong brand image: your shop becomes a place to live, a showcase for your image.
💬 Human contact: you create a bond with your customers, you can advise, build loyalty.
📸 Ideal for events: fashion shows, local collabs, afterworks... you can liven up your space.
Disadvantages :
💸 Initial investment: rent, decoration, insurance, fittings... it requires a bit of a budget.
⏱️ Mandatory presence: you have to be there to open, welcome, manage.
📍 Limited geographical area: you depend on local traffic, so on the location you choose.
2. Drop vintage: sell collections online
Widely used on Instagram, the "drop" model consists of regularly offering clothing selections, in stories or on a site.
You post, announce the date, and boom, the pieces are gone in minutes.
Advantages :
🧵 Low start-up costs: you can get started with just an Insta account and a bundle from home.
🌍 National audience (or even more): no need to be in a big city.
🎥 You play with expectation and the scarcity effect: drops create engagement and "FOMO" (fear of missing out).
📦 More flexibility: you manage your sales at your own pace, from home.
Disadvantages :
📸 Requires a good sense of visuals: you need to know how to shoot, present, create an atmosphere.
📲 Fickle algorithm: your visibility depends on the networks.
🚚 Logistics to manage alone: shipping, after-sales service, exchanges... it's all up to you.
3. So, thrift store or drop? Take the test
Here are a few simple questions to get you started 👇
| If you answer YES to... | Go on... |
|---|---|
| Do you like connecting with people IRL? | A physical thrift store |
| Do you have an initial budget to invest? | A thrift shop or pop-up |
| Do you want to test before you go all out? | Online drops |
| Are you comfortable on Insta, Vinted or TikTok? | The drops model |
| Do you live in a small town without much traffic? | Digital as a priority |
| Do you dream of a place that reflects your image, with loyal customers? | A thrift store with your style |
The right plan: start small, test, and evolve
🎯 Many retailers start out in drop... then open a thrift store when their community is solid.
Conversely, some have a boutique but also use Insta to sell off their unsold stock or reach other customers.
👉 One doesn't preclude the other. You can mix the two according to the season, your weather or your desires.
At United Vintage, we equip you for both models
Want to step it up a notch? We've got just what you need:
✅ Bundles by brand (Nike, Ralph, Lacoste...)
✅ Summer or winter boxes, ready for resale
✅ Fast after-sales service with real humans
✅ And personalized advice to boost your business
Conclusion: two visions, one passion
Whether you're opening a vintage boutique in your hometown or launching your drops on Insta every Sunday at 6pm, the essential remains the same: to offer beautiful, well-presented pieces to customers who love sape as much as you do.
And if you want to get started in the right conditions, we're here to support you every step of the way.
🧥 When do you start?