I consider myself a professional recycler. My eBay business model: I purchase clothing (gently used and new) from thrift stores, garage sales, consignment stores, and flea markets. Then, I sell the clothing on eBay.
The clothing often finds a new home across the country, or across the world. I often wonder how many times an article of clothing changes hands before it reaches its final destination. Consider this example.
Clothing is manufactured and stocked in a Macy's store. The item doesn't sell, and is then sold to an off-price store, such as TJ Maxx. Item is purchased by consumer. Item is never worn by consumer and donated to Goodwill, then placed
in their thrift store. I purchase the item, still with the tags. I list the item in my eBay store. Customer purchases the item and perhaps resells it on eBay or adds it to her inventory in a brick and mortar store.
Everybody wins in this situation. The thrift store makes money. I make money. eBay makes money. The final consumer receives a fabulous product at a fraction of the retail cost. I'm doing my part to recycle.
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