Thrift Trader

I don’t typically wear used clothes so when I go to thrift trader, it’s to sell. I’m not too sure what happened to the old staff from the Hillcrest, and both north park locations but the couple locations that are left are ridiculous in comparison. I have nice stuff. Even with the bad attitudes from the ladies that work at the one on el Cajon Blvd, they still typically pay more than the given 50 cents per item. I tend to end up with $ 1-​$ 3 per item. So yesterday, I took in 2 fairly large bags of clothes and shoes to the OB store. As we walk in, it smells horrible, and loud ridiculous music is playing. We set the bags down by the counter. One lady helping customers (Dominique), and the other sitting, eating chicken. yes, at the counter. We just stand there and finally she says «y’all need somethin’?» Told her we were there to sell some items. Her response was, «its only 50 cents». Even though our stuff is worth much more, we say that’s fine. She finally gets off her ass to go through it as we wait. So critical of every piece. Mind you when I say nice, I mean shoes worn once or twice, roxy, banana republic, j crew, jerseys, much of it with the tags still on. Halfway through, Dominique asks what she’s doing, and she says «it’s a sale. I’m just Tryna get it over with». Then «hold on I gotta use the bathroom.». At this point, I’m biting my tongue. But fast forward. They finally finish. They took a small amount of stuff, and I still can’t figure out why after looking at the JUNK they had in that store (now I’m realizing I think a lot of it comes from donations). It comes to $ 5. We take it and try to get out of there as fast as we can when Dominique calls us back over to give us «another dollar since we waited so long». What the hell lady. If I needed that extra dollar, I wouldn’t have brought my expensive new and like new clothes here in the first place. Just trying to weed out. I’m not sure which part of our experience was more offensive. I can’t even put into words how rude, insulting, dirty, ridiculous this store is.

I LOVE THEM!!! Every time I go I get great item’s. But, even when I don’t I always leave feeling good because they have amazing customer service. EVERY time I go. And, I have been going for years.

I’m usually here on the weekdays. I couldn’t seem to find anything worth trading for. I did bring some stuff in that I was pretty sure they would take. They ended up giving some back. I took the credit. Place has ups and downs but still decent for trade ins

Poor management and staff. Did some big shopping for burning man here & if you like bad loud music and staff with similar dispositions… this might be the place for you. Initially the two women working seemed friendly, then turn passive aggressive, then aggressive 4 no reason! It’s almost worth it to go in and observe the madness! While I was trying clothes on, I saw obvious mistreatment of other customers as I observed someone shop for about 30min but as they tried to purchase their items the staff started verbally insulting them. I saw the patron walk out disgusted without buying their items. I experienced the same mistreatment by the staff but continued my purchase. The clothes are of descent quality, just keep your purse/​wallet and (happy positive thoughts) close to you. Staff not to be trusted.

Wow! I just met two of the nicest, kindest employees! Both Charlene and Dominique were helpful, friendly, attentive, and completely professional. They made spending hard-​earned money a truly enjoyable experience! The owner of Thrift Trader is lucky to have them as their employees. Dominique and Charlene are so nice – your day will absolutely be improved after doing business with them!
The store has amazing deals, and I try never to miss an opportunity to go there! It’s my favorite store on Newport Ave!

Let me start my saying that I really do love Thrift Trader and that I usually shop at the one in PB. We have always had a good experience at the PB store. On 7÷26÷15 we decided we would visit the store in OB, we had never been to this Thrift Trader. There were two people working when we entered the store around 1PM, an older woman and a younger woman. I asked the older woman how long it would take for her to review my items. I was told about 20 minutes, as there were several people in front of me with items. That was fine as we wanted to take a look around the shop. It took much longer than 20 minutes. The two women were in a conversation. The older woman telling the younger woman, «I thought we were friends», «I know you called her the other day», «Why would you do that to me», and many more things as well. This conversation was going back and forth. The older woman making accusations about how she had been done wrong and the younger woman trying to deny or explain herself. Of course the more the conversation went on the less work that got done. Those of us who were waiting for our items to be reviewed kept circling the front counter area, but this did not seem to bring the conversation going on to a halt. At one point, someone who wanted to purchase some items stood at the cash register and had to wait for a while; he was young and did not say anything. Finally the older woman noticed him. She was nice enough in dealing with him, but should have waited on him more quickly. The straw that broke the camel’s back was when the younger woman began to cry. Next thing she was on the floor crying, sobbing and shaking. It was quite dramatic. Finally the younger woman left and went back somewhere, not sure where. I worked in retail for around 11 years and so I am aware of what customer service is all about. Here are a few suggestions:
1. First you need to talk with all employees at this store and discuss what happened.
2. Private discussions should only take place after work, or may take place during work when there are no customers in the store. The moment the customer enters the store, the conversation needs to stop.
3. Each customer should be greeted when they enter, «Hi, what can we help you find today.»
4. Items for trade should be reviewed carefully, but quickly.
5. A customer wanting to pay should be dealt with immediately and should not have to wait while you talk with another employee or even while you review someone else’s trade.
6. Lastly, when your employees are so involved in a personal conversation, not much store security is going on. I think anyone with a mind to, could have walked out with some stuff.
Again, let me say I do love the Thrift Trader and will continue to do business with you, but only at the PB store, maybe the Hillcrest one when it reopens.

Very nice staff. I feel like some clothing items are a little overpriced for the conditions they’re in. Sweet record collection. Not a lot of books but those are definitely over priced. Standard fictional paperback was $ 6.

The clothes are what you’d imagine for a thrift store, so let me talk about selling clothes…
My advice is to sell your clothes as early as possible. I’ve come in with clothes during the afternoon and the ladies here were over it (which they kinda seem to always be) and just turned me away. Also, they will probably take forever so feel free to leave the store for an hour if you have a lot of clothes. They will judge your clothes, they will huff and puff, but don’t be afraid or off put of them. They’re nice people… who just absolutely hate their job.

Found a cute top here but I really had to dig. They have a great selection of vinyls, CDs, and movies especially. And a cool sticker collection with everything from «Got weed?» to Calvin and Hobbes. Pretty cool. The owner doesn’t take no shit, though, watch out if she ever has a bad day!

I just found 5 REALLY cute tops for 2 $ each! What a great deal!
Employees looked like they hated life though lol
Street parking
View down the street of the beautiful ocean a a couple blocks down
Not a huge selection and their fair share of ugo stuff but we all know thrift shopping is about finding those sweet treasures amidst the rubbish!

This place is a joke! Do not waste your time exchanging your clothes there! I took in very nice stuff with tags still on and all you can get in return is crappy t-​shirts that we’re free when you sign up for a credit card! Every time I find things and bring them to the front they tell me they’re not included. Even though they don’t have the special tag on them this place is a joke and the staff is rude.

Pretty cool thrift store. I browsed inside and dug through some junk to find a few gems unfortunately the awesome finds weren’t in my size. I was all set to leave disappointed. behold, just beyond the exit door… a maxi dress blowing in the ocean breeze on a sidewalk rack. I expected it to be too small for me like my other finds but it was just my size. Too excited to find myself a «$ 2 thrill» I turned around and made my way to the cash wrap only to read a sign saying «$ 5 card minimum» no cash on hand, so I returned to the lovely sidewalk rack (best of rack?) Where I found another gem for myself and a awesome dress for my best friend… each $ 2. Pretty pleased with my purchase. Customer service was pretty good, each of the ladies asked if we were returning customers or first timers. Since it was our first time visiting the first lady that asked explained the pricing to us. I will return when I’m in the mood for serious thrifting. Nothing really wow ‘d me enough to earn a forth star from me. However, if you enjoy thrifting I recommend stopping in if you’re ‘nearby’

Super shady place to buy from. Bought a phone at the El Cajon location from Lindsey, the serial number is bad and it can’t be activated on Sprint. Contacted management but never received a reply from them. DO NOT SHOP HERE!

I love this place! I always find something I love! They have a fantastic selection of vintage clothing (mostly 60’s and up but some 40’s and 50’s can be found for ridiculously cheap). And of course they have some hippy sheik because it’s OB! They have all sizes including a mens section. They also have one of the largest swimsuit sections I’ve ever seen at a thrift store. I’ll be going back every week!

I was just in Ocean Beach with a friend attending the Farmer’s Market when I suggested we go Thrift Store shopping. To my surprise my friend told me she had never been in a Thrift Store before so I knew exactly where to take her and that place was & is the Thrift Trader. The Thrift Trader is located right on Newport Ave right off of Sunset Cliffs Blvd. There is plenty of free street parking as long as it is not a Wednesday between the hours of 2pm-​8pm (Street Fair /​Farmer’s Market).
I have never visited the Thrift Trader and attempted to sell items but I have done my fair of shopping. Each and every visit I have had here at the Thrift Trader has been pleasurable, especially this one.
During this visit my friend and I spent an hour or so rummaging through the clothing and found some hidden gems. In the women’s section I found several (5+) pairs of what appeared to be brand new 7’s for a discounted price of $ 12.
In the men’s section I got my hands on two vintage shirts that were absolute steals at $ 7 bucks a pop, both appeared to still be brand new. No fraying of the fabric, no discoloration, looked like it was straight off the rack & hidden in a closet until the person who originally purchased the t-​shirts decided to sell them.
I could see how the ladies working the register could come off as rude to shoppers just stopping in, checking things out and bailing but I got to talking to both of them and they were quite pleasant. We actually joked around a bit as I was convincing my friend to try on prom dresses that were for sale.
As I was paying for my shirts I found a bucket on the counter that was filled with unique stickers and I am a HUGE sticker collector and picked up a few for an art project at $ 2 bucks a pop.
The best thing about the Thrift Trader is it is constantly changing its stock. What was on display today might be gone tomorrow. So if you see an item make sure you jump on the chance to buy it. With that being said if I lived closer to this store I would be visiting on a several times a week basis because of the constant turnaround this business has on clothing. If you look hard enough you will find some diamonds in the coal.

I am so dissapointed recently in thrift trader. I remember the El Cajon store years ago and have been a strong supporter of this business since the start. In fact i live in LA and make regular trips to san diego and bring my trades here rather than using LA buy sell trade stores because i have loyalty to thrift trader but i feel like this has become a really one sided relationship with the advent of revolver clothing.
i make large trades, most times resulting in credits for 20+ trades, these trades include tons of items that are now being marked up to revolver prices. For instance, yesterday, i traded about ten pairs of simple platform tennis shoes all unworn and in different sizes. i was given credits for trade but im being asked at the end of my experiance to pay in cash the $ 5 or $ 10 difference for nicer items, items which my trades are certainly on par with quality and value wise. i traded in my shoes and other things yesterday and was in another location today where 4 pairs of these shoes were on the shelf!!! at $ 10 a pair!!!
i was not given any extra credits or coupon towards revolver items but you guys marked my items up and act like its all the same in credit WHICH IS VERY UNFAIR AND DISHONEST OF YOU as a business.
im on a budget and was being good not spending extra cash and yesterday i found a awesome navy fatigue jacket «revolver» $ 10 i asked if i could use 2 trades or what because i am cash poor at this time and considering all my shoes got marked up to $ 10 today i feel like that would have been reasonable but instead i feel like i got totally ripped off. i didnt buy the jacket because i honestly feel as though my trades made up the $ 5 difference concidering i saw at least ten items marked up today (im sure the shoes are not my only items now at twice or three times my trade in value) i feel like i got jipped so HARD.
I dont mind supporting a local business which helps me have a great wordrobe and be enviromentally friendly but im really on the fence with yall right now. i know you mark up about 50% of what i give you to the new premium pricing of revolver clothing so give me a break. i feel i should be getting at least $ 1 of revolver credit for every $ 5 or $ 10 mark up you guys make. it would be way more fair and it would give me the oppertunity to earn credit toward nicer items like the ones i trade you because next time i have items for trade ill be concidering a garage sale or a buffilo exchange before you guys see my stuff.=(id hate to see other big traders giving other shops their first dibs because that means all your stock will be second choice and well, see what can happen there?
ON ANOTHER NOTE. the ob store is far better than the iowa st store which is like a pig sty. my ten year old girl cousins room is less messy. get it togther north park you are dropping the ball on the appearance of your store. however your staff (at both loactions) is as always helpful, kind, and friendly and (esp a very helpful a kind young man in north park with long hair with a sort of shy disposition who was so helpful to me yesterday give him a raise and a pat in the back he is awesome!!!)
MORAL IS I WANT TO KEEP MY LOYALTY TO YOU GUYS BECAUSE HELLO, THRIFT TRADER was AWESOME. PLEASE DONT LET ME DOWN.

I was there the day they opened and I’m never leaving.
Dominique is a goddess and everything in the store is $ 5.00. What more could you want?

SUCH COOL STUFF. HIPSTERS WOULD NOT CARE TO CARE ABOUT A PLACE SO COOOOOL.
But on a more serious note, i’m very impressed with the selection and overall feel of this shop. (one of two in SD?) They have some really trendy stuff and are definitely decently priced. I used to go to buffalo exchange but this place provides more bang for my buck. All of the clothes are in good condition and I feel compelled to come back again once I get paid.
For all those thrift shop, swap meat, bargain shopping buffs, I highly recommend this place. Or not, I mean… I don’t care… it’s whatever dude.

Went to Thrift Trader today and checked out a lot of their clothes. They had some really cool things here. I did not end up purchasing anything but their stuff is awesome! I would come back here again!

Very cool store on Newport to browse around in. I traded in a bunch of my old clothes here and I received 18 credits to buy more stuff of other people’s junk!
Since I’m plus sized they don’t have a lot in that dept, but they do call that small rack of clothes, Curvy. I haven’t found much there, but one of their super nice employees directed me to their store in North Park which is HELLA bigger by many thousands of square feet! The OB store is 3,000, the NP store is 23k!
I went to the NP store and it was kinda overwhelming. I was a bit disappointed to find this great fishnet glove, but couldn’t find the other one even with an employee’s help. They supposedly have a whole upstairs too, but it was closed for remodeling I think?
I will be back for sure to see what else i can find. Vintage and thrift stores are grrrreat for finding designer and good labels for much less.