Category: thrifting

Reseller & Thrift Shopper Lingo: A Simple Guide to Online Selling Acronyms (For Buyers + Sellers)

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If you’ve ever been scrolling through Marketplace, eBay, Instagram shops, or other buying/selling platforms and thought…

“What the heck does NWT mean?”

…you’re not alone.

Reselling has its own shorthand language. Sellers use acronyms to save space (especially in platforms with limited title characters), and experienced shoppers use them to quickly understand condition, pricing, and buying options.

This guide breaks down the most common reseller acronyms in plain English — so everyone (buyers and sellers) can speak the same language.

Why Reseller Acronyms Matter

For buyers:

Knowing the lingo helps you:

    •    understand an item’s condition

    •    spot better deals

    •    avoid misunderstandings before you purchase

For sellers:

Using the right terms helps you:

    •    save time in descriptions

    •    attract the right buyer faster

    •    increase trust by being clear and accurate

But here’s the truth: not everyone knows these terms, so clarity always wins

The Most Common Reseller Acronyms (And What They Mean)

✅ Condition Acronyms

NWT — New With Tags

The item is brand new and still has original tags attached. Example: “NWT Zara blouse, never worn.”

NWOT — New Without Tags

The item is brand new but the tags are missing or removed. Example: “NWOT dress, tried on but never worn.”

EUC — Excellent Used Condition

The item has been used but looks great — minimal signs of wear. Example: “EUC sneakers, worn twice.” I have also seen GUC which stands for Good Used Condition.

NOS — New Old Stock

This one confuses a lot of people! It means the item is older inventory that was never sold or used — often vintage or discontinued items. It may still have tags, packaging, or labels, but the key is: new, but from the past. Example: “NOS vintage Levi’s, deadstock 90s.”

✅ Tip for buyers: NOS doesn’t always mean “perfect.” Some NOS items show age-related wear (storage marks, slight yellowing, box wear).

📦 Packaging Acronyms You’ll See a Lot

These acronyms are super common:

NIB — New In Box. Brand new and still in the original box.

NIP — New In Package. Brand new and still sealed in packaging (often plastic packaging).

NRFB — Never Removed From Box. The item has literally never been taken out of its original box. These are popular in collectibles, toys, electronics, and giftable items.

💰 Pricing & Buying Acronyms

BIN — Buy It Now. This means the price listed is the “buy it immediately” price (no auction needed). Common on eBay, but people use it everywhere now.

OBO — Or Best Offer. The seller is open to offers. It doesn’t always mean they’ll accept low offers — it simply means they’re willing to negotiate.

DOND — Deal or No Deal. This means buyers make offers on items posted without a set price, and the seller responds with “Deal” (accepting) or “No Deal” (rejecting, often inviting a counteroffer) creating a fun, negotiation-style sale. This is typically found in social media groups, until an agreed upon price is reached and the item is marked “Sold”.

MMAO —Make Me An Offer. The seller is open to offers on the item and wants the buyer to name the price. This often results in some back and forth negotiation before you come to an agreed upon price.

✅ Buyer tip: A respectful offer is usually within 10–20% of the asking price (unless the item has been sitting a long time).

🔎 Reseller Research + Strategy Acronyms

COG — Cost of Goods. This is the amount the seller paid for the item before selling it. Example: If someone bought a jacket for $8 at Value Village and sells it for $40, the COG is $8.

COMPS — Comparables. “Comps” are the sold prices of similar items, used to estimate value.

✅ Important: In reselling, the best comps are based on sold listings, not just what someone is asking for an item.

BOLO — Be On The Lookout. This is a reseller term for something worth grabbing if you see it — because it sells quickly or has higher value. Example: “BOLO for vintage Pyrex, certain patterns sell fast.”

Extra Acronyms You’ll See in Thrift + Vintage Circles

VTG — Vintage. Often used in listing titles to save space.

✅ Quick tip: “Vintage” doesn’t always mean the same thing to everyone, so sellers may want to add an approximate era:

    •    “Vintage 80s”

    •    “Vintage 90s”

    •    “Vintage (approx. 20+ years old)”

MCM — Mid-Century Modern. A design style popular from roughly the 1940s–1960s, with clean lines, warm wood tones, and retro vibes.

AOP — All Over Print. Common in T-shirt listings: it means the graphic covers most or all of the shirt (not just a small chest logo).

✅ Best practice for sellers: Use acronyms plus plain language, especially in your description.

Example: “NWOT (new without tags) — never worn, stored in a smoke-free home.”

✅ Best practice for buyers: If you’re unsure, just ask! A good seller won’t mind clarifying.

How to Use These Terms Without Confusing People

Sellers: use “acronym + meaning” at least once

Especially for Marketplace and casual shoppers.

Example:

    •    “EUC (excellent used condition)”

    •    “OBO (open to reasonable offers)”

    •    “NOS (new old stock, never used)”

Buyers: remember that condition words can be subjective

“EUC” to one person may still mean minor wear. The best thing you can do is:

    •    look closely at photos

    •    ask for measurements

    •    ask about flaws directly

Quick Reseller Lingo Cheat Sheet

Here’s the fast version:

    •    NWT = New With Tags

    •    NWOT = New Without Tags

    •    EUC = Excellent Used Condition

    •    NOS = New Old Stock

    •    NIB = New In Box (sometimes seen as BNIB = Brand New In Box)

    •    NIP = New In Package

    •    NRFB = Never Removed From Box

    •    BIN = Buy It Now

    •    OBO = Or Best Offer

    •    DOND = Deal or No Deal

   •    MMAO = Make Me An Offer

    •    COG = Cost of Goods

    •    COMPS = Comparables (sold prices of similar items)

    •    BOLO = Be On The Lookout

    •    VTG = Vintage

    •    MCM = Mid-Century Modern

    •    AOP = All Over Print

   •    DM = Direct Message (the seller)

   •    ISO = In Search Of

Final Thought: The Best Listings Are Clear Listings

Reseller acronyms are useful, but the best buying and selling experiences happen when everyone understands what’s being offered.

If you’re a seller, clarity builds trust.

If you’re a buyer, knowing the lingo helps you shop smarter.

And if you’re new? Welcome to the club — we all had a “What the heck is BOLO??” moment at some point 😂 What acronyms are you seeing and what would you add to this list? Add in the comments below.

Angela G. Gentile

Credit / Source

This article was inspired by a reseller lingo post originally shared on Instagram by Don’t B Trippin It’s Jus Flippin. Full credit to the original creator for the acronym list and inspiration for this educational guide. I edited it with the help of ChatGPT.

Resellers, Thrift Stores, and the Myth of ‘Stealing from the Poor’

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I buy and sell vintage jewelry and small collectibles, and I know many others who resell clothing. A criticism we sometimes hear is that we’re “stealing from the poor” when we shop at thrift stores and resell our finds. That idea sounds slightly plausible, but it really misses how the thrift system actually works.

Thrift Stores Have an Oversupply

Most major thrift organizations receive far more donations than they can sell. Items are rotated quickly and, if they don’t sell, they are:

  • Sent to outlet stores or clearance bins
  • Baled and sold by the pound, often to overseas markets
  • Sometimes discarded
  • Donated to other charities

Resellers often “rescue” pieces that might otherwise end up in a landfill, giving them a new home and a new life.

Thrift Stores Serve Multiple Missions

Many thrifts are mission-driven businesses. Revenue from sales helps fund things like job training, housing support, addiction recovery, or other community services. Whether an item is bought by someone in need, a middle-income shopper, or a reseller, the store benefits the same.

In fact, regular buyers like resellers provide consistent income that helps keep those doors open.

Accessibility Isn’t Only About Price

Price is only one barrier for people living in poverty. Transportation, sizing, health, mobility, and what’s actually on the racks and shelves all matter too. Many people in the lowest income brackets rely more on:

  • Free clothing closets
  • Church or community giveaways
  • Vouchers or outreach programs
  • Friends and family

Typical thrift stores are just one piece of a wider support network, not the only option.

Resellers Don’t Set Thrift Prices

There’s also a myth that resellers are the reason thrift prices are going up. In reality, stores set their own prices based on things like:

  • Rising rent and operating costs
  • Wages and staffing
  • Corporate pricing and branding strategies
  • The overall popularity of thrifting

If something is marked $5, it’s because the store chose that price. A reseller is not obligated to leave it behind “just in case” someone else might want it.

Part of a Healthy Circular Economy

Resellers of clothing, jewelry, and collectibles are part of a circular economy that:

  • Promotes reuse over fast fashion and disposable decor
  • Helps people find specific sizes, styles, and eras online and locally
  • Keeps unique or higher-quality items in circulation for longer

There is an overabundance of stuff in our world. Thoughtful reselling isn’t taking from the poor; it’s helping reduce waste, support charities, and connect beautiful, well-made pieces with the people who will truly appreciate them.

What are your thoughts on the subject? I would love to hear it.

Angela Gentile

Written with the help of ChatGPT

Canadian Goodwill Thrift Stores in Winnipeg, Manitoba: A Fan Favourite

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Photo credit: https://canadiangoodwill.ca

Angela G. Gentile, Winnipeg Manitoba

Proudly Canadian since 1931!

I have been visiting all of the thrift shops in Winnipeg and Canadian Goodwill Industries (The Goodwill Store) and I have been doing some research on each location. I also learned through my research that Canadian Goodwill has been voted “Best in the Second Hand Clothing & Consignment in Winnipeg by Community Votes Winnipeg in 2023 and 2024”! I wonder if they will keep their title for 2025? Goodwill thrift stores in Winnipeg have ongoing window “auctions” and this is a unique aspect of what they do. They all also famous for weekly coloured tag specials. I decided to do reviews by location so that you, the shopper, can check out for yourself what you think of the Canadian Goodwill thrift stores.

There are five locations in Winnipeg. I will list them in order of highest Google reviews ratings as of August 31, 2025. I will start at tied for first with the Portage Avenue and McPhillips Avenue locations.

Goodwill on Portage Avenue (West Winnipeg)

The 3431 Portage Avenue Goodwill has a Google rating of 4.5 stars (from 62 reviews) (as of August 31/25) and is often described as one of Winnipeg’s more reliable thrift options. Shoppers appreciate the coloured tag sales, 50% off discounts, and $0.50 or $1 days, which make prices especially attractive. Reviews highlight the store as clean and well-organized, with friendly staff who create a welcoming environment. While some note that pricing can be a bit inconsistent, most agree that the Portage Goodwill is a solid stop for thrifters looking for deals on clothing, housewares, and unique finds.

Goodwill on McPhillips (North Winnipeg)

The Canadian Goodwill store at 17-2136 McPhillips consistently earns praise from shoppers, with a 4.5-star rating on Google (based on 62 reviews) (as of August 31/25). Reviewers highlight it as one of the last remaining decent thrift stores in Winnipeg, known for affordable pricing and rotating sales, such as coloured tag discounts, 50% off promotions, and special $0.50 or $1 days.

Customers often comment on the friendly and helpful staff, with several noting how welcoming the team is and how clean the store feels. Bargain hunters especially appreciate the senior and student discount days, making thrifting even more budget-friendly.

While some reviewers mention that selection can be limited at times and donations are always needed to keep the racks full, many see this Goodwill as a hidden gem for finding affordable clothing, housewares, and unique treasures. Compared to other thrift chains, locals note that McPhillips Goodwill has stayed true to reasonable thrift pricing rather than creeping toward retail-level costs.

Feedback on Yelp echoes these sentiments: shoppers say prices can be “hit or miss,” but the sale days make it worthwhile. Overall, the McPhillips Goodwill stands out as a community-focused thrift store where great deals, helpful service, and charitable giving come together.

Goodwill on Pembina Highway (South Winnipeg)

Reviews for the Canadian Goodwill at 1540 Pembina Hwy highlight its reputation as one of Winnipeg’s most affordable thrift shops. Shoppers frequently comment on the “super cheap” pricing and the ever-changing variety of donations, while donors appreciate the staff’s friendliness and willingness to help unload items. Customers also value that their contributions support local programs, with some noting they prefer giving here over large chain thrift stores. A few reviews mention the store’s smaller, somewhat cramped layout and occasional mixed customer service experiences, but overall, the Pembina location maintains a strong Google Reviews rating of about 4.2 out of 5 (as of August 31/25). With its combination of low prices, community impact, and helpful staff, it stands out as a trusted spot for both thrifting and donating in Winnipeg.

Goodwill on Princess (Downtown Winnipeg)

The Canadian Goodwill Industries location at 70 Princess Street in Winnipeg holds a Google rating of 4.1 stars (based on 260 reviews) (as of August 31/25). Shoppers praise its affordability, neat layout, and eclectic inventory—spanning clothing, furniture, books, electronics, housewares, and even seasonal finds. Its compact, well-organized space makes quick browsing effective, with most clothing under $10 and attractive retro or vintage pieces, particularly upstairs. Staff are often described as polite and helpful, and many appreciate its role as a longstanding charitable fixture in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. On the flip side, weekday-only hours (closing at 5 PM) make visits difficult for many working shoppers, and limited downtown parking can be a challenge.

Goodwill on St. Anne’s (Winnipeg East)

The Canadian Goodwill Industries location at 317 St. Anne’s Road in Winnipeg has a 3.5-star Google rating (108 reviews) (as of August 31/25), with opinions divided between glowing praise and pointed criticism. Regulars highlight friendly staff, community spirit, and the thrill of finding unique treasures—including anime merchandise that excites collectors. Many donors and shoppers describe positive, helpful experiences. However, others report frustration with donation drop-off rules, occasional rudeness, and a hazardous parking lot. Overall, this location offers plenty of hidden gems and a loyal customer base, though experiences can vary widely.

If you have any experience with the Canadian Goodwill shops in Winnipeg, please add your comments below. I would love to hear from you.

For more information on Canadian Goodwill, check out https://canadiangoodwill.ca. They also have a presence on Facebook.

Angela G. Gentile

(Written with the help of ChatGPT 5)