Thrifter turns one dollar vase into $2,500 offer at estate sale

In September 2025, a thrifter experienced an astonishing find at an estate sale in the United States. The thrifter was one of the first individuals to gain access to the sale, arriving early with around 200 other eager buyers outside, the majority of whom were waiting in line. Almost everything at the sale was priced at a mere dollar, making it a prime opportunity for bargain hunters. The thrifter, under the username u/Budget-Physics2673, shared a detailed post on Reddit about their experience, showcasing several intriguing items that were substantially underpriced. Among the items that the thrifter purchased, one standout was a Chinese vase acquired for just one dollar. The thrifter later mentioned that a dealer had offered them $2,500 for the vase, which highlights the staggering difference between the initial purchase price and the offer made by the dealer. Besides the vase, the poster described securing over $3,000 worth of various goods, projecting a potential resale value of $30,000 or more. This experience underscores the thrill of thrifting and flipping items in the current economic climate. The thrifter also mentioned obtaining a decorative piece from the French Empire period for $45. The excitement surrounding the estate sale may also stem from the ongoing economic challenges that have led more individuals to engage in thrifting as an alternative shopping method. The growth of the thrift store industry in the U.S. is noteworthy, with a projected market size valued at $14.1 billion in 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8 percent from 2020 to 2025. Local dynamics, particularly high home prices, have been noted as possibly influencing the pricing strategies of estate sales. Individuals in areas with steep property values may be less inclined to be meticulous about appraising items when families aim to clear out the estate of a deceased relative. As a result, estate sales might offer unparalleled opportunities for thrifters willing to venture out early and investigate the available items closely, leading to remarkable finds like the vase that turned a one-dollar investment into a lucrative offer.