Thrift Store Marketing Budget Estimator

If you own a thrift store, marketing is essential. However, determining the right budget can be tricky—you might worry about spending too much or too little. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve created this free tool. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll receive a precise estimate of your ideal monthly marketing budget. We hope you find it useful and enjoy using it!

Good news for you, we have a lot of marketing resources for thrift store owners

1. What is your thrift store’s location type?

Small-town or low-competition area Large city or high-competition area

High-competition urban areas often require more aggressive marketing and higher budgets to stand out.

2. Do you offer online shopping on your website?

No Yes

An online store requires ongoing maintenance, SEO, and paid ads to drive traffic.

3. What type of content do you plan to prioritize?

High-quality product showcase videos Customer testimonials Behind-the-scenes store tours DIY upcycling tutorials Special promotional offers

More complex or polished content (like high-quality videos or tutorials) typically requires higher production costs.

4. On how many social networks do you want to post?

2

Popular platforms for thrift stores include Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Managing more platforms requires more resources.

5. Are you planning to hire a dedicated social media manager?

Yes No

Running a busy thrift store leaves little time for marketing. A dedicated manager increases costs but ensures consistent online presence.

6. What is your thrift store’s positioning?

Curated / upscale vintage Mainstream & affordable Budget-friendly finds Boutique / specialized thrift

Upscale stores often require more polished branding, while budget-friendly stores can spend less on high-end visuals.

7. How intensively do you plan to invest in paid advertising?

5

A higher level means more spending on Facebook, Instagram, Google, or even local media ads.

8. Do you run consignment or wholesale partnerships with other retailers (B2B)?

No Yes

B2B collaborations may require additional outreach, networking, or participation in local trade shows.

9. How frequently do you launch promotions or limited-time offers?

Occasionally Regularly

Frequent sales events or flash deals often require additional advertising spend to boost visibility.

10. Do you plan to collaborate with local influencers or fashion bloggers?

No Yes

Collaborations with local influencers or fashion bloggers can boost brand visibility but require a dedicated budget.

11. What is your approximate monthly revenue? ($) Many businesses budget 4%–8% of revenue for marketing. We'll use 4% as a baseline and then adjust based on your other answers.

12. Have you checked our marketing pack for thrift stores?

No Yes

Our marketing pack helps you allocate your budget precisely, save money, avoid mistakes, and invest only in profitable strategies for the second-hand retail industry and your target audience.

Calculate My Budget