Our story
Built from a garden shed. Growing into something bigger.
Thrift Butik began in 2023 with one pallet of customer returns and a simple idea: useful products deserve another chance, and good bargains should be easier to find.
Where it began
One pallet, one shed and a practical idea
Our first pallet was bought on eBay in 2023. We sorted the customer-return stock in a garden shed and sold it at local car-boot sales. When we found more specialist items, we photographed them, listed them on eBay and discovered that buyers were looking for exactly the kind of varied stock we had.
There was no grand launch—just hands-on work, curiosity and a willingness to learn what people valued. Each sale taught us a little more about sourcing, presentation and the importance of describing every item honestly.
The turning point
The pallet that changed our direction
One of two blind pallets we bought was filled largely with golf-club covers. Local golf clubs did not want them, so we listed them online. That £200 pallet generated more than £6,000 in sales over roughly six months—and showed us that the right product, presented to the right audience, could travel far beyond a local sale.
How we got here
A business built one practical step at a time
We have grown by testing ideas, listening to customers and keeping the parts that genuinely work.
- 2023
The first pallet
Customer returns were sorted in a garden shed and sold at local car-boot sales, with specialist items finding buyers through eBay.
- 2024
One shed became four
The range and customer base grew, turning an experiment into an established side business with a strong online selling rhythm.
- 2025
From side project to limited company
Thrift Butik became a full-time business and moved into its first 1,000 sq ft unit, adding the space and equipment needed to handle stock properly.
- 2026
A larger unit, live selling and our own platform
We moved into a larger unit, developed our eBay Live shows and launched the Thrift Butik online auction platform.
Thrift Butik today
More ways to uncover a bargain
Different stock works best in different places, so we connect each item with the audience most likely to value it.
Thrift Butik Auctions
Our own online auction platform, with live bidding, actual-item photographs and lots starting from £1.
Browse auctions →eBay & eBay Live
Established marketplace selling alongside lively, interactive shows where customers can chat, bid and buy.
See our live shows →Retail & wholesale
Fixed-price finds and larger joblots for shoppers, resellers and businesses looking for useful stock at fair prices.
Explore wholesale →Where we are going
Building a better home for bargain hunters and resellers
Our ambition is to make Thrift Butik a trusted UK destination for people who enjoy finding value—whether they are buying for themselves or looking for stock to resell.
- Develop our auction platform towards capacity for 2,000+ daily listings as demand grows.
- Bring in a broader range of products, including electronics, appliances, tools and small furniture.
- Make browsing, bidding, delivery and collection simpler at every stage.
- Keep more useful products in circulation and give customers clear, honest information about every lot.
People who have been part of our story
Friends & Partners
We wouldn’t be where we are without the people who made room for us, shared our story and helped others discover us. We’d love to introduce a few of them.
Shared our storyNic & Andrea Hills
Nic and Andrea shared our journey in a video, from our garden-shed beginnings to where we are now. It meant a lot to us that they took the time to tell our story.
Early supportRacecraft Co
When we were starting out and running short of space, the Racecraft team kindly stored some of our stock. They later bought stock from us to resell on eBay. We’ll always remember the help they gave us when we needed it.
Advertising partnerTechenova
We worked with Techenova on a paid advertising campaign to introduce our business to more people. We’re grateful they helped us get our name out there.
Our content creatorBec · Your Hype Girl
Bec is our Hype Girl and content creator. She brings energy, ideas and heart to what we share, and we love having her in our corner.
Our local parcel teamThorne Post Office
We drop off large volumes of parcels at Thorne Post Office in Doncaster. The team there always makes room for us and is easy to work with. We’re grateful for the help they give us in getting our customers’ orders on their way.
