In this episode of The Secondhand Market Report, we talk about catch and release — the practice of recognizing value without feeling obligated to bring everything home.

Using a recent thrift store find as a starting point, I share why even good buys aren’t always the right buys, how capacity and inventory models shape our decisions, and why leaving something behind can be just as intentional as purchasing it. We also look at how brand recognition, demand, and resale velocity play into these choices, and why the best buyer for an item isn’t always you.

This episode is for resellers, estate professionals, and secondhand shoppers who are learning how to balance opportunity, experience, and sustainability in their work.