Shopping at thrift stores is exhilarating when you find the right items. There are some days I go thrift store shopping and leave feeling like I won the lottery and other days aren’t as productive. There are a few different types of thrift store shoppers. There are people who have a goal in mind (a Halloween costume, a set of weights, a series of children’s books, a lid for their old dishes) and there are others who shop thrift stores to find treasures (or products they can turn in to treasures). Shopping at thrift stores is a fabulous way to save money. There are few things that we need new (underwear, shoes, mattress) and many more things we can buy used.
To make the most out of your rummage shopping here is a list of tricks
Thrift Store Shopping Tricks
Shop often! Thrift stores thrive on donations and the inventory is constantly changing. Ask the employees when they bring new merchandise to the front. You will have the best selection if you are able to shop when the newly arrived merchandise is available.
Check for mark downs and discount days. Several stores, including Goodwill, have weekly specials that are worth paying attention to. In some stores they may have all their furniture marked 20% off one day of the week, or they may have all blue tagged items at a discount. It is important to ask your store if they run specials and to look for signs near the entrance and cash register.
Try before you buy. This applies to clothing and electronics. You don’t want to buy something that doesn’t fit or work that is just going to be donated back to the store.
If you find an item you love – BUY IT IMMEDIATELY. There is nothing worse than losing an item that you really wanted because you didn’t grab it fast enough.
Set a limit. When you set a limit you will be forced to buy what you really need. Taking cash instead of our debit or credit card will help you stick to your budget as well.
Negotiate. You are shopping at a thrift store. Most things are negotiable if you just ask. The store doesn’t want large items like furniture sitting in the store for long and may be willing to drop the price a bit to get it out of the store.
If you want to get started but don’t know where to start check out The Thrift Shopper for a list of thrift stores in your area. If you have an iPhone check out the ThriftBuddy app. These tools will hopefully bring new thrift store finds into your life.
Celebrating National Thrift Shop Day a little early this year I shopped yesterday and found two great finds for my girls rooms. Little Sister loves bling and sparkles. The peacock frame was $3 and will work perfectly in her seafoam blue room. Big Sister wants a new lamp because hers is blah. We will paint this lamp shade (which was also $3) and add some glitter and will have a rocking lamp shade that we will put on her existing lamp. For $6 yesterday I found some awesome, awesome deals!
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Leandrea is a married mom of two girls, ages 13 and 12, living in Atlanta, GA. She is passionate about helping people save money one coupon at a time. Read more
I love Thrift shopping. I retired and moved from Wisconsin to a much warmer climate and had to sell a lot of stuff. I also wanted to change décor from my old place. I am having so much fun replenishing my lost stuff and finding new stuff for the new décor. I have just one rule: If there is no existing place for it, I have to get rid of something in order to justify bringing it home. I’m also into arts and crafts and find tons of stuff to work at thrift stores and yard/garage sales. Go fellow thrifter’s….and enjoy the hunt!
Goodwill around here is pricy. You really have to examine the clothes because they will sell an obviously stained tshirt for $4. We have gotten good deals on suitcoats, especially when you have an unexpected funeral and have changed size since the last time you wore a sport coat. My son visits two thrift stores for cargo pants and Hawaiian and flannel shirts. He doesn’t want to waste his money. I have way too many jigsaw puzzles, because they’re only a buck or two. At least most of them have all their pieces. I also pick up extra dishes for my set, which was obviously popular. You never know when someone will drop four bowls accidentally. Go Thrift Stores!!!
I love this little thrifty shop near us and the best tip is to check for the best markdown days and go then. My daughters both act and when I need costumes I check the mark down days and go scour the store for costumes. Last month I got a little boy’s tuxedo jacket and shoes there for a secret agent costume for my daughter at camp. It was so affordable. And of course she loved the books too!
Great tips! Negotiation is a favourite of mine!
Thrift Store Shopping is so much fun – and now even more fun with the song that’s out! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I love Goodwill, I always find great deals!