How to Shop at A Thrift Store
There's something infinitely satisfying about buying an item in a thrift store that you know you wouldn't be able to find in a shop, and even if you did, you'd still derive satisfaction from not having to pay full price for it. There's also the possibility that what you've found might be truly unique and that you're not going to see anyone else with it (although depending on one's point of view, that might not be such a good thing!). But you've got to do it properly if you want to come away from a thrift store with a good buy…
Take Your Time
You need time to shop in a thrift store, especially if it's one of the bigger stores where they hand out shopping carts in which to carry around your finds. Some people can make impulse buys in thrift stores, but most of us need a little time to ensure that what we're buying is what we truly want. When shopping in a thrift store, one can sometimes have the attitude that it's a form of "make-shift" shopping (you're only there because you couldn't get to the shopping mall), and therefore if pushed for time it's easy to think, "No, I'll pick it up new." Remember, there will be some items that you won't be able to pick up new. Take your time and enjoy looking at the curios you can find in a thrift store. It can be great fun trying to work out what an item is for without the accompanying instructions!
Don't Believe Everything You Read
If shopping for clothes, don't just assume that the medium-sized tops will be on the rail with the sign that says "medium." For starters, shoppers don't always return items to the rails from which they took them after having tried them on. Also, when the clothes are sorted on donation it's down to the guesswork of whoever's doing the sorting as to which rail a top bearing no label gets consigned. Look through all sections in all sizes (this is another reason why thrift-store shopping in a hurry isn't a particularly good idea -- see "Take Your Time" above). Also look through the men's items if looking for sweaters and/or t-shirts: some items may have been sorted incorrectly (for example, a man's sweater being placed in the women's section and vice versa), and some garments are unisex. And if you're petite then don't overlook the children's clothing section.
Timing is Everything
The professional thrift store shopper will know that the time of year can play an important part when it comes to grabbing a bargain. Buying out of season means that you can pick up a winter jacket in the summer for a lot less than you would pay for it in, say, November.
If shopping for clothes, you might also want to keep November and December clear in your diary. This is the time of year when corporate retailers tend to make donations to large chain thrift stores (by donating to charity they qualify for year-end tax write-offs), and the shopper can pick up some real bargains.
Location, Location, Location
For the fashion-conscious, the location of a thrift store could be important. Thrift stores located in metropolitan areas are likely to sell items donated by those for whom such things matter, so if you're after trendy designer gear, then you might want to choose a store in an area where there's more chance of finding it.
Cheaper items are usually found at the smaller thrift stores: those owned by hospitals, churches, and other charitable causes. Try these stores if you want to make your budget stretch that bit further.
Travel Light
If you're shopping for clothes and intend trying on lots of items, make it easy on yourself by wearing clothes (and shoes or boots) that you can change out of and back into easily. There's nothing worse than huffing and puffing in a small change cubicle; after a few changes you may not want to try on any further items.
Be Creative
The creative shopper will be able to see a lot more in an item than someone with less imagination: he or she won't see only a pair of curtains, but rather a new skirt or set of cushion covers! While an item might not appeal, it could have interesting buttons or some form of embellishment that you could put to good use on something else.
A piece of furniture is one item that can look great with just a coat of paint. Bookcases, coffee tables, and cabinets can all be picked up at very low prices and given an individual and attractive look with a little creativity.
Thrift stores are treasure troves of delight! Not only can the shopper derive huge satisfaction from finding a unique item at a ridiculously low price, he or she can also rest assured that they're doing their bit for the recycling movement!
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