Being an adept thrift shopper is not easy, but it is possible! You can get overwhelmed after walking into a thrift store because there are so many clothes, furniture, and other miscellaneous items that you aren’t quite sure where to begin.
For you to have a successful thrift store trip every time, use these tips instead of digging until you find the good stuff!
Aim To Achieve A Goal
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Nothing is more intimidating than seeing all the piles and mountains of things in a store. What’s even scarier is thrift shopping without a plan. If you’re seeking vintage and pre-worn jeans, then you should head straight to the denim section.
“Shopping at the thrift store without clear objectives is like going to the grocery store starving. It is possible, but not ideal.”
Sometimes, you can find items sorted by size, making shopping a breeze. Furniture shopping can be challenging; you may have to visit several shops to find the perfect piece! I see nothing wrong with thrifting, and it will also keep you from overspending.
Price Negotiation
If you’re purchasing new furniture rather than clothes, you might have a better chance of negotiating. The more you get to know the staff and workers of the thrift store, the better you will be able to judge how the store will operate and how to negotiate.
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You can choose this route, but be kind and respectful if you feel the item is pricey due to its quality. Just smile and walk away if the workers or staff are unwilling to change the price! In the end, it is your money, and you choose what to do with it. To get the best deals at thrift stores, wait until the sale days. There might be sales on certain holidays or days, like a 50% discount. Wait patiently!
Be On The Lookout
Look at your purchase carefully before proceeding to the checkout counter. Always make sure any clothing item you purchase is in good condition, just as if it were brand new. Do not purchase if the price is too high. You could return it or grab another one! Indeed, some donations to thrift stores aren’t in the best condition, but ultimately you’ve got to decide if the quality of the items and the condition of your purchases are good enough for you!
“Take a stroll through the store looking for pieces that pique your interest based on your personal aesthetic and color preference.”
Give Them A Try
Although this rule and tip pertain to clothing shopping, it also applies to furniture shopping. Due to the wide variety of clothing brands available, there will be a variety of sizes. Once you try them, you will know right away if you love them and if you’re making the right choice! Before going shopping for furniture, measure the area you intend to furnish. When thrift shopping, measure all new items with the same tape measure. This way, you won’t have to overwhelm the room and buy a piece that’s too small.
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Don’t Rush The Process
It might be a hit or miss the first time you thrift shop if you’re looking for trendy jeans or a vintage clutch. Or finding rustic wicker chairs or vinyl records from the 70s! Thrift stores are your best bet! While thrift shopping requires practice and time, you will inevitably find things you didn’t realize you wanted!
“Unique pieces may catch your eye, but if they don’t suit your taste, they won’t appeal to you.”
You can always return later to consider something you might be unsure about. It might take you a few visits back to the thrift shop to find what you’re looking for. When it comes to second-hand buying, there’s no rush. Ultimately, you will discover what you want if you are patient.
Make A Donation
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Second-hand shopping is a friendly activity for the environment, reducing waste and overspending! If you thrift, you won’t have to spend as much money on new clothes or furniture, thus saving money. It is terrific that you want to buy more stuff, but first, you must balance your purchases.
“Every shopping aficionado needs a buddy who can tell them if they should buy or pass on an item.”
Donating some items to the same thrift store where you are thrift shopping is an effective way to recycle. Some furniture or clothing might have ceased to be loved by you, but someone else might enjoy it. As a bonus, volunteering at the thrift store lets you get to know the staff and build relationships.
Next time you go thrifting, what tips will you bring with you? Have you ever found a great bargain at a thrift store? We’d love to hear about it!
