Tips For Thrifting

Over the years I have learned a few things while thrifting and I have a short list of "to-do's" that you can use on your next thrifting adventure.

Before You Go

1.  Make sure you have cash- I say this because not all thrift shops accept credit/ debit cards or checks.  After you go the first time, you can ask, but I recommend cash on a new trip. Plus it is nice to have cash because it gives you a firm budget.

2. Hand sanitizer-  You may touch something that just feels gross and need a quick hand wash.  I typically wash my hands when I get home or in the car- but for germaphobs, take the hand sanitizer for the first few visits. 

When you get there

3. Know that thrift shop prices may have gone up since you last went, and a lot of the stores now carry brand new clothing- sometimes these can be really good deals (I know in our area, Target donates their items to Goodwill, so expect these prices to be a little higher but nice to check out incase you really wanted something in store and waited too long) 

4. Go with a Budget in Mind - Just because it is inexpensive doesn't mean you have to buy it.  If I think I might want it- I add it to the cart, at the end though I have no trouble eliminating items that im not crazy about.  I go with a budget of $20 typically but rarely meet that.  

5. Half Off- Most thrift shops have colored tags that will have some sort of deal usually posted on a wall but you can ask if you don't see it.  This is what I call a steal.  You find a sweater, lets say J. Crew, retails in store for I would guess around 50 bucks (I haven't shopped for myself at a mall in a very long time so I have no idea). You find it with a tag for $8, but today might be your lucky day- because if that is the half off tag you just found a $50 sweater for $4 dollars.  Pretty awesome if you ask me.  Oh, did I mention that if it is that much it is in very good condition and may have the actual retail tag still attached.  Cha-Ching!

6. CHECK, DOUBLE CHECK- This is key, because I sometimes forget and get home and want to kick myself.  Sweat Stains?- GROSS! Something crusty?- NO THANK YOU!  Is that really dark, out of place spot supposed to be there?- PROBABLY NOT. 

Make sure you check all zippers and buttons- and that there are enough holes for buttons. Check for rips and holes (jeans sometimes have hidden holes in between the legs ).  

7.When Buying Housewares and Clothing - Please, as a note of caution check what you purchase for possible bed bugs.  I have been thirfting for a very long time and I have never had them (knock on wood).  But I know enough to know I never want them.  They can burrow into wood so I have heard (but I'm so scarred of bugs I won't be looking at that wiki page any time soon) so just please take caution.

8. Take a Friend

though i typically buy less when I take a friend, but it is always a good way to spend time and with the money you save you can go shopping and get lunch! Plus, who are you going to show all that really crazy stuff to- like a sweatshirt that has a snowman with claws for a wonderful ugly Christmas sweater. 

9. To avoid Overbuying- not only do I recommend a budget but just ask yourself, "am I buying this because it is something I really really want or need, or am I buying this because it is a good deal?"  If it is the latter, put it back on the rack- why?  Because you will never wear that good deal and you didn't get a deal because you WASTED  money.  Trust me, I used to be very bad about this.  This is a question I wish I would have asked myself many times, Including the time that I bought a shiny 80's sweat suit, because I thought I could use it for a just incase costume-yeah, that is $3 I will never get back. 

and..

When you are buying a cart full of goodies, please be kind and help the cashier, by taking your stuff off the hanger while in line or at least helping them, they appreciate it and everyone behind you in line appreciates it

Happy Savings,

Kales