Tips on Thrifting: How to Thrift
If you are not a practiced thrifter, but have an interest in getting started or just want to know more about how thrifters go about the art of second-hand shopping, I’m going to help you get started! I have experience from years of shopping at second hand stores, and here are a few of the tips I’ve learned over the years.
1. After the New Year: This is s a great time to go, as people turn in gifts they can’t use, take the new year as time to de-clutter, and give to make sure they get their tax deductions for the year.
2. Find at least 2-3 thrift stores in a similar area. Look for sales, as you can often find one with 50% off sale.
3. Set a budget, and allow at least 2 hours to shop. Keep a few things in mind that you want to look for.
4. Look closely at every item you might want to purchase for holes, stains and odd smells. Check carefully for damage.
5. Bring something to donate, as it helps keep the cycle of giving and thrifting going!
6. Go often, and bring a friend. Also, make sure you will use what you purchase. If you think you might return it, you might as well not purchase it. Some places don’t take returns.
7. Keep a list of thrift stores that you’ve gone to, and note the locations where you had good experiences. Find stores located in urban or high-end areas. You can often expect to see more high-end items.
8. Be willing to leave empty handed.
9. Know what things may have originally cost.
10. Have a good dry cleaner and tailor in case you get something worth having cleaned and/or tailored.
11. Thrift during the week. On the weekends, stores get picked over, so during the week you will have fewer people present and more choices.
12. If there is a half-off sale, it is good to go early, when the store opens. Otherwise, it can get crowded, and it makes it harder to shop and the checkout lines can get quite long.
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