I’m not the only fan of thrift shopping – in fact, many Accidentally Green readers love thrifting. Yesterday I shared my tips. Today I’m sharing tips from readers:
Aaron advises to check for stains before purchasing.
Andrea shares, “If there is a ritzier part of town or a ritzier town nearby, go to the thrift store there. It will have the nicer stuff. (Fewer people shopping, more people donating, and donating more name-brand and gently-used stuff.)”
Angela says, “Run through quickly and put whatever interests you in your cart. Then go through the cart and check the condition and decide what to keep or put back. Always return stuff back where you found it, not just wherever you are. If you pass up something and then go back around to get it, it is most likely already in someone else’s possession and you kick yourself for not grabbing it first.”
Anne suggests going regularly and picking one section to search.
Brenda suggests to go often because the selection will be hit or miss.
Jacque shares, “I shop all the local thrift stores with some regularity. I don’t usually have something specific I am looking for as I rarely find things that way. I browse and look at almost everything – mostly in the housewares aisles – and if it appeals to me and it is priced well, I snag it. By going often I have developed a pretty good feel for what is a good price. I have found Goodwill to be pretty sophisticated with knowledge of real antiques or valuable or popular collectibles and do not find much of these kinds of items in their stores. I am pretty sure they have a secondary market for those things. So I don’t go there as often. I love the Salvation Army store because it is always clean and fresh items put out daily. Their prices are extremely good and they half a half-off day once a week. There are several ‘junk’ stores around too and some really nice consignment shops where I have found unusual items and great deals. I LOVE thrift shopping! I have way too many collections which I try to rotate for display or use … but this is one of my main hobbies and it brings me a lot of pleasure to hunt for things. And when I get tired of them, I just re-donate.
Jacqueline advises to go with an idea of what you are looking for.
Jennifer encourages that patience is key.
Jessica B. says, “Imagine what a little paint can do.”
Jessica G. advises to shop often. “Know what you need and in what sizes. Know the sales clerks and put it out there that you need something and how to get a hold of you if they find it! Many can be the extra eyes you need for sports equipment and hard-to-find sizes!”
Joann suggests going early.
Kendra shares that “It is easier to go with our children. I find that I need to be willing to walk out if I find nothing that fits our needs at the time. I have taught my kids that it can be hit or miss. Also, know what each thrift store (if you have more than one in the area) is best at selling for the best price. We have two that are good for toys and one that has great prices for clothes.”
Mindi encourages to find out if the store has sale days. “Goodwill, for example, puts a different colored tag half-off every day of the week.”
Shanna says to wash your purchases before use. I wholeheartedly agree!
Shawnda encourages shoppers to have patience, time, and coffee. “I look over things that I like, but before checking out, I do it again. Look at items in good light. Check all buttons, snaps, and zippers. Go on sales days. Sometimes I find only a few things. Other times way too much! Go early. Go to stores located in expensive neighborhoods.”
Shelli advises going without kids.
Shirley shares that going at the beginning of the month is best.
Tracy suggests going to a thrift store frequently if you’re looking for something.
Zedda makes a detailed list before she heads to a thrift store. “And pray before you go that God will put what you need where you will find it.” I love her advice! I can attest to praying for certain purchases before heading to the store – it’s fun to see how God will bless those prayers.
What advice do you have when it comes to thrift shopping?
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Shopping without kids can help keep you focused on saving – not wanting to just get out sooner!