Having success when second hand shopping can be accomplished with several different tips I share. In this economy and even just to be more frugal success when second hand shopping is important. I will be sharing 7 tips and tricks on being more successful when shopping gently used stores.
Tip 1: Go often
The first tip to have success when second hand shopping is to go to the stores often. At thrift stores there is always new stock being put out. People are always donating there “junk” for us to find as
“treasure”. Going frequently means that you have a chance to get to look at the newly donated items. For me, going often is about once every other week. With having to travel a ways and having two toddlers, it is not always the most convenient (or practical) to go more than that. If I am near a thrift store, however, I will make it a point to stop and check it out.
Tip 2: Go to the non-chain thrift stores
The second tip to have success when second hand shopping is to visit the non-chain thrift stores. There are many thrift stores in the bigger towns where I live and around the country. We have the Goodwill’s and the Savers, but we also have the random stores sitting along the road waiting for us to check them out. The chain stores often seem to have set prices that honestly run higher. They are higher traffic places as well, so they get picked over more. With the non-chain thrift stores, the prices can be much more affordable, there is a larger selection of items we may be looking for and they can sometimes have better quality. Don’t get me wrong, I will stop at Goodwill and Savers, but I prefer the “mom and pop” thrift stores.
Tip 3: Check for sales
The third tip to have success when second hand shopping is to check for sales at stores. Many of the non-chain stores will have different tag colors which indicate what is on sale for the week. A particular store I like visiting rotates their tag color sale every two weeks. I know then, if I see something one week, but it is not on sale, there is a chance that in two weeks I can find it for a discount. A few other sale tactics thrift stores use are punch cards to receive a certain amount off after spending so much, sales on certain days for teachers, veterans, retirees, and for holidays and clearance sections. Each store is different and so it takes asking and going often to figure out what sale system the store applies.
Tip 4: Look past the ugly
The fourth tip to have success when second hand shopping is to look past the ugly. There are many pieces that get donated to stores that have so much potential. It can be challenging to look beyond the cobwebs and dust, the raggedy lampshade on a vintage lamp or a very stained basket liner in a gorgeous wicker basket. Let me tell you though that each of those pieces can me used and made beautiful.
Cleaning something off, changing out a lampshade or removing a basket liner can make a piece fresh and brand new again. The one caveat with this is that we want to make sure we will actually recreate the item soon and not just purchase it with good intentions. Take time to look at a piece. If it catches your eye and decide if it is worthy of recreating or if it needs to stay for someone else to take home and love.
Tip 5: Check all sections of clothing
The fifth tip to have success when second hand shopping is to check all sizes and sections. Clothing can get miscategorized or mislabeled. A size small shirt can get tucked in with the the large sizes or a dress could get put in with the night wear. Check around, take your time and you will eventually find gently used clothes that you want to take home. The thrift stores that do not categorize by size can often be tricky as well. Don’t just glance past the rows of clothing, as it can be intimidating. Think about the money that can be saved if you buy second hand clothes. The efforts and time are worth the pay off.
When it comes to having success when second hand shopping for kids clothes, make sure to double check each piece. Children wear out clothes and then the items get donated. Look thoroughly to make sure there are no holes, stains, or rips that could be missed. Buying second hand doesn’t have to mean it looks worn. Nice quality and good brand clothing pieces are worth the hunt for yourself and your family.
Tip 6: Ask for lower prices
The sixth tip to have success when second hand shopping is to ask for a lower price. This tip may seem imtimidating and odd, but it can work at some thrift stores. Many of the chain thrift stores will make sure to hold fast with the sticker price, but the non-chain stores can be a bit more flexible.
For example; I had my eye on a painting, but I felt like it was over priced. I took it to the check out lady and shared how much I enjoyed this piece but it was out of my price range. She lowered the price by a couple dollars and I walked out with a painting that I love in my home. This may not always be the case every time, but all you can do is ask. Be realistic in not asking too low a price, but be confident with what you do ask for.
Tip 7: Look through the piles
The seventh tip to have success when second hand shopping is to look through the bins, piles and carts. Almost all thrift stores have those spots where items are dumped into a bin or stacked high in a pile. Many a good piece has been found by taking the time to search through these areas. Again, this is another area of thrifting in which it may take a little extra time but the rewards can be great. Some of my vintage pieces that I enjoy displaying in my home were from filled bins. Several of my quality clothing pieces were snatched up from unmarked piles. The hunt can be so fun and rewarding when you take the time to look.
Check out my related video here
To see how I’ve used several of my thrift store finds in my home you can look at the following post.
Final thoughts
When wanting to have success when second hand shopping make sure to go often, look through each section, and check for sales. Making sure to enjoy the process is also important too! Give yourself time to grow into finding used treasures and once you do, it will be a fun adventure every time.
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