12. Make time
Don’t go to the thrift store when you’re in a rush or don’t have at least an hour or more to shop, inspect your items, and get through the check out line.
If you rush the process you’re probably going to miss out on a great item or take something home that isn’t in great condition.
So, make sure you have a good amount of time.
11. Check, then check again
Do your due diligence to ensure you inspect each item in your cart prior to checkout. Flip it inside out, check all pockets, look for small rips and stains everywhere before you leave.
While you may walk away with something stained that you can live with, it’s better to know prior to getting the item home.
One good tip is to hold your items up to a light source to detect holes easier.
10. Look in different sections of the store
Don’t just search in your favorite section of the store. Things are usually strewn EVERYWHERE at most thrift stores especially by the end of the day.
So take a quick trip around various parts of the store to see if someone may have left a couple of items in the wrong place.
You may be shocked by what you find.
9. Look in the fitting rooms and on the go back racks
Checking odd places in the store like the fitting rooms and go back racks may turn up that hidden gem that you are seeking.
Many times items on the go back rack or in the fitting rooms didn’t fit properly, but they are great buys. If you are a reseller looking in these places can be a gold mine.
8. Shop off season
Shopping off season can give you some great deals on beautiful items. Search for things like coats in the summer or summer party decor in the winter.
Most people are passing these things up, but the stores still have to get rid of them so they are usually heavily discounted.
Also, make sure to hit the stores in January as most people are clearing out old things to make room for the new items they received during the holidays.
7. Shop on a weekday
To get the best items at the greatest deals most times you will need to shop during the week.
This is usually when other avid shoppers are at work which means you can get the best deals! Although some stores have big sales during the weekend so keep that in mind as well when shopping.
6. Get to the store early
That’s right, even in this instance the early bird gets the worm.
As one that is not a morning person at all, it can be difficult to make it to the store at 6 or 7am but often times well worth it.
Getting to the thrift store early if you want the best deals is a must. You want to make sure to get there before the crowds do
5. If you see something grab it
If you see something you like, don’t hesitate to put it in your cart as you walk around the store. A lot of times you wind up leaving these items in a spot to come back to later, only to find them nestled into someone else’s cart.
So, even if you think you might want to buy something, put it in your cart and marinate on it while shopping.
4. Know your stores restock dates
Ask an associate when they restock so you can be there on those days. This not only ensures that you will get the newest items first, but that you have the best pick. Although the prices will probably be at their peak during this time.
3. Be picky with your purchases
Even though you really love that item, first make sure it doesn’t have flaws, that you can’t fix, and that you have a plan for it.
If it’s something that you think you will truly regret not getting, then purchase.
2. SHOP OFTEN
If you have the privilege of going to the thrift store often then definitely do so. It gives you a chance of getting the best quality items available in the store.
1. If you love it, get it
There’s a saying that goes “nothing haunts us like the things we didn’t buy”.
I’m sure we’ve all experienced this, that item that called to us in the store and we rationalized the thought of purchasing it away, only to wind up regretting it later. If you see something you really love and think you’ll regret not getting it later then purchase it.
If it turns out you don’t love it, you always have the option of reselling or re-donating. This is ultimately how you build a wardrobe or thrifted home that you love. Check out my article about tips on building a wardrobe you love here.
What other tips would you add?
I CREATED A SHOPPING GUIDE TO TAKE WITH YOU TO THE STORE SO YOU’LL HAVE THESE TIPS AVAILABLE TO YOU. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE FREE PDF OR PHOTO BY JOINING MY NEWSLETTER BELOW AND I’LL SEND IT YOUR WAY!
DOWNLOAD HERE
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