Do you want to find bargains at bargain prices? Here's how to do it!
Steps
Step 1. Find thrift stores in your area
Generally, they are concentrated more in large cities, but there is the possibility of finding them everywhere.
Step 2. Establish the goal of your purchases
Do you just want to take a look, or do you have something specific in mind? Some sites may help you locate the nearest thrift store to your home.
Step 3. Start searching
Some stores may be more organized than others and, with a little experience, you will be able to distinguish the best ones because you will begin to understand the mechanics of the system. At best, you might find items organized by type, color, and size, or else you'll have to deal with a mess of garbled clothes and household items with no criteria whatsoever. Start visiting the more organized shops until you have gained enough experience to distinguish the most affordable items.
Step 4. Choose any garment that catches your eye and try it on in the dressing room
If you don't feel like wearing a used garment without washing it first, only buy what might look good on you. At home you can wash it and, if you don't like it, you can always resell it. Remember that the clothes, once worn, could positively surprise you because they have a very different effect on the hanger! Try putting different pieces together to experience something new!
Step 5. Don't forget that a thrift shop doesn't just sell clothes
Generally, they are stocked with household items, but also with plates, vases, pans, and even furniture. It is the perfect solution to furnish an apartment without spending a lot. Don't forget to take advantage of the cheapest offers: for example, a nice blanket could become a perfect sofa cover! In some situations, it is better to buy furniture from a thrift store than to rent it or move out. You may even find some items to beautify your room, such as a poster, some pictures or some pretty junk.
Even if the items you choose don't match each other, that's not always a bad thing. You could create a quirky style, or you can try tweaking them with some paint or new trim
Step 6. If you enjoy reading, don't forget to check out the books section
You may find some interesting but inexpensive volumes. Just remember to check the condition of the book, as there may be pages missing.
Step 7. Take a look at the accessories
You will find belts, handbags, travel bags, shoes, hats and even jewelry (or costume jewelery) at bargain prices.
Step 8. Keep your eyes peeled for a real chance
Some thrift stores put their sales or run sales to get rid of unsold items. Also, keep an eye out for special discounts!
Step 9. Before purchasing an item, make sure it is in good condition
Is it stained? Does it look broken at some point? Are there any holes or tears that cannot be fixed?
- Some items, such as can openers, are rarely donated unless defective.
- Instead the clothes are sold simply because they are no longer in fashion or the owner no longer wears the same size. In any case, you should always check the conditions of the chosen item.
- Remember that in thrift stores you can buy clothes at bargain prices, modifying them at a reduced cost. Also, you can often find good quality garments that are worth much more than what you would spend on modifications.
Step 10. Avoid buying used linen, as it would be unhygienic
Step 11. In thrift stores you can find lots of vintage cds or records
Most of it will be rubbish, but you might get lucky and find a little gem of the music scene. Obviously, make sure the cds are not scratched.
Step 12. Check back often to see new arrivals
The best items don't go unsold for long, so check back often for the best deals!
Step 13. Ask the clerks what day of the week they add the new items to the shelves
Some stores perform these tasks on set dates.
Step 14. "Anyone can shop, but it takes creativity, wit and, above all, a great deal of courage to find exactly what you want without breaking the bank" - Nicole Poole, founder of the Thrift Store Shopping site
Advice
- Seamstresses generally don't ask much to modify a dress. Especially for men it can be very convenient to buy a branded suit, have it fixed and washed for a hundred euros, and then have a garment that could be worth almost 1,000 euros.
- Create your own style, regardless of the fashion of the year. Thrift stores are perfect for this purpose, as you are sure to find old-fashioned clothes there.
- Look for the right items to create the carnival costume you've been dreaming of for years! You just have to be lucky to find some little treasures, like an old trench coat, or a 50s full skirt.
- Let yourself go and be creative! Imagine how you could modify an article to fit your needs.
- Some thrift stores don't provide shopping baskets, so remember to bring a large enough bag with you. Clothes can be very heavy!
- Someone will surely compliment your purchase. If they ask you where you shopped, you can tell them you know a great shop downtown.
- An effective way to check the size of your pants or skirts without wearing them is to fasten all the buttons by resting the garment on the waist to check if it fits your hips. If so, there's a good chance it's the right size. It is always best to try on a garment before purchasing it, but this technique will allow you to quickly unwrap any that are too loose or too tight.
- Ignore the sizes on the tags, as most items will already have shrunk or expanded from previous washes. So, also try on clothes that are not your size.
- If you know how to sew, you can also consider garments with a small hole to close or a few buttons to reattach. Either way, consider if it's worth it, as you'll need the time and energy to do it. If you're good enough, you could completely modify an outfit to make it more personal.
- Thrift stores are full of diverse, inexpensive items, so they're great for sourcing items you might need for other projects, like making a quilt. If you love to create new things in your spare time, there is no limit to the possibilities!
- You should know the prices of new items to compare with the thrift store prices. Sometimes the prices may be too high and it would make no sense to pay full price for the used car.
- These shops are an inexhaustible source of toys and clothes for children, which grow very fast without taking full advantage of them.
- These general rules also apply to neighborhood sales or clearance sales. Prices may be higher than in thrift stores, but the quality of the items may also be better.
- Go beyond appearances and imagine what each item looks like after cleaning, polishing and fixing it.
- Be prepared for long searches! Thrift stores are often disorganized and the merchandise is neither cataloged nor selected. However, if you have a little nose, you may find some great treasures!
- Have fun!
Warnings
- At first, visit one shop a day. This type of shopping can be a bit stressful.
- If someone was struck by an article and wanted to know where to find it, answer that it was a unique piece!
- Do not postpone the purchase. Someone else could steal your deal!
- Don't buy something just because it's cheap. This way you risk accumulating unnecessary junk. Don't just try to get a deal, but ask yourself if you really need it.
- Washing and disinfecting clothes purchased in thrift stores must be a habit! You cannot know who they belonged to or where they were stored. Follow the washing instructions specified on the label, as some garments may need special treatments. If you have purchased jewelry, sterilize it with alcohol.
