Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Whether you’re on a tight budget or enjoy saving a few extra bucks, thrift shopping can be a great way to find quality items without breaking the bank.
As someone who has been thrift shopping for years, I’ve developed my own strategies for finding the best deals and snagging amazing finds.
I’m excited to share my top 10 thrift shopping tips in this post. From knowing where to look to find hidden treasures to getting less on your next thrift-shopping adventure, I hope these tips will help you get more for less.
Shop frequently & Try Online Shopping
Thrift stores are always getting new items in, so it pays to visit regularly to see what’s available. Plus, you never know when you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem.
I can’t emphasize this enough, you have to go at least once a week.
If you cannot get to a physical store, there are thrift stores online.
When shopping online, create online accounts for better deals. This will allow you to make purchases and open up features like wish lists or saved searches that can help streamline your thrifting experience.
Plus, when you sign up, Thredup will send you a welcome discount code to your email.
When shopping on ThredUP, remember it’s an online consignment store where you can find high-quality secondhand clothes from your favorite brands at up to 90% off.
To get the most out of your ThredUP shopping experience, be prepared to spend a little extra time browsing.
Related: Check out my Thredup Shopping Haul
Use keywords and search filters to narrow down the vast selection of items. And if you’re looking to declutter your closet, ThredUP offers a Clean Out service where you can send in your used clothes and get paid for their resale value.
Goodwill also has a website where customers can shop online. It’s like the traditional Goodwill experience, but online.
You know, that thrill of finding a designer piece for a steal? That’s GoodwillFinds, but with an added bonus – every time you shop there, you provide jobs and training in your community, give goods a second life, and make sustainable choices for the planet. Plus, you get to do all this without even leaving your couch!
Then there’s Jubilee Thrift. They’ve got some of the best online thrift store prices around. And the variety! Everything from Nike to Tommy Hilfiger to Madewell. It’s like having your favorite brands at your fingertips.
And don’t forget Thrift World. They’re all about promoting recycling and reuse of used clothing, accessories, and other household goods. It’s like going on a treasure hunt, but instead of a map, you’ve got a search bar
Most online thrift stores feature clothing items, so if you are looking for home goods, furniture, and unique finds, nothing beats heading to your local thrift stores often.
Alright, let’s get into the rest of the tips.
Look beyond the clothes
While thrift stores are known for their clothing selections, don’t forget to check out other areas like home goods, books, and electronics. You might just find something amazing you never knew you needed.
Look beyond the chaos of unorganized shelves and get ready to dig in. When you do find an amazing item, it will be worth the time.
Know your size
As someone who has mistakenly bought clothes that don’t fit, I highly recommend taking your measurements before heading to the thrift store.
Better yet, find a thrift store that has a changing room. I hated during the pandemic when the changing rooms were closed.
Trying on clothes at thrift stores is so much fun, especially since most stores do not let you return items.
This will help you avoid wasting time and money on items that won’t work for you.
Be Open to Trying New Things
It’s easy to get stuck in your comfort zone regarding style, but thrift stores are the perfect place to experiment.
Don’t be afraid to try patterns or colors you don’t usually wear. You might be surprised at what looks great on you. This makes for a fun girls’ day. Get someone else to help you pick out clothing outfits.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
Unlike traditional retail stores, thrift stores often have more flexibility regarding pricing. If you find an item you love but feel priced too high, don’t hesitate to ask if they can lower it.
Some franchise thrift stores won’t budge, but ask away if you are at consignment shops or locally owned stores.
Inspect items carefully
While thrift stores are generally pretty good about only accepting items in good condition, inspecting them carefully before buying is still important.
Check for stains, tears, and other signs of wear that might affect the item’s usefulness.
Donate items you no longer need
Not only does donating to thrift stores help support their mission, but it also helps keep items out of landfills. Plus, you might even get a tax deduction for your donation.
Take Your Time
Thrift shopping can take a while, so be prepared to spend some time browsing. It’s not like a regular store where everything is neatly displayed. Don’t rush through the racks; take your time and enjoy the hunt.
Don’t be Discouraged by the Size
Thrift stores often have a wider range of sizes than regular stores, but it can be harder to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately find something in your size. Take your time and try items on, even if they’re not the size you normally wear.
Consider alterations
If you find an item that’s almost perfect but doesn’t quite fit, consider whether it’s something that could be altered to make it work for you.
Sometimes a small adjustment can make all the difference.
Related: Have You Ever Shopped at a Goodwill Clearance Center?
Know when to walk away
As much as we all want to find amazing deals, it’s important to know when to walk away from an item that isn’t quite right.
If you find yourself trying to convince yourself to buy something, it’s probably not worth it.
Keep an Eye Out for Sales
Just like any other store, thrift stores sometimes have sales. Ask the staff or check their website for any upcoming promotions.
Some thrift stores even have specific days of the week where certain colored tags are half-priced or sell-off inventory before they rotate their stock. This is common in some Goodwill stores.
Check the Men’s and Kid’s Sections
Thrift stores often have a separate section for men’s and kids’ clothing, and they’re often overlooked by shoppers. This is a great place to find oversized sweaters, jackets, or pajamas.
Don’t be afraid to cross to a different section if it could help you find what you need.
Have fun!
Thrift shopping can be a fun and exciting adventure, so don’t forget to enjoy the process. You might just discover your new favorite outfit or home decor piece.