A Basic Guide to Thrift Store Shopping

Part of my game plan for living frugally, that I have put into practice over the last forty years includes the tips presented in this guide to thrift store shopping. Thrift store shopping might seem like regular shopping, but there really is a big difference! How is shopping at a thrift store unlike making purchases in regular stores? Well, because most of the merchandise is used and each item is unique, you need different strategies to make thrift store shopping more effective. 

The merchandise in thrift stores has been donated usually and is generally not new. It is therefore important to inspect the merchandise to see that it is complete and functional without imperceptible imperfections. For clothing you want to make sure there are no holes, stains, ripped seams, malfunctioning zippers or botched alterations. Do the snap buttons all work? While it is fine to buy something defective, make sure you are able and willing to do what it takes to fix it.

I once found a beautiful virgin wool coat made in Germany for under $10. The hem had been completely taken out as if someone meant to change the hemline, but abandoned the project. I bought the coat, re-hemmed it and repaired the top stitching. I now owned a quality $400 coat for just under $20, after I paid for the dry cleaning.

It is important then, to check the clothes before you buy them. Pay special attention to the collar, cuffs, underarms and front of the garment where people tend to spill things. For slacks, check the zipper area, back seam and the hemmed areas. If clothing is synthetic, you want to check it carefully for burn holes.

To land a good bargain, be prepared to buy items out of season, e.g. skates in spring and summer clothing or lawn chairs in winter. They are at the second hand shop because people are cleaning out items they do not want to put in storage and the thrift shop will likely want to clear them out as well because they are not in season. It is possible to get items at a deep discount this way.

While shopping, when you see something you like, put it in your basket or cart. If you decide ultimately not to buy it, you can put it back before you go to the till. Keep in mind that merchandise in thrift stores is not restocked like in regular stores and when you visit again, the item you passed up will likely not be there anymore.

Some thrift stores put merchandise out daily though out the day. Others have a set time when most of the merchandise is brought out. They will often have a day where the store is closed and volunteers stock the shelves. When the shop reopens is the best time to shop to get first dibs at the items. Other opportune times are when the weather is exceptionally poor, keeping folks home or when it is hot and they are opting for the pool or the beach.

Trying to pop in for a quick look when others are preoccupied will give you an advantage.

Due to the nature of thrift stores you will not likely find bargains or things you need each time you visit. The trick is to get in the habit of making a quick scout of the store on a regular basis and you will find amazing stuff. For years I had one hour while two of my children were in music lessons. This one hour every week netted me so much on a regular basis, that the savings helped pay for the lessons. Here is a smattering of what I found: children's clothing and outerwear, yarn and embroidery thread, patterns, kitchen items, a vacuum cleaner and lamps, encyclopedias, books and magazines, gold and silver jewelry, shoes and boots.

Shopping second hand can save you a lot of cash in the long run. Applying these tips can save you even more. I hope this guide to thrift store shopping has helped you progress in the living frugal lifestyle. Have fun shopping!