Before You Shop

• Have something in mind that you want to buy. Even though you’re in a thrift store, going in without a plan can lead to overspending.

• Know the price of similar items elsewhere. Just because it’s sold at a thrift store, and just because it’s used, doesn’t mean you can’t find it cheaper in a retail store.

• Determine the return policy of the store. Many things sold “as is” are not returnable under any conditions. Other stores my have a more relaxed policy, allowing a week or even a month for returns.

• Go to the library for information on knickknacks and antiques. Ask the librarian for help finding books on what you’re interested in collecting so you’ll know how to spot a treasure. Home decorating magazines can give you ideas about what items would look best in your home.

• Make room for your purchases. Gather any items that you want to donate or sell to the store while you’re there.

At the Store

• Check the seams in clothing, especially in the crotch, armpit, collar, and pocket areas, for holes and stains.

• Check buttons and zippers to make sure they are attached securely and functioning well.

• Make sure appliances work by plugging them into the wall or asking sales staff for batteries.

• If there’s something you want that you don’t see, ask to be put on a waiting list. Some stores will call you when items or brands of interest to you become available. Others require that you come often to check the inventory yourself.

• If it’s a small store, become friendly with the staff. They’re more likely to place things on hold for you in the future if they remember you. Some thrift store managers are open to haggling, so feel free to ask for a lower price if you think it’s appropriate.

• Note advertisements for store sales and mark them on your calendar.

 

At Home

• Launder the clothes and disinfect other items. Most thrift stores wash clothes before putting them on the sales floor, but you never know. It doesn’t hurt to be careful.

• Put your feet up and admire your purchases and your receipt. You just saved a ton of money!

Two More Things to Keep in Mind

Larger thrift stores operate like any other store in that seasonal items cost more and are more likely to be on the sales floor during the corresponding season. For example, swimming suits will still be more expensive in the summer and wrapping paper will still be more expensive during December. If you can learn to watch out for seasonal items a season or more ahead, you’ll save even more money.

Price isn’t everything. If you skimp and buy a poor quality item at a thrift store and it breaks two weeks later, you really haven’t saved any money. Also, when buying items for children, inform yourself about current safety standards so you can tell when something isn’t as safe as possible. In those situations, you’re better off waiting or buying retail.

Sell, Donate or
Throw Away?

Sell
If you have a lot of high quality items that look as good as new, you can consider selling them to a resale or consignment store.

You’ll need to call the store for their specific policies and procedures. A few things to ask when you’re looking for a place to sell your things is:

1. Do they accept the brands you have,
2. How quickly you’ll receive payment,
3. Can you earn more with in-store credit,
4. Do you need to make an appointment to show your wares.

If you’re in an area with more than one resale store, check all the stores to make sure you’re getting the most for your items. Children’s clothing stores are always in need of larger items such as expensive brand strollers and cribs, and exersaucers for baby.

Donate
If it’s not of resale quality, but still useable, donate it to your favorite thrift store. Again, call ahead to see if your particular store accepts the items you want to donate. It’s common for thrift stores to not accept cleaning supplies, paint, makeup, undergarments, or mattresses. Some stores can set up an appointment to come to your home and pick up large items, but don’t be surprised if they are booked up for a couple of weeks or if they require you to get the item out of your house and onto the curb. If you have a large quantity to donate or if your donation is worth a significant amount of money, be sure to pick up a receipt so you can deduct the value of the items from your taxes. The donation personnel will help you fill out the receipt.

Throw Away
Take a good look at the items you have to get rid of. Are any of the clothes unwearable? Is the sofa your parents gave you when you got married ripped to irreparable shreds? Are the appliances broken? Can you imagine anyone getting use from what you have to donate? Ugly is ok, but unusable is not. Don’t treat the donation center like a dump. You’re not just donating to get rid of your junk, you’re doing it to help the store, so be considerate with your donations.