Sometimes we don’t have money for new items. That’s when we turn to thrift shopping. Thrift shopping can be thrilling because you never know what treasure you might find in that heap for a steal. But this treasure hunt can also be overwhelming and draining with no rewards. How can you raise your thrifting success rate? It’s easy to get lost in the sea of goods at the thrift shop. The key to success is understanding what to look for and how to find it. With the right tips, you can be on your way to becoming a pro thrifter who ends up with the best finds at meager prices. Let’s know the top 8 tips for beginners on thrifting.
Tip 1: Sell What You Have Before You Buy What You Don’t
Before you go thrift shopping, you can sell off the articles you don’t need. Selling them will save you extra cash and clear up some space for the new pieces you’ll be getting. You can sell them at the consignment stores you shop at or sell them online.
Tip 2: Have A List
Thrift stores have tons of goods. Getting distracted by the things you already own or don’t need while forgetting what you are there for is not the best. Have a checklist of the pieces you want to buy. You can have some pictures on your phone or a written list. This doesn’t mean you can’t grab hold of some surprises that pop out.
Tip 3: Know The Thrift Stores
It’s easier to thrift shop when you know what each store sells. Thrift stores could specialize in furniture, toys, jewelry, or clothing. When you know what they sell the best, you know where to drop by when looking for specific items.
Tip 4: Know How To Spot Quality
You can find vintage, designer, and other quality pieces at thrift shops. And they are sold for a merger price. You need to learn the unique features that tell them apart. Examine the weight, texture, and material of those items. Even if you don’t end up with vintage or designer goods, at least they won’t be falling apart soon.
Tip 5: Check Often
You need to be relentless sometimes to find what you want. When stores don’t have what you are looking for, drop by often to see if they have it as new stock. It’ll help if you know when they restock. If you wait too long after they restock, you may not find what you want, and all the quality items might be gone.
Tip 6: Thoroughly Examine Items From The Thrift Store
When you find something you want to buy, you can’t guarantee its condition yet. It’s not unusual to find thrift goods with faults here and there. Inspect the item for faults. See if it’s something minor that you can brush off or fix. Also, keep your eyes open for problems that are tough to spot, like pest infestations and weird smells, especially when shopping for kids.
Tip 7: Shop At Verified Sources Online
If you like to do your thrift shopping online, you should know the dangers that come with it. It’s hard to verify the quality and condition of online items. You can avoid scams and bad deals when you buy from credible online platforms. Sites like ThredUp and Poshmark always verify the items they put on sale.
Tip 8: Don’t Be Scared To Refurbish
Thrift store goods aren’t always the way you want them. Sometimes the items just need a minor fixing and repainting, and then, voila! You have a stunning piece in your hands. That minor work is nothing as long as it’s of good quality.
What Should You Avoid At Thrift Stores?
As much as thrift stores are fantastic, there are some things you shouldn’t buy from thrift stores. You are better off buying them brand-new. Some include baby cribs, car seats, phones, stuffed toys, helmets, laptops, and pet furniture.
Where To Buy Thrift Online?
If you are a beginner at thrift shopping online and don’t know where to start, there are a few online thrift stores you can visit. Some of them are Depop, Poshmark, eBay, Swap, Beyond Retro, Vestiaire Collective, and RealReal.
Conclusion
Thrift shopping can be so much fun, especially when you keep finding quality items. But you need a little guidance and tips when you are a beginner. You can follow the suggestions already listed and watch your thrift shopping expertise soar. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can goods gotten from thrift stores be returned?
Many thrift stores don’t allow returns, but a few of them do. You can confirm if they do before making your purchases.
- Do thrift stores only sell clothes?
No, they don’t. You can find thrift stores that sell furniture, bikes, books, toys, exercise equipment, and more.
- Is thrifting good?
Yes. Thrift shopping is a great way to save. It also contributes to the environment when we recycle items and not dispose of them.
