THRIFT STORE SHOPPING ADVICE

Thrift store shoppers have changed tremendously over the years.  Once it was only the destitute or the very poor that shopped at these places, and bargains were looked at as a form of charity.  Not so today.  Most thrift store shoppers are dying to exclaim “I bought it at Goodwill,” when something they own is complimented.   It is a badge of honor (even in some of the most hip crowds) to find a deal at these stores.  This leads to the buyer giving thrift store shopping advice to all of their friends.


An example of a thrift store would be Goodwill, Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul.  There are many other thrift store names, but these are well known.  These facilities are not-for-profit.  They take donations of unwanted items from people and resell them, using the money earned to work with the handicapped, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and so forth. 




• Thrift Store Shopping Advice #1:  Research prices.  Being a smart shopper at a thrift store takes a little preparation.  If you stay current on fashion trends, designer labels, and pricing, your thrift store experience can be gratifying.  Imagine picking up a designer dress or small appliance for a few dollars.   If you know your brands it’s very easy to do. 

• Thrift Store Shopping Advice #2:  Watch for tag specials at these stores.  One of them has a different color tag on sale every week.  So, when you enter the store look for the signs telling what’s on sale and quickly flip through items with that color tag and nothing more.  If you are a senior or a student, inquire about discount days.  Our local Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift shops have Senior discounts every Tuesday.  It’s a nice perk, as one is able to save not only the price on the colored tag but an additional 15 percent.  At Salvation Army in a town nearby there is a student discount on another day (valid id must be shown). 

• Thrift Store Shopping Advice #3: Consignment shops are for-profit and accept gently used items of clothing and furniture.  The seller is paid when the item actually sells.  One word of caution here – be prepared to show id (i.e. driver’s license or student id) if asked.  And be wary – some thrift shop prices can be as high as a department store.  For instance, our local shop priced $12.99 for a pair of used jeans.  I was able to get the same pair of jeans at Wal-Mart on the clearance rack for $7.99.  This is where the thrift store shopping advice comes in very handy.  An added plus is that consignment stores generally have only items in excellent condition, washed, ironed and dry-cleaned, electronics tested, etc.  And you are able to return items that do not fit or have stains.