Finding Bargains at Thrift Stores
How to Discover Deals at Consignment and Resale Shops
Shopping at used clothing stores can be a fun and money-saving adventure. But you have to know where to look and how to negotiate the best prices.
The phrase "shop till you drop" doesn’t necessarily mean an all-day outing to the mall, where you can spend hundreds of dollars without batting an eye. Instead, why not shop smart and frugally at consignment and thrift stores? You may come away with some knock-out vintage clothing finds, or simply some basic wardrobe staples that you paid next to nothing for. Either way, resale shops are worth browsing through.
How to Get the Best Deals at Thrift Stores:
- Sweep the entire perimeter of the store before working your way to the middle. That way you won’t miss anything. And don’t get too focused on any one item until you have scoured the entire shop. It’s easy to find what you thought was the perfect outfit only to see something even better on your way out the door!
- Negotiate! At a consignment store, the seller gets paid a commission by the shop owner if the item gets sold. So, if you have your eye on a particular piece but you think you can get a better price somewhere else, let the salesperson know. You’ll quickly find out if store personnel are willing to negotiate. If you’re getting nowhere, don’t be afraid to ask for the manager. If it’s a small store, the owner may be the only person there. He/she might point out which items have firm prices and which are open to an offer.
- Do your homework. Find out what the merchandise goes for new, so you can get a better idea of what that same item should sell for used, and in good condition. You don’t want to buy a T-shirt at a second hand shop when you can buy it new for around the same price.
- Examine the items carefully. In clothing, look for rips and tears, faded patterns, torn seams and stains. In household goods, search for nicks and chips as well as worn and frayed cords on electrical appliances.
- Look for specialty thrift stores. If you’re searching for designer clothes or second hand children’s apparel, check the yellow pages for shops that specialize in those areas. Also, don’t rule out online consignment and resale shops. Just have a clear understanding of shipping charges and return policies before you place an order.
If you want to make some extra money, sell your own clothing at consignment shops. What doesn’t sell is usually donated to charity. And if you find some especially good deals at resale shops you can turn around and sell the items on eBay.
The copyright of the article Finding Bargains at Thrift Stores in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Finding Bargains at Thrift Stores must be granted by the author in writing.
