Thrift Store Shopping Tips and Strategies

I figure there are many of us on fatwallet who regularly shop thrift stores and enjoy the thrill of finding such great deals. I have worked and volunteered at a local thrift store for over a year now and greatly enjoy it. Here are some observations I have made from my experiences so far.

1. The employees/volunteers get the best stuff! Okay this is only somewhat true but unless your local thrift store has a stated policy of some sort of restriction from employees/volunteers having first dibbs well you get the picture. This should be an incentive for you to volunteer or work at your local thrift store if you too would also like to have first dibbs.

2. Get to know the workers/volunteers at your local thrift store. The friendlier you become with them the more apt they are to share special information with you. For example you could learn that Jan comes in on Thursday to price books, if your a book fanatic then Thursdays or Fridays would be best to come in too look for the newest books.

3. When it comes to clothes check it once, twice, and three times for stains, rips, and tears. Some stores are better than others in weeding out the trash but others just put out whatever. Double check for broken zippers or for things that don't clasp properly. Know your tolerance for clothing imperfections.

4. Always plug it in before leaving the store. Somehow items purchased from a thrift store that need to be plugged in have this way of not working by the time you get home. If you can't plug it in at the very minimal ask a worker too see if maybe they tested it or know if it works.

5. Know thy return policy. Enough said.

6. Similar to plugging it in, always pull it out or open it up. Blankets, towels, and other fabrics are notorious for appearing great when nicely folded on the shelf yet somehow have a stain right in the middle. Yet you won't see those unless you unfold the entire thing and please fold it back if you don't want it.

7. Become familiar with the store's tagging policy such as different colors go on sale different days. Too be honest I usually disregard the tag thing but I know some people look for these items. If you like even further discounted items than this is probably the best way to shop.

8. Always use a coupon if possible. Most places will give some kind of discount if you donate something. This probably saves an extra 15%-25% each time you shop.

The following two hints pertain to Goodwill shopping only.

A. I've noticed I actually score some of the best deals during the evening and especially on the eve of an everything is 1/2 off sale. I suppose it's because the workers are trying to get out as much merchandise out before the next day. I literally go during the last open hour and see lots of great merchandise being put on the floor. In addition there is high likelihood that unless you want to wait at the door an hour before the store opens the next morning the best stuff is going to go quick. However I will go to a 1/2 off sale during the evening and still find great stuff that has been put out in the afternoon/evening so if you like to avoid the rush I suggest this strategy.

B. Speaking of strategy, I've noticed that stuff placed out on 1/2 off sale days tend to be marked up higher. I suppose this is whoever is pricing anticipates someone will buy it that very day and will tend to mark up the item. So basically you get the item at regular price but are thought to be getting a bargain. However if the same item were priced on a non 1/2 off sale day it tends to be marked at a more reasonable price. Plus if you have a 20% coupon you get even more off than if you bought the item at a jacked up price during a 1/2 off sale.

Last and final tip...important too! If you know your local thrift store will be having a 1/2 off sale, trust me customers will hide some of the best stuff the day before throughout the store. The best thing to do is to go again on the eve of one of these great sales and look for these items. Most people who hide stuff will probably return early the next morning thinking their stuff is safe. However you can beat them at their own game by looking in the following places.
-In luggage bags
-In desks,dressers, file cabinets
-In couches
-Wherever you may have to dig such as a fabric bin, tool bin, toy bin
-Underneath the dresses that drape along the floor
-Sometimes in purses or coat pockets
-Sometimes in dresses or coats/hoodies (people layer clothes they want)

Well I hope you all enjoy this and please feel free to add tips as well!

I've purchased brand new items w factory tags still attached from thrift stores.