Thrift Store Shopping

Whether you’re a student, a single parent, or a busy soccer mom, you know that your money is not going as far as it did a year ago. Everything is more expensive. Prices keep going up, and even “The Mega” discount store is starting to seem a bit pricey. It’s time to start looking at other shopping options. For many people, thrift stores are a great alternative to the overpriced merchandise found in the regular retail stores.

A lot of people don’t, or won’t, shop at thrift stores. Some people feel that they are “above” thrift store shopping, that thrift stores carry nothing but other people’s junk, or that thrift stores are dark, disgusting, and depressing. Just as there are dirty, disorganized retail stores, there are also dismal thrift stores out there, but most stores are moderately clean, quasi-organized stores that weed out the unsalable donated merchandise prior to stocking the shelves and racks. And the shoppers come from all walks of life.

People shop at thrift stores for any number of reasons. Some are, as you’d imagine, poor families trying to stretch their budget enough to cover all their needs; others are hobbyists seeking overlooked antiques and collectibles; still others make a business out of sorting through the clothes, books, and other stuff to find resalable goods; there are college kids looking for retro fashions; and so on. “Thrifting” is fun and inexpensive. It also provides funds for local charities and keeps perfectly usable goods out of landfills and incinerators.

If you’re new to thrifting, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your shopping excursion:

• Know Your Charity. Contrary to popular belief, most thrift stores do not exist to provide cheap goods for the poor — they exist to raise money to support their organization’s missions. Many thrift stores are run by churches or other charitable organizations; their goals are usually pretty self-evident. Major thrift store operations, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, provide vocational training for the disabled, as well as raising funds for housing and food assistance for the needy. Habitat for Humanity raises funds to help defray home construction costs for deserving families. Knowing the store sponsor and their mission will sometimes give you a clue as to what kind of merchandise you’ll find there.

• Know the specials. Some thrift stores will give you a discount on your purchases when you make a donation. Some stores give military and public servant discounts. Your stores might have discounts on a specific day of the week. Always ask about sales or specials.

• Make Friendly with the Staff. If you start visiting a particular thrift store on a regular basis, you may find that being personable with the staff pays off in more than just good karma —employees may be willing to put aside things for you that meet your particular interest or needs, or hold purchases behind the counter until you can get back with the cash.

• Don’t Blow Your Budget. Be practical, and make sure you can actually use everything you are buying. Low prices and the “here today, gone tomorrow” nature of thrift stores often lead to hasty, spontaneous purchases. Don’t waste your money on things that you might need someday; only shop for things you will immediately use.

• Know Your Needs. Keep a running list of the things you need or want, current sizes, household measurements (e.g., window sizes), etc. Thrift stores are great for finding used, but serviceable, household goods, office supplies, sports equipment, books, and electronics (VCR’s, DVD players, CD players, scanners, computer monitors). Furniture is also easy to find, but it may take some looking to find items that are in good condition and attractive. A lot of people also find new or almost new clothing. Depending on what you are looking for, you may not find it the first time you walk in a thrift store, but with a little patience it is possible to find just about anything.

• Haggling. Don’t haggle just for the sake of it — chances are you’re already getting a bargain, and thrift stores generally aren’t under a lot of pressure to move any particular item. However, if something that you are interested in seems clearly overpriced, ask to speak with a manager and make a reasonable offer. Don’t be surprised if the store has a “no haggling” policy (many do), and don’t put floor staff in an awkward position by asking them to discount something.

• It’s Okay to NOT Buy Something. Thrifting isn’t like other shopping, where you go in with a list, buy what you came for, and leave. Thrifting is something of a scavenger hunt; part of the fun is in the looking. Have fun and don’t worry if nothing strikes your fancy enough to take home with you. You don’t have to buy something just because it’s cheap.

Thrifting is probably not the most efficient way to shop, so think of it as a leisure activity with occasional payoffs. Take a day your next free weekend to explore the thrift stores in your area and see what you come up with!