If you’re working to make the most of your budget, then shopping at thrift stores probably isn’t new to you. Buying things used instead of new is a great way to save money, but it doesn’t stop there!
With some extra effort, you can maximize the amount of money you save at the thrift store. After years of thrift store shopping, I’ve come up with some best practices that help me to find even more treasures and save even more money.
I first started shopping at thrift stores for clothing when I was a teenager. Shopping at the thrift store, or “thrifting” as we called it, was actually cool. I loved finding unique, high-quality name brand items that worked with my tiny teen budget.
That was only the beginning for me. Through college and motherhood, buying used instead of new has become the norm for me. I’m fine with buying most things secondhand. Of course, there are some things that I won’t buy used, but that list is pretty small considering all of the other things that I’m thrilled to find used.
Whether you’re a regular thrifter or just thinking about it, here are a few ways to make your dollar go even further at the thrift store.
1- Go Often
I’ve known some people to give up on shopping at thrift stores (or garage sales) because of their “hit or miss” nature. It’s true that sometimes you will go and leave empty-handed (I did that just yesterday). Don’t give up if you’ve only gone once or twice. That just doesn’t give you a complete idea of the possibilities.
Thrift stores receive new donations daily, so their inventory is always changing. Going often will give you more opportunities to find great things. Now I’m not talking about going every day or even every week, but figure out what can be “regular” for you.
2- Keep a list
Going to the thrift store often can be dangerous because you’re giving yourself more opportunities to spend money. The important thing to realize, especially if you’re going to start thrifting regularly, is that you don’t need to go up and down every aisle and comb through every department each time.
The solution to having time to shop the thrift store and not tempting yourself to buy what you don’t need is keeping a list. Have an ongoing list of the needs and wants of your family so that when you walk in the door you know exactly what to look for.
For example, I always take a peek at the kids shoes. With four kids, if no one needs shoes now, they will in the coming months. If I find shoes that meet my standards and will fit any of my kids now or in the coming year, I’ll get them. This practice alone has saved me so much money over the years.
Keeping a list will help you stay focused, so your frequent trips to the thrift store take less time and don’t result in extra stuff you don’t need.
3- Think ahead
This goes along with keeping a list, but deserves its own mention. In addition to keeping a list of your current wants and needs, look ahead at your upcoming needs. It might seem odd to be thinking in June about how your daughter will need a larger snowsuit and new boots next winter, but the forethought will pay off.
When you’re at the mercy of a constantly changing inventory, giving yourself more time to find the items you need makes you more likely to be successful.
Besides success, I’m also able to find higher quality by thinking ahead. Because I keep a list and shop ahead (before the need is urgent), time is on my side and I can be more selective than if I were buying in a rush.
Like I mentioned, I buy most all of my childrens’ shoes secondhand. Since I buy them well in advance of when my kids actually need them, I only buy when I find name brand, quality shoes with little wear.
4- Learn every store’s prices and promotions
Get to know all of the thrift stores in your area, not just the one of two that you’re comfortable with. Learn about the way they price their items. Is it blanket pricing (i.e. all jeans $4) or is it individually priced? There are benefits to each.
Each store has its own set of special promotions. Learn about their promotions and when you can get the best deal. Thrift store promotions get pretty creative sometimes.
Here are some of the promotional practices I’ve seen:
Colored tags
Some stores have different colored tags and choose a different color to discount every week. In fact, one of my favorite thrift stores has three different colors on sale each week (25% off, 50% off and 75% off).
Senior discounts
Most thrift stores have a certain day where seniors get a certain percentage off.
Half-off day
Our local chain of thrift stores has a sale on the first Saturday of the month where the entire store is half off.
Daily special
Many thrift stores will choose a certain department (furniture, linens, women’s pants, etc) to discount each day. Sometimes it’s planned and they’ll give you a calendar of upcoming sales, but for other stores it’s just a wild card.
Donate
Some thrift stores give you a special coupon for a percentage off or a dollar amount off when you donate. Not only is it a great way to give back and save money, but it’s also a great way to keep clutter down!
5- Do your research
So now that you’ve got a list of the items you want or need, do your research and decide what you are willing to pay for them. Just because something is at a thrift store doesn’t mean the price is a great deal.
For example, I’ve noticed that canning jars are often really overpriced at thrift stores. You can get brand new canning jars for around $1 each (that come with a flat lid and ring), but I often see thrift stores charging this price too, even without lids!
In your research, especially for bigger ticket items, pay attention to brands that are good (or bad). With smartphones, you can even do research on-the-go. Before I finally got a smartphone, I would call my husband from the store if I found a potential deal and have him look up the value or specifications online for me.
At charitable thrift stores, those doing the pricing are not experts. Some items are overpriced and others are under-priced. If you know what an item is worth (and what you are willing to pay) ahead of time, you won’t unknowingly over pay. Research is especially important if you plan to sell what you buy to make a profit.
6- Get the inside scoop
If there is something in particular you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to ask. Thrift stores offer some refreshing differences from big box stores. You get a much more personal touch with a local thrift store. Often, especially if you’re a regular customer, the staff are willing to help you out with specific requests. I’ve had workers or volunteers offer to call me if they get any [whatever I am looking for] in.
Don’t hesitate to ask for information that will make you a smarter shopper. You can ask what day (or what time of day) is best for new [what you’re looking for] inventory. For example, they might have a specific volunteer who prices all of their electronics and only comes in on Wednesdays.
Be friendly with the staff and be open about what you’re interested in. You might find some clues that will help you find the treasures you’re looking for.
While thrift stores will save you money just by their nature, don’t stop there. Come up with your own strategy to make the most of your money.
How about you?
- What are your tips for saving even more money at thrift stores?
I love all these tips on saving at the thrift store, especially when looking for brand-name items, sometimes I hit a jackpot of brand-name handbags & shoes, but often time I got crap as well. This article has thought me a new trick having a specific time when the promo is ongoing and also checking out multiple stores for deals now. thrift store in my area give discount on the last week of the month
Thanks, Stephanie this helpful!
amazing article for saving I’ve read after a long time some unique tips thanks for sharing.
Nice! articles you have all the ways are greatly define thanks for sharing this amazing ways
Thrift stores are one of my weaknesses and this is a great list, thank you.
Shop ahead! Just like you grab shoes a size or two ahead for the kids if they’re a great find, I do the same with clothing for the kids. This is a little tougher when they’re really young and you have seasonal wardrobes to deal with, but it’s easier to guess size/season ahead as they get older. I’ll often check out the toys and misc. sections for anything new-in-package that would make a nice gift and is marked down, too.
One thing I would like to add is having a friend who also likes to go to thrift stores. My friend and I often share tips and look for items for each other at different stores. Last summer she found my daughter a pair of new Sun San Sandals (retail $32) for $0.65!!! She called me right away to see if they were the right size. My daughter was excited over her find. I’ve found stuff for her too. Sometimes we even go together and have fun pointing out great deals to each other.
My favourite thrift shop has bag sales on clothes – all you can fit in the bag for as little as $5 (although I never seem to hit it on the $5 days.) I can generally fit about 50 things in the bag. For the past couple of years I’ve gone in once a year and stocked up on all the clothes the kids and I need. Thrift stores are also a great place to find books, toys, and sometimes even antiques. About a year ago I picked up a gorgeous copper vase from the 1920’s for around $15. A couple of months ago I was visiting some antique shops with my parents and found its exact twin for $315. Very few people are as cheap as I am – but I’ve found you can also find brand new in box presents at thrift shops. You know how every year you get a gravy boat from Aunt Sue or a cheese board from Cousin Frank? Well, so does everyone else, and they just leave them in the boxes and drop them off at second hand shops. So you, too, can give a gravy boat to Aunt Sue and a cheese board to Cousin Frank (because hey, if they think you want one, surely it’s something they want too!)
I need to implement the thinking in advance tip better now that we have a growing toddler! Our biggest expenses for her come when she grows out of shoes or clothes that she needs now, so we don’t have as many options.
Great tips! My thrift store has 1/2 price sales on everything in the store every few months so I try to watch for those and get there early. They are usually run on Memorial Day and other holidays.They also have 30% off on certain days for teachers and nurses. I am a nurse so this is great for me. Also, if you find an item that is damaged or stained, it never hurts to ask if it can be reduced a little more. Some of the employees will say no, some won’t, but it never hurts to ask.
Having a list is my biggest saver. Twice a year I go through our clothes and see what we need for the up coming season. Then I can keep an eye out at thrift stores or garage sales. Currently I’m keeping an eye out for pant the winter for the littles. I’ve been needing a new winter coat for the past 4 years but haven’t found one that works for me yet so I am always on the lookout for that. We’ve lived in places with mild winters so I can get by with my fleece jacket most of the time. The few days I’ve need more I layer a hoodie with the jacket.
I just want to thank you for you inspiration on paying off debt. In January of this year, I had ~ $17,000 in credit card debt that I didn’t really make any effort to pay off in the past few years. Your blog inspired me to pay off this debt and this week I paid off the final amount so I am officially debt free! I did not have to take the extreme measures of cutting back like you have been doing so it took me 6 months to pay it all off as I’m not really someone who can live on small budgets. Now I’m going to start saving up for a house. Thanks again!
Congratulations Emily! You’ve done an amazing job!