Tips for Scoring BIG at the Thrift Store

Happy New Year, my lovely readers!

I hope that your year is starting out good. I for one have already scored some awesome thrift store deals this year so in that respect 2019 is awesome! Haha.

I wanted to kind of compile a list of tips that can help you score big at the thrift / consignment store. Now, of course, it’s mostly hit or miss, but I think having a tactic going into anything always gives you the upper hand at least slightly.

People ask me ALL THE TIME how I find such great pieces and in the same breath tell me they never do- so if that is you, I hope these tips help! 🙂

#1 If you are hunting for something specific, make a list: Knowing exactly what you want is a good way to not buy something else mindlessly that you won’t be 100% happy with. This can especially happen at the thrift store because of the low prices. If you don’t love it, leave it.

#2 Know the layout of the land: If you have a local thrift store, the more you visit, will obviously increase your chances of scoring BIG. But I actually don’t think you have to shop there regularly, as long as you have a feel for where the sections are that interest you. For example, in our local store, there is a “Women’s Betters” and “Men’s Betters” section. If I am feeling in the mood to run in the store, I make a point to only check the “Betters” sections. If I don’t see anything I can’t live without, I leave! I also like to check out the purse section that they have behind the registers. If you go in when the store first opens, check the purses first! Then head to clothing.

#3 Know what brands you like: This tip really goes along with the first, in that, if you really don’t like the fit of something or you’re just not sure, don’t buy it. Thrift stores put new items out EVERY DAY, you could find something next week or next month even!

#4 Know the sales: If you are not a regular thrift shopper, make sure that when you do go, that you hit the sales! Subscribe to email lists or follow the store on social media, many stores post daily what their sales are and some post new items that come in! Sometimes they will even hold an item for you if you can come in that day. Shop end of season sales- these are when you’ll score the deepest discounts- because they are trying to get rid of inventory! This goes for thrift stores and consignment shops!

I hope this is helpful! I’d love to hear your tricks for scoring big at the thrift store!

keep on keeping on…