Thrift Shop Tips
Thrift shops can yield lots of bargains, but unlike consignment stores, the merchandise doesn’t necessarily have to be in tip-top condition. All thrift store merchandise is sold “as is.”
Don’t get me wrong. Thrift stores yield many bargains, and some truly wonderful finds. Like all bargain shopping, however, you can’t enter into thrift store shopping blindly. In many cases you get what you pay for, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for shoddy merchandise.
Some thrift store shipping tips:
- Examine all merchandise prior to purchase. Check for stains, rips, cracks, crazes and any other imperfections. Decide if these imperfections are something you can live with. If you can, haggle for a cheaper price.
- Avoid purchasing potentially unsanitary items such as secondhand underwear (you’d be surprised), infant tubs and potties. Some things are better purchased new.
- Find out about the store’s return policy prior to purchase. If the shop doesn’t accept returns, make sure you’re absolutely in love with an item since you can’t bring it back.
I love thrift stores and garage sales, but I’m not going to buy something just because it’s cheap. Always check the quality. Is it something you truly can use, or is it just going to become clutter? Always think before opening your wallet.
Tags: thrift-shop, thrift-store, thrift-store-tipsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: General, Reusing and Recycling
3 opinions for Thrift Shop Tips
Raesmom
Jun 22, 2007 at 2:04 pm
I had a roommate in college who would buy practically anything as long as it was on sale. She would never use half the stuff she bought. So that is so true. A bargain is only a bargain if you can use it.
Jennifer
Jun 22, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Oh, I was so hoping you’d really post this because I have the world’s best-gross garage sale story. Not for the faint hearted (so if you are stop reading now):
Story: we love garage sales at my house and go often but now we’re extra super careful because…
At this one sale once last summer my best friend and I found a killer deal — three pairs of roller blade brand in-line skates for our kids (almost brand new) shiny, great shape, etc. $2.00 each pair!!! So, we buy, we drive home, we have lunch. We go get them from the car and carry them up to our house.
My friend screams suddenly and drops her skates I look over and maggots (probably revived from the heat of the car) are swarming out everywhere. I drop mine and the same thing happens. Can you believe it! We can’t figure out what happened because aren’t maggots only around dead things? So we ran them through a bleach filled washer (3 times). But honestly they still make me squeamish.
Moral: ALWAYS follow the good tips above and always check shoes!
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