Have you heard of thrifting? It's a great way for Canadians to combat the waste of fast fashion and help the environment. Instead of filling up landfills, you can breathe new life into clothes and goods. See how.
Starting out with thrifting can be overwhelming, but with great instincts, following the rules and insider knowledge, you'll be good to go.
Since getting things for free is not always possible, thrifting is the next best option. Forget any preconceptions you might have heard about thrift stores in the past, and follow these insider tips. Your wallet and the planet will thank you.
- Want to find the best items? Thrift in small towns instead of big cities. Although it may seem counterintuitive, small towns often have less stock in their stores, and so receive inventory from larger cities. This means you can find some great stuff sent from bigger cities, with less competition.
- When it comes to vintage clothing, keep in mind that they run four to six sizes smaller than modern clothing. So, be sure to size up if you're looking for a vintage item. And remember, true vintage isn't just from the 80s!
- Looking for some cheap thrift stores near you? Check out some of the common thrifting store websites or search the web for "thrift stores near me." You can also search on Google or Bing: Just Thrift near me, Value Village near me, Salvation Army near me.
- Before you start your thrifting adventure, do some research on the cheap thrift stores near you. Take the time to visit each store and see what they specialize in, like furniture or designer jeans. This will save you time and help you find exactly what you're looking for.
- If you're a parent, then you know how fast kids grow out of clothes and shoes. Thrift stores are a great way to keep your kid looking sharp without breaking the bank. You can find great pieces from stores like The Children's Place or Baby Gap for around $5.
- But there are some things you should avoid buying at thrift stores, like swimsuits and underwear. It's just not worth it. Let's keep some boundaries, shall we?
- When it comes to finding the best deals, shop for clothes that are off-season. Just like in retail stores, off-season clothes are often heavily discounted. Keep a list of what you need and shop smart. You never know what you might find, like a Wilson's Leather bomber jacket for only $5!
- Thrift stores are also great for finding items to repurpose. Get creative and think outside the box. I once turned a broken snare drum into a cool end table for my son's room for only $10!
- Check out the frames of photos and art. You might be surprised to find a valuable frame and mat marked down to single digits just because the print inside is dated. Think of the possibilities!
- Ask your favorite thrift store when they restock and make sure to shop on that day. You'll get first dibs on new products as they are put out, and avoid stopping by when inventory is low. And here's a tip: it's probably not Saturday. It's the day everyone is off and shopping, so go for the holy grail of the first day of fresh inventory with less competition in the store.
- Shop on the first day after your store marks down items. Many stores have a color tag that goes on sale each week on the same day. Check with your local store to confirm, but our local Value Village store has a color tag that goes on sale for only $1 every Monday, and a specific color tag that's discounted by 50% every Wednesday.
- It's easy to get pulled into nostalgia while thrifting, but stick to your goals. You might come across things you remember from your childhood, but if you don't have a use for them, or couldn't make money reselling them, walk on by.
- Give yourself a 30-minute time limit per store. It's easy to get lost in a thrift store for hours, but pacing yourself is key to avoid burnout and giving up. Plan to visit your favorite stores a couple of times a week for a quick pop in, bounce out. Remember, more frequency and less time in the store is the way to go.
- Dress for what you're shopping for. If you're looking for a prom or wedding dress, wear heels to see how the dress will fit. If you're shopping for furniture, wear comfortable shoes to help you lug it out of the store. And always wear layers, as not all thrift stores have dressing rooms.
- Don't waste your time on clearance items. It can take weeks for something to go on clearance, and by then it'll probably be gone. Instead, focus on finding great pieces at low prices. If you must shop clearance, go to a retail store like Walmart.
- Learn the markers of quality so you can easily spot valuable pieces. Look for natural materials in furniture and clothing, as they tend to be more expensive and of higher quality.
A blazer with lining is a higher quality item, and the best blazers are made of a wool blend.
Hardwood furniture will last longer than veneer, and clothing with a woven tag is usually more expensive.
Expensive, 100%-leather shoes will have a mark on the sole and the words "vero curo," while shoes that are leather with a rubber sole will be marked "leather upper." - Haggle over the price if an item is broken or damaged. Don't be afraid to ask for a deeper discount if something is slightly damaged. Thrift stores frequently price items at a single price regardless of quality.
- Keep track of your thrifting wish list on a Pinterest board. This will help you stay organized and focused while you shop. Simply take your phone with you, and give yourself a quick refresher before you start to shop.
- Always test electronics before you buy. Keep a pocket full of different-sized batteries on hand to test toys and gadgets. Most thrift stores also have outlets available for testing items with cords.
- Check that all parts of your game, puzzle, or toy are there before buying. This can be tedious, but it's important to make sure you can play the game or finish the puzzle before you buy it.
- Make friends with the employees, and they may hook you up. This is even better advice at the thrift store than it is for traditional retail stores. If you frequent a store often enough, the employees may set aside pieces they know you're looking for.
- Aim to save 80% - 95% on new retail prices. Since most of what you find at thrift stores isn't new, you should never pay more than 20% of the original retail price of the item. Aim for even more than that — you can sometimes find items for as much as 95% - 99% off original retail prices.
- Keep a lookout for coupons that are often released during peak shopping times of the year like Christmas. It is worth checking to see if your favorite store has any promotions that can help you save some extra cash.
- Don't judge a book by its cover. Those "grandma-ish" items may be hiding valuable gems like Lenox, Henredon, and Wedgewood. Once you learn these brand names, you'll be able to spot them from afar.
- Don't be afraid of buying slightly damaged pieces. In today's world, you can fix up a piece of furniture with a little bit of elbow grease and turn it into something amazing.
- Beware of stains that are almost always permanent, like underarm stains or Sharpie marks. If the price is good enough, you can always try to clean them up at home, but don't get your hopes up.
- Thrift stores don't usually accept returns, so be sure you really love your purchase. However, if you shop often and don't mind store credit, it's a good option for clothes that don't fit.
- Sign up for a loyalty program or email alerts from thrift stores like Value Village. You'll get exclusive access to sales and deals, so you'll always be in the know.
- Keep an eye out for brand new goods. Did you know that some Walmarts have an agreement with salvage stores to donate their unsold clearance merchandise? This means you can score brand-new toys, clothes, and seasonal items for a fraction of the cost. Be sure to check for the original Walmart or retailer's tags to confirm it's new.
- If you're picky about the items you buy, you'll be pleasantly surprised at church thrift stores' selection of china, furniture, and home decor. These shops offer ValueVillage-style prices, so it's worth checking them out, even if you're not religious. Plus, the longer an item sits, the cheaper it becomes!
- Resale sites are an untapped resource. The best one to use depends on what you're looking for. I recommend eBay for auctions and the largest selection, Facebook Marketplace for local purchases like furniture, and Poshmark for clothes and small home pieces.
- Prices vary across different stores, so don't expect price matching. Unlike stores like Walmart, thrift stores set their own prices, and they don't have the same inventory as other stores. Price matching isn't possible, even within the same chain. Also, thrift stores don't offer price adjustments if something goes on sale after you've bought it, so be mindful of the prices before purchasing.
You’ve made it to the end of our ultimate guide on thrifting tips. Armed with these expert tips and tricks, you’re now a seasoned thrift store shopper, ready to score amazing deals on all sorts of treasures.
In summary, we’ve covered 30+ essential thrifting tips, including how to thrift for specific items, what to look for at thrift stores, and where to find the best bargains. So, grab your reusable tote bag, and head to your nearest thrift store. Happy thrifting!