I am new to thrifting. But here is what I have learned over the past few months. If you have any tips or tricks to share please send them my way!
1. GET A GOODWILL CARD.
When you use your Goodwill card you get 5% off of every $20 spent.
On the 15th of every month there are In-Store scratch-offs worth 15%, 20%, or 25% off
25% off birthday coupon
10% discount for students on saturdays
2. Have an OPEN mind: any piece of clothing, accessory or house hold item that can be fitted to your taste.
Consider shortening a hem, adding a broach or a belt. Even layering can improve a piece of clothing.
Accessories can be taken apart. You can add a chain, or add a clip or pin to transform the object.
Paint is your friend, most house hold items can be transformed with a bit of paint or stain.
3. Look at lots of pictures!
I spend a lot of my computer time on pinterest. You can limit what you see to just fashion (or what ever your heart desires) I love looking at photos of matched up outfits, it gives me great ideas to take with me to the thrift store. You can also look at magazines. For house hold items I like to look at DIY magazines, or how to magazines.
4. Don't get stolen away by how inexpensive things might be. There is no need to go in a buy out the whole store in one visit. Although a good item might not be there tomorrow that doesn't mean you have to buy it then, come into the store with what you have in mind and don't get it in less you love it (#1 girls shopping rule!)
5. Find out when your thrift store puts out new inventory. Sometimes they will let you browse the bins before they are put on display.
6. DIG there are many hidden treasures at any thrift store. Don't just skim over things, pull them out and have a good look at them.
7. Go often. I know this sounds like a crazy thing to tell any woman who loves to shop but if there is something you are looking for keep checking back. Thrift stores get new stuff every day. And will put out discount bins, with items priced down even more. Note: Don't go out of your way to make it to the thrift store every day, but if you work or live near one it doesn't hurt to just stop in.)
8. Dress to try on...not all thrift stores have dressing rooms. Assume you might have to try clothing on over your own clothes. I've seen women wear skirts so that they can try on pants underneath. I recommend wearing yoga pants, a tank with a hoodie.
9. Don't be fooled by the label. If you are going to the thrift store to try on clothes you don't always have to shop by size. Over the years clothing sizes have changed significantly. For example I am a size 10-12, I've found dresses 2-4 sizes smaller that fit me. It works the same in the opposite direction. You might be a size medium, but you find most of the large or x-large fit you better.
10. In the mood to try a new fashion? Thrift stores are great for it! I pay about $2-$3 for shirts, and about $4 for pants. The next time you go into a thrift store why not try something different, saves you from committing too much to one trend.
11. Bring cash, assume the thrift store doesn't accept credit or debit cards. Goodwill does, and the Salvation army I go to does as well. Just don't get stuck in line with something you love an find out you have to use cash, it might not be there when you make it back with the green.
12. Take your time. I usually spend at least 30 minutes when I visit the thrift store. The stores can be fairly large and they are always packed with goodies. Be prepared to spend more time then you think, you never know what you will find.
13. Be KIND to the staff. Some thrift stores are run by volunteers. They are there making you experience possible. Be kind and always say PLEASE and THANK YOU!
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