Thrift shopping has always been around, but has become more of a trend recently due to the increase in sustainability. People are giving once-loved clothing a second chance at life for great quality prices, so it's no surprise that more and more people love it. If you are new to the art or never seem to dig gold, you're certainly not alone. To help you make the most out of your next experience, here are some of the greatest tips for thrift shopping.
Be Prepared
Thrift shopping isn't going to go as well unless you prepare before hand. It first starts with location. The inventory of a thrift store comes from the surrounding neighborhood, so shop in places where you admire the style. You can use your smartphone to find thrift stores in your area using an app called ThriftBuddy. Then once you're in the store, you can use your phone to look up brands and models of the items you find to comparison shop and even check for vintage labels. How cool is that? Preparation also comes with declaring a clear goal before you go. Make a list of what you are looking for based on what you already own, get rid of old clothes to make room for the new, and declare a budget. This will help keep you focused going in.
Dress Appropriately
Thrift shopping is honestly like a sport. It requires stamina, patience, as well as upper body strength to carry your finds if they don't provide shopping carts. You can easily spend hours in a thrift store, so definitely dress comfortably to avoid fatigue. Furthermore, not all thrift shops have dressing rooms. Therefore, you want to be sure to wear tight-fitting clothes so you can try pieces on over what you are already wearing. This can be a fitted tank top, leggings, your comfortable shoes, and then a cross-body bag so your hands can be free to dig. Also consider wearing your smartwatch, so you don't have to worry about holding your phone while sifting through the racks.
Shop Smart
Yes thrift stores are already less expensive, but you can also cash in on other deals, discounts, and specials. All thrift shops need to get rid of items to clear the way for new inventory, as their main objective is to sell. Therefore, don't be afraid to ask for discounts, point out defects for a lower price, or possibly getting another small item for free. Many thrift stores also offer discounts to certain groups of people like seniors and students, have special days or hours where items go on sale, or even offer a discount for paying with cash. Thus, always bring cash with you and stay up-to-date on the latest thrift store promos on social media.
Always Inspect
You can quickly scan each rack until a piece catches your eye, but you don't want to quickly scan over a piece you love. You definitely want to check the clothes carefully as your thrift shopping, especially since most purchases are final sale. Look for stains, loose threading, missing buttons, small holes, and other potential problems. To fully inspect an item, turn the garment inside out as well. Even if it's not a clothing purchase, you should still scan for any damages and see if it's worth the purchase. It's better to do this before buying to avoid any surprises or heartbreak when you get home.
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-Gina
