Shopping at thrift stores can save you a lot of money and even help you make money. There are hundreds of pins on Pinterest that show how to refurbish household decor and furniture. Some thrift stores are well organized, others, not so much. Here are some ways you can save money, score big, and find the best deals at almost any thrift store.
Location, Location, Location – Find the thrift stores in upscale neighborhoods. There are, of course, exceptions, but most of the time a nice area has a nice thrift store. I scored a Pottery Barn sofa table for $15. It was regularly about $250. Another place to look for good stuff is near military posts. While the stuff may not be high end, there is a high rate of turnover. People don’t always want to take all of their furniture or knick-knacks with them so they donate. I’ve found lots of holiday decor and kids’ stuff at my local Goodwill right outside of Fort Carson.
Seasonal Items – Snow gear, rain boots, winter coats, and the like are usually priced relatively low. It is important to look for this stuff year round. You may find a size you can’t use right now, but maybe your child will grow into it. We’ve been able to find snow boots for our boys at Goodwill every year but one and they have always been less than $10.
Start at this Website – TheThriftShopper.Com is a One-Stop Web Destination for all of your Thrift Shopping Needs. Search for Thrift Store Listings in their National Charity Resale, Secondhand, Vintage and Consignment Shops Directory, Join our Online Thrifting Community, and Learn More about Thrift Shopping!
Talk to the Store Employees – A short conversation with the people who work the store can help you out a lot. They know when stuff is put out on the floor. They can tell you when things go on sale. Goodwill does a color of the week and offer extra discounts for senior citizens and military.
Visit Often – This may sound like an excuse to shop, but it is actually good advice. Most thrift stores put out new stuff daily. That means what is there today could be gone tomorrow or there may be a whole new batch of things tomorrow. You don’t have to spend hours in the store, just a quick walk around to see what’s new and if it is something you can use.
Try Internet Shopping – Goodwill offers an auction site here and you can buy books here. You can also find great deals and even free stuff on your local Craigslist.
A little paint can fix almost anything – You’ve probably seen something that would be nice if it didn’t have so many scratches or was a different color. If you don’t mind putting in a little work you can probably save money. This is also a way to make money. You may not need a bookcase or side table, but if you buy it cheap, invest a little work, you can resell it and make some money. Pinterest offers a ton of resources on how to restore and remake almost anything.
Make sure it works – Not everything gets tested in thrift stores, but you can ask to plug something in and see if it works. If you are buying anything electronic always make sure it works before buying it.
Thrift store shopping can be fun and you never know what you’ll find. We’d love to hear about your best finds, makeovers, and savings. Share with us in the comment section.
