Thrift Store Clothes shopping tips

**mommy4ever** · 01-11-2008, 01:03 PM

Do's and Don'ts of "Resale" shopping:

Do go with your wardrobe plan in mind. Do you need a black skirt, a dressy jacket so you can make more outfits?

Do ask for a discount if you are a senior (or take one with you).

Do ask for a discount if you are military or are a veteran (or take one shopping).

Do shop often. You never know what you'll find! Merchandise arrives daily.

Do give yourself time to explore and shop. There are lots of one-of-a-kinds. You have to sort through sizes, styles, etc. and it does takes time.

Don't be disappointed if you don't see anything. Shopping here is hit or miss.

Do buy it if you love it! Don't set it back-it won't be there tomorrow.

Do shop in the more affluent areas. Better stuff comes from nearby closet purges.

Do give a sniff test. If the armpits are odiferous-they will always be smelly! Yuck-put it back!

Do inspect your clothing for broken zippers, missing buttons. You don't need to add to your alterations pile! It's still sitting there, isn't it!

Do check your attitude at the door. EVERY one shops here-don't be snobby. Be friendly and tell the staff what you're looking for. They are the ones that put new things out!

Do realize some things are best purchased new. Bathing suits and undergarments-no further explanation needed!

Do try on lots of things. If it doesn't fit or look good-you'll never wear it!

Don't settle on less than fabulous. Buy only "like new" or items with tags still on. Nothing is worth your time if it needs repairing or is too worn out.

Don't buy without reading the labels. There are lots of name brands that get cast-off from other's closets-take advantage. Better brand names equal better quality.

Remember, the idea is to ADD style to your wardrobe-not clothes that need to go BACK to the Goodwill! LOL! Avoid the pitfalls of shopping "resale" stores and you will find some fabulous treasures for your wardrobe.

**Twinkle** · 01-11-2008, 01:13 PM

Great tips - thanks!

**Dancing Lotus** · 01-11-2008, 01:15 PM

Great tips!

You are so right about not buying things that will end up going back to the thrift store. Lord knows I have done enough of that.

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-11-2008, 02:33 PM

Good tips! I also wanted to add...never be afraid to "haggle"! Most resale shops will come down on price some of the time! It never hurts to ask! However...be polite and don't insult their products!

I speak from experience! I owned a resale shop and would have people come in and say..."this is a piece of junk, would you take half price for it?" My response was always the same to this... "No, I will only take full price. But if it is such a piece of junk, you don't want it anyways."

I almost always came down (if I could) for people who approached it this way, and came to me and said "I really like this item, but my budget is tight and I was hoping to pay a little bit less. Is there any way you could come down?" My answer was almost always YES!

Just a few haggling tips from a former store owner!

**crdurham** · 01-11-2008, 03:03 PM

Thanks for all the tips. I have found some great finds at thrift/resale shops. I can't ever see paying full price for anything you wear.

**imforpeace** · 01-11-2008, 03:09 PM

Great tips! I never even thought to haggle in a resale shop.

**frugalnana** · 01-11-2008, 04:34 PM

Thanks for the tips.

**kaykwilts** · 01-11-2008, 04:42 PM

Good tips. Thanks for posting.

**Jskell911** · 01-11-2008, 05:00 PM

Thanks for the tips! I love my local thrift!

**Marie78** · 01-11-2008, 05:07 PM

These are great tips, I like finding clothes at thrift stores too

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**acidcookie** · 01-11-2008, 05:10 PM

Great tips! Wanted to add:

DO ask for student discounts (if you're a student of course). Our Goodwill has 15% off every Tuesday and Sunday for Penn State students.

**FrugalMomof3** · 01-11-2008, 05:28 PM

Awesome tips, thanks for sharing

**foxxyroxie** · 01-12-2008, 06:08 AM

Excellent tips. Thanks for posting.

Just remember to inspect the garment.... I don't know how many times I've been overjoyed to find something I like and get it home and one of 9 buttons is missing or zipper is broken. UGH!! If it's just a waist fastening button is missing it's ok, but a button in a whole line of buttons down the front of a shirt is not.

**inneedofhope** · 01-12-2008, 11:37 AM

One to add-
Try it on if you can!! Sizes run so differently between brands, and styles. I have come home with a great deal and then it doesn't fit right! I always try clothing on, exceopt maybe tshirts.