How do you leave deals at the thrift store?

**imagine** · 01-20-2010, 02:30 PM

Okay so money spent on a good deal even if it isn't something that is needed or strongly desired isn't good deal for the pocket book.

But how do you leave those good deals that aren't good deals for your pocket book? Is it hard or easy for you?

I've been finding it hard lately.

Here is my ramblings on the subject

I saw a girly cd case at the Goodwill. I wanted a nice girl one for my Little Miss so I don't have to look at the free Bank of America one daily. Found a cute one at Goodwill but talked myself out of it since Little Miss isn't complaining about the BofA one. It clearly doesn't bother her. So this morning I change my mind and headed back to see if it was still there. It wasn't. Decision made.

But I looked around and found a bag of things marked 4.99 looked like it had Barbie beds and polly pocket things. Little miss has some polly's without clothes so that would have been fun...But she has been playing with them fine without the clothes. So I pass up on the deal. And the next lady who walks by them decided they are to good a deal to pass up. Then I start regretting my decision not to get them. After all they did have barbie beds in them and Little Miss says she needs/wants a few more barbie beds for her house. So I feel bad about passing up the deal.

I have always prayed when I head into thrift stores/garage sales "please help me find the things at are meant to be ours and help me leave the things that are not."

So I know that these thing probably were destined for other people.

Still Daughter wants/needs barbie beds. After I came to terms with the passed up deal I thought up the idea of making a bed from a mac and cheese box. It will be so much fun. I remember when we did this as a kid. Time to pass on the fun and the skill. Free is much better than $4.99 plus we will get to have fun making it.

So that is my rambling:

How do you do it? Share your experiences and tips?

**frugalfranny** · 01-20-2010, 02:39 PM

I literally have a thrift store LIST. Take it with me when I go to them and try to stick with the list....the exception being 'hobby stuff'.

It is only a bargain to me IF I will USE IT and/or need it. With hobby stuff this can be a 'use it in the future' type thing but if I already have a surplus of whatever it is - I leave it.

**stinkbug** · 01-20-2010, 03:44 PM

I was at Goodwill the other day trying on jeans. None of them were great, but *okay*...and in one pair, there was a crumpled up 5.00 bill in the pocket. I didn't buy any of them...instead I made money and went home!!

This is about the third time I have found money in jeans at the thrift store...anyone else???

I no longer settle for *okay*. I have to love it and have it fit perfectly to be tempted. I've been leaving a lot of stuff at the thrift store lately.....

**Libby** · 01-20-2010, 03:53 PM

Congrats stinkbug! LOL That'd be a sign to NOT spend money that day lol

I simply think if I truly need the item. Or is it something that would be nice to have that will in turn end up taking up valuable space at home turning into clutter only to end up back in the thrift store after I paid for it with my hard earned cash?

**savvy_sniper** · 01-20-2010, 03:53 PM

I have a list AND I ask myself this question. Do I NEED it or do I WANT it? If you are honest with yourself, you will put it back!

I have gotten so good at it, that I often convince myself I don't need it and end up putting it back.

**pollypurebred39** · 01-20-2010, 05:26 PM

Love the free Barbie bed!!!

Before we leave the driveway we pray for safe travels and if we plan on spending money we pray for the wisdom to spend our money wisely.

I have had times however that I was unsure about an item, so I'd put it in my cart and pray for God to lead me in this choice. If by the end of shopping I didn't feel right about a purchase I go put it back. I have been in line fully intending on purchasing something only to just have this feeling rise up in my gut that I was not to purchase said item, I always get out of line and go put it back.

**tofuranch** · 01-20-2010, 05:33 PM

The best thing is to have a list and stick to it. It doesn't matter if something is brand new or from a thrift store if you don't really need it. I have a list of needs for the family/house and it makes it so much eaiser

**Contrary Housewife** · 01-20-2010, 06:40 PM

My mantra is "I don't need more crap." If I am shopping it is because I am looking for something specific. I usually manage enough self control to pass on "deals" I don't need.

**lisaflex** · 01-20-2010, 06:52 PM

i couldnt leave my bargain behind yesterday.... a faberware stainless collander for....$1.99!!!

**brennasmom** · 01-20-2010, 07:26 PM

My best tip is to stay out of the store. I don't live very close to the thrift so I don't go very often... It I don't see the deals I don't even know what I am missing

**ladytoysdream** · 01-20-2010, 07:57 PM

If I shouldn't be spending...I stay out of the stores.
But sometimes I just need to go in, and browse around. If I find something we need, then good. If not, that's okay too. I call it looking for bargains. I have gotten a lot more selective. Sometimes if I am not 100 % sure , I put the item in my cart anyways. Doesn't mean it goes home with me. As I wander around the store, I fine tune my thinking about what is in the cart. Do I really need it........... or just think I do.......

**Nada.Leona** · 01-21-2010, 06:25 AM

I go in with a list. I try very hard to stick to it. I am always on the lookout for fabric, knitting needles and a few specific household items I refuse to pay full price for. I also keep a running list of books I'm interested in and I check the maternity section.

The areas I avoid like the plague are the scarf, purses and shoes area. I am so so bad for looking there, grabbing something I love for 5 minutes, and then end up donating shortly after.

**ramblin' rose** · 01-21-2010, 11:40 AM

I am really trying to stay out of the thrift stores, or at least to restrain myself from unneccessary purchases while there. I just couldn't pass up the 2 Caphalon skillets that I found last week for $5 each! What a deal!

**frugalwarrior2** · 01-21-2010, 11:52 AM

I just picture it stacked up in the house or abused by the kids who already have TOO much. Mostly,lately I just haven't gone. If I don't see it ,I won't want it. I also have a lissst.