Your Secondhand Price Book

[nuisance26]

~I don't keep a literal price book but I do have limits to what I'll pay for certain things. Baby clothes and shoes :$1, Kids' clothes:$2(unless it's a coat), books:$1, stuffed toys:$.50, board games:$2 and vintage jewelry:$10 are just a few.
Of course, I reserve the right to spend more when I find something in spectacular shape or the very brand or type I wanted new or the item rarely appears in thrift shops or just if I need a little splurge on that day. Usually I try to spend 10% or less of what I think the item may have been new.
What are some of your "limits"?~

[Grainlady]

I LITERALLY have a second hand Price Book I got at a thrift store (LOL). It's my shopping partner.

My on-going list of not only food, but other things we need is all in there. Hubby knows if he wants me to get something for him while out shopping, he'd better put it on the list. He'll underline it if he needs it a.s.a.p, otherwise I wait until I find these things at the lowest possible price before purchasing them, and crossing them off the list. Some things may be on the list for a l-o-n-g time before I find it at the "right" price, but finding things at the lowest price is a great game to play.

Gift card/s, store card/s, coupons, rebates, rain checks, cash/change, etc... are all kept in the Price Book. This particular Day Runner has a place for credit cards, so that's where I keep those cards.

My first limit is on food - $75/two weeks - so at the end of the grocery list I also write how much money I have left for the 2-week period, after making any purchases.

I've never thought about bottom-line limits on purchases, other than it has to come out of my "walking-around-money", so I'll have to give that some thought. Most things I already have a good idea how much I'm willing to pay for them - it's just second nature.... I like your 10%, or less, under the price it cost new, as a good starting place.

[JanieD]

I try to consider the actual item & come up with a price I'm willing to pay before I look at the price. Really depends on condition & if I was planning to purchase item new. I'll throw out the prices I love to find at thrift stores: paperback books $1 or less, hardcovers $2, missy jeans $1-3 (new w/tags under $5), glassware/dishes .50-$1 ea piece, frames $1 or less, framed prints small (8x10) $3 or less, larger ones $5-7 normal limit, knick kacks $1 or $2. I'm usually thrilled with the items & prices I find at my favorite thrift stores. However, the furniture is usually over priced or in very poor condition (at least what I see since I'm not there as they open).

I also consignment shop & the prices are higher there, but sometimes it pays off. Paperback books $2.00 & up, handcovers $3.50-5 some higher, jeans as low as $4 usually $10 range, shirts/sweaters $4 & up, shoes $5 & up. The lower prices are with a 25-50% discount offered most weeks. The prices of housewares can be rather pricey compared to those at thrift store, but items tend to be like new, higher quality. Of course, it beats paying retail.