Finding Deals at a Thrift Store + Tips for Online Thrifting
Thrifting can be an exciting way to shop that not only saves you money, but has the potential for unbelievable finds and impactful community support! Here’s how thrift shopping helps you and those around you, and an in-depth exploration of thrifting tips to elevate your shopping.
WHY SHOP AT THRIFT STORES?
When you’re getting ready to do some shopping, thrift stores are a marvelous idea for many reasons. Thrifting benefits your wallet, your planet, and your community! Here’s how.
Your Wallet
Thrifting saves you money! You can find a wealth of items at thrift stores, including clothes, furniture, books, kitchenware, and more. Because these are secondhand items, you’ll be getting them at a discounted price compared to new. You could also find high-end, brand name products at steep discounts! Thrift store deals will help you save money and stretch your budget.
Your Planet
Shopping at thrift stores helps reduce waste because you’re rescuing items from the landfill. You’re supporting sustainable systems and helping combat harmful industry practices like fast fashion.
Your Community
Thrifting also supports your local community! In some cases, you’re supporting a local business, while in many others, your purchase is funding a nonprofit organization. In those instances, your purchase works double-time, by financially supporting worthy causes like community development, youth education, emergency shelter services, and so much more.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR AT THRIFT STORES
One of the best things about thrift shops is that they contain an incredible variety of items. You can shop for clothes, books, furniture, toys, games, kitchenware, home decor, and so much more! Decide what you’re looking for and what your shopping goals are, then have fun browsing thrift stores near you. Read on for some of the best thrift store tips to help you shop smarter.
HOW TO THRIFT SHOP
When you head to a thrift store, you’re sure to find lots of interesting items, so how do you decide on the best purchases? While ultimately your personal taste and preference is what matters most, there are lots of thrifting tips out there to help you shop wisely. Here’s how to find good deals at thrift stores:
Do a bit of research. Find out what quality items look and feel like before you go shopping. Whether you’re looking for high-end clothes, quality handbags, rare books, or genuine leather, knowing what to look for beforehand will help you pick the best items in the store.
Sell or donate before you buy. Selling items first can be a smart way to build up your funds before you shop. It’s also a great idea to donate old clothes, books, furniture, etc. before buying more. Selling or donating items to thrift stores gives you the space for new purchases, and is a responsible way to get rid of unwanted items.
Make a list. Just like any other kind of shopping, having a list and knowing what you’re looking for will help you stay focused and organized and can save you time and money.
Shop off-season. To get great deals, shop for seasonal items out of season! Shop for winter clothes in the summer and summer essentials in the winter. Buying items when the demand is low will ensure you get a great price.
Pick the ideal time to shop. Thrift stores often get very busy on the weekends, so it can be helpful to time your shopping trips to avoid the crowds and chaos. For example, early mornings are usually less busy because most people haven’t gotten out and about yet. You can also use Google Maps’ Popular Times feature to see when stores are usually busy and to get a live estimate of the shopping crowds.
Look for discount days and promotions. You can get even better deals at thrift stores by making use of their discounts! Some stores may have discount days, such as a day of the week where seniors’ purchases are discounted. Some may also offer running discounts, where items with a certain colored tag or sticker are on sale each day.
Check the condition of your items. One of the most important thrift shopping tips is to check the condition of the things you’re looking to buy. Since items are secondhand and often at least somewhat worn, it’s good to examine the flaws in your items. Is the furniture wobbly? Are there holes, rips, or stains in the clothes? When you’ve thoroughly checked your items, you won’t be surprised by anything at home. If any exist, make sure you’re okay with the flaws, or that you’re prepared to fix them up.
Follow your favorite thrift store(s) on social media. Your thrift shop of choice may not have social media accounts, but if they do, it can be a great way to stay up-to-date! Upcoming sales, special events, and more can all be announced via social media.
HOW TO GET THE BEST CLOTHES DEALS AT THRIFT SHOPS
Thrift shops are an excellent place to find clothes. You’ll be able to snag great and affordable pieces that match your personal style. Some people keep an eye out for brand name clothing while thrifting; if there’s a particular clothing brand you love, remember to check for it while thrifting! Thrift stores are also the perfect place to find cheap vintage clothing. Whatever your style, you can ensure you get the best pieces by asking yourself these questions while thrifting:
Is the stitching straight, even, and small?
Is there very neat hand sewing in evidence?
Are hems stitched inconspicuously?
Are the inseams neatly finished?
Are seams that are under pressure reinforced?
Do obvious prints and patterns line up at seams?
Do the prints themselves have fine detail?
When you keep in mind your own standards of quality and style, you’ll be able to find some fantastic clothes for amazing prices!
Don’t forget to think outside the box, too! Creative thrifting ideas include not only regular clothing for everyday wear, but fun and interesting pieces for themed parties, Halloween costumes, or Renaissance faires!
ONLINE THRIFTING
Nowadays, thrift shopping online is becoming more popular as thrift stores create online shops. This can be a great way to thrift shop while not having to leave your house, and can save you time compared to driving from store to store looking for the right items.
When you thrift shop online, you should remember to keep certain things in mind. See where your items will be shipping from to help you determine shipping costs or delivery dates. Also be sure to make yourself aware of stores’ return policies.
You can use online thrift stores to find any number of unique items, but they’re also some of the best sites to find secondhand clothes online. While shopping for secondhand clothes on the internet, it’s helpful to know common terminology, such as “mint condition,” meaning items are like new, or “NWOT,” which stands for “new without tags.”
Some online thrift shops will allow you to use advanced search functions and filters, which can be immensely helpful! Filter for clothes in your size, the color(s) you’re looking for, or even style options like sleeve length to help you find the perfect purchase.
Between these online shops and thrift stores in your area, you have some extraordinary shopping options! So get to it, and support your community along the way!
Here at One New Humanity, we run our own nonprofit thrift store, Joy Thrift, in Hamtramck, Michigan. All proceeds from Joy Thrift fund our work to support low-income, refugee, and immigrant populations in the Detroit and Hamtramck area. We’re also planning to launch an online store for Joy Thrift, so keep an eye out for that!
Joy Thrift and our other community initiatives like Sylhet Farm, Sisterhood Fitness, and the upcoming C. Love Bakery make an incredible impact on the lives of Hamtramck residents. You can be part of that by donating now to support our work! If you’re in the Detroit area, consider dropping off in-kind donations, organizing a collection drive, or shopping at Joy Thrift! Together we can elevate our beautiful community, and bring joy and support to those who need it most.