How to Save Money While Shopping at Thrift Stores

Going from buying new things to shopping at thrift stores already saves a bundle of money. But there are also tips for how to get good deals at thrift stores and save even more money!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   cute shoes

   If at an organization's thrift store (such as Goodwill or Salvation Army), ask when the trucks come in with “new” items. Come the next day to get first pick at everything. If at a small, independent thrift store, ask how often they put out new donations.

2. 
    
   These heels were a blue-tag sale. I saved $5!

   Find out which color tag is on sale and look for items with those tags. There will usually be a poster or an intercom announcement sharing which color is on sale a particular day (ex: blue-tagged items are 50 percent off). Some thrift stores also keep track of how long items have been there and may have discounts for items that have been there for a certain length of time (ex: week 11 items are 25 percent off).

3. 
    
   99-cent items

   If a weekend, holiday, or special sale day is coming up, go to the thrift store the night before, near closing time, to find things you want to buy. Hide them behind other items and be sure to write down or remember hints so you know where to find them. Be there the next day right when the store opens so you can get to your items before anyone else does.

4. 
    
   brand new pig slippers

   Many things given to thrift stores are brand new, so check for items with original store tags still attached to get a great deal. (The pig slippers in the picture were new with tags still attached!)

5. If at a small, independent thrift store, make friends with the owner. Owners will usually cut deals with people they know, or the “regulars.”

6. Some thrift stores offer discounts to seniors, so be sure to ask.

Tips & Warnings

• Always go shopping when you have time to thoroughly search through all the mess. To find a treasure, sometimes you’ve got to dig.
• Bartering is not acceptable. The only likely exception is at a small, independent thrift store with an owner you know, and usually only over large items, such as furniture, or bulk items, such as a dish set.

Resources

• How to Save Money and Lose Weight by Going Green

[johnrapp]

on 5/19/2009 i love to save money while shopping at thrift stores. 5 stars!

[denisepapas]

on 4/30/2009 sneaky tips! shopping at thrift stores is a great way to save money and get one of a kind items!

[dzagotti]

on 4/19/2009 Great article on saving money at thrift stores!

[jameslyles]

on 4/14/2009 Step 3 also works for non-Thrift stores as well, for say an item that will be on sale in the morning and you are worried about the low quantity available or getting to the store early enough to get the item before they run out. Make sure the item is well hidden as to not be placed back in its proper place when the closing crew are running through the "putbacks". Also make sure the item has a bar code or you may have to put up with price checks the next day.