If you’re like most people, you probably enjoy finding a great bargain. And what could be better than finding amazing clothes at a fraction of the price? In this article, I share lots of thrifting hacks that will help you become a
My 27 Thrifting Hacks
01. Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time
Thrift stores can be overwhelming, so it’s essential to plan out what you’re looking for before you go. It will help you stay focused and avoid buying unnecessary items.
02. Check the Store’s Online Inventory Before You Go
It will help you know what to expect when you get there, and it can also help you find specific items that the store might have in stock.
03. Dress for Trying Things On
Thrift stores are often hot and cluttered, so dress comfortably. Put on clothes that you can easily take off and on again to try new items without having to try them on over your outfit. Also, wear comfortable shoes because most thrift stores have concrete floors.
04. Look For the Correct Size First
Thrift stores are often crowded and overwhelming, so it’s important to find items in your size as quickly as possible. It will save you time and energy.
05. Check the Item Carefully for Damage
Thrifting can be a gamble, so it’s essential to check the condition of the clothes before you buy them. Ensure there are no tears or stains and that the clothes are in good shape overall.
06. Bring a Friend
Thrifting can be more fun when you do it with a friend. You can help each other find clothes and ensure that you don’t buy anything you don’t need.
07. Be Patient
Thrift stores are often crowded, so finding the items, you’re looking for might take some time. So don’t be discouraged if you don’t find anything on your first visit.
08. Be Open-Minded
In thrift stores, you can find unique items that you wouldn’t usually find in retail stores. Be open to trying out new things, especially if there is a great deal!
09. Check the Price Tags
Thrift stores often have clothing items marked down, so be sure to check the price tags before you buy anything. Thrift stores will generally have a sign near the checkout area that indicates how much an item is marked down by and when they last checked it for accuracy.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Ask questions if there’s ever any confusion about an item’s price or condition. Thrift stores are staffed by volunteers who can help answer any questions you might have about the items for sale in their shop.
11. Thrift Often!
Thrift stores will generally get new inventory every week, so it’s important to check back regularly if there’s something specific that you’re looking for or want to buy before someone else does.
12. Join a Thrift Facebook Group
There are many online groups where people post pictures of items they’re selling or giving away. It is a great way to find specific items that you might be looking for without visiting multiple thrift stores.
13. Bring a Measuring Tape
Thrift stores often have clothes marked down due to defects, such as a tear or a stain. With this in mind, bring your measuring tape to see how much of an item is damaged. Then, decide if it’s worth buying before purchasing anything at all!
14. Ask For Discounts on Bulk Purchases or Items With Defects
Thrift stores often offer discounts to customers who are buying multiple items or willing to purchase clothes with defects. So whenever you see something you like, but it isn’t in perfect condition, ask the cashier if any discounts are available.
15. Be Prepared to Bargain
Thrift stores aren’t always strict about their prices, so you might be able to negotiate a lower price if there’s something specific that catches your eye.
16. Bring a Laundry Basket With You to Carry Your Items
Thrift stores are often crowded, so it’s helpful to have somewhere to put all of your new purchases. But, of course, a laundry basket will do the trick!
17. Donate Your Clothes and Get a Discount
Thrift stores will often give customers who donate their clothes a discount on whatever they’re buying that day or discount coupons to use in the store, so it’s worth checking with the cashier if they offer discounts if you were to donate some of your unwanted clothes.
18. Ask Thrift Store Staff What Day They Restock
Ask the thrift store staff when they typically restock their inventory. This way, you can plan your visits accordingly when there is lots of new, good stock for you to rummage through.
19. Be Aware of Discount Days
Thrift stores often have discount days to mark down specific items or sections. These are great times to visit, as you’ll be able to find some excellent deals on clothes.
20. Sign Up for Free Rewards Programs
Thrift stores often have loyalty programs to earn points for every dollar spent in the store. You can use these points to redeem discounts on future purchases or other benefits, so signing up is worth it.
21. Get To Know the Thrift Store Staff
The staff at thrift stores tend to be very knowledgeable about their inventory and what types of people visit the store. Ask questions like “What’s popular right now?”, “Are there any big sales coming up?” or even strike up a casual conversation while they’re working behind the counter! This way, you’ll get better service and store staff are more inclined to help you and give you better deals.
22. Do Not Disregard Something Because It Is Dirty
A thrift store is usually pretty messy, so sometimes when you look at an item, it is covered in dust or, worse, mold.
23. Follow Your Local Thrift Stores on Instagram.
Your local thrift stores will often post about upcoming sales or items in stock for you to check out. Also, following your local thrift store on Instagram is a good way of keeping up with what’s new at the store every week!
24. Avoid thrifting on the Weekend
Thrift stores are often busiest on the weekends, so try going during the weekdays if you want to have more space to look through clothes and less competition when trying to find that perfect piece.
25. Check Out Online Thrift Stores
There are many online thrift stores. You can find thrift from the comfort of your own home if you are not a fan of rummaging through stores. Here is a list of over 100 Online Thrift stores you can shop at.
26. Understand Clothing Labels
A critical skill that expert thrifters possess is a thorough understanding of clothing labels. Material labels will tell you what the clothes are made of. If you want high-quality clothes, you should focus on natural materials like cotton, wool, leather, and suede.
27. Be the First Person Through the Door!
Thrift stores often put the newest items on display first, so if you want to have the best chance of getting the good deals if you are the first people through the door!