Whether it's to save money or be sustainable, second-hand shopping is the best! Here are some helpful tips for your next second-hand shopping trip:
1. Learn the specials.
Many second-hand stores have deals for every day of the week or even sales on certain colors of tags. Get cheap clothes or decor for even cheaper!
2. ALWAYS clean what you buy, especially shoes.
Some stores are going to be cleaner than others, but as a general rule, be sure to clean your awesome second-hand finds. Toss your clothes in the washing machine, wipe down appliances and decor, and disinfect shoes and pillows like crazy.
3. Go in with a plan.
With all the great deals you might find, it might be easy to get carried away. Be sure to always keep a use in mind when you're buying.
4. Give back when the time comes.
Part of what makes second-hand and thrift stores work is donations. Be sure to donate things you don't need or want anymore -- anything from clothes to furniture to books. You can sell things at a garage sale, but make sure to donate what is leftover.
5. It's OK to leave empty handed.
You never know what you might find at a thrift store, so sometimes you might not find anything! Try back again next week and they'll have almost a whole new stock of items. Plus, it leaves your wallet full!
6. As a general rule, don't haggle.
The items in second-hand shops are almost always well priced. When most stores have their proceeds going to charities, it's usually best to swallow the couple dollars you might save. Plus, the employees are usually just regular cashiers and can't change the prices.
7. Bring a reusable shopping bag.
Just like you should do anytime you go shopping, bring your own reusable bag for your new finds. You can pick up one for just a couple dollars at almost any grocery store.
8. Bring a friend or two!
Because everything is better with friends!
9. Inspect your finds before you buy.
This especially applies to clothes: check the zippers, look for holes and stains, turn them inside out, etc.
10. Check the tags.
If you're the kind of person who likes name brand clothes, don't rule out second-hand shopping! You can find all sorts of gently used name brand items for a fraction of what you might pay new! I've found clothes from Banana Republic, Loft, Nike, and Levi's.
11. Check out local thrift stores in your area.
The next best thing after thrifting is thrifting locally! Plus, most local thrift stores usually give back to the community. In Stillwater, The Thrifty Butterfly employs volunteers and all of the proceeds go to the Wings of Hope.
