When I was growing up, resale and thrift shops were an important stop during back-to-school shopping. We would sometimes travel as far as the next state in search of stores with the best merchandise.
Many locals have also discovered the benefits of thrift shopping, particularly during the back-to-school shopping season, when you can find discount clothing, or furniture for a college student’s first apartment. Whether you choose to shop thrift stores, resale shops or consignment boutiques, you can find deals on everything from shoes to kitchenware.
Here are a few rules to keep in mind when you’re looking for quality pre-owned goods.
Know yourself: Your shopping style should dictate which kids of stores you choose. Do you love the thrill of the hunt? Then head to a thrift shop. Do you prefer organized racks and a curated selection? If so, consignment stores may be a better fit for you. Are you looking for trendy items? Merchandise at resale stores that pay cash for clothing tends to reflect current trends.
Shop by neighborhood: If you plan to shop a donation based thrift store (as opposed to a consignment or resale store where the owner of the items make cash from the sale), choose the store based on location. Someone who lives in one neighborhood won't drive very far to make a donation, so the store merchandise is likely to reflect the lifestyle of the residents in surrounding areas. For example, stores in neighborhoods with lots of children will probably have a good stock of kid's clothing.
Look for deeper discounts: Anything you buy secondhand should reflect a discount off the retail price, but there may also be special days where you can get an additional percentage off. If the days are not clearly advertised, check with store employees.
Buyer beware: It almost goes without saying that any time you shop for pre-owned items it is up to you, the buyer, to make sure the items you purchase are in good, working condition. Try to test out any electronics while you are in the store, carefully inspect furniture for damage and critters, and make sure clothing is stain and odor free.
Know what's good: One of the most important things about resale shopping is learning to identify quality merchandise. It was once a common practice for anyone donating high-end items to a thrift shop to cut the tags or scratch out labels. I've seen less of that these days, but you can't always rely on brand names as a measure of quality. Look for natural materials, secure seams, sturdy joints, etc. to make sure you are getting the highest quality for your money.
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