Thift Store Shopping

My Hobby? Thrift Store shopping. It's the thrill of the hunt, the bargin as the reward!

New Thrift Store shoppers:

Don't be afraid of buying used. Why pay $50 for a blouse, for a fancy Christmas party, only to wear once? Buy it used, for $10, and if you only wear it once, you didn't loose a whole lot of money.

Get brand name clothes cheap. Dress in style, for alot less.

Sometimes you can get some great deals on Christmas gifts, sometimes toys in the original box. For my son's 4th birthday he loved the Lego Thomas the train. I picked up James Lego, in the box, all pieces, for $5. Retail value $25. he is 4, do you think he knew it cames from a thrift store?
This year for Christmas, I picked up a Fisher Price laugh and learn puppy, at salvation army for $2. Retail Value, $25. Do you think my 3 month old baby will see that it did not have the package?

If you have time, you can buy items cheap, and sell them for more; making a couple bucks.

Buyer beware:

Some large chain thrift stores are pretty pricey. Sometimes you can buy new for a new pennies more.

Check items/test items very carefully; this year I bought my son two winter Jackets from thrift stores, only to have to buy new. 1st one many small tears that got bigger. 2nd one, zipper pulled away from jacket when I washed it. I ended up buying him a Jacket 1/2 price at Superstore for $25. Lesson learned.

Things I've learned;

#1 Rule, do I really need it??? I have spent, at times, way too much money at thrift stores. I stop myself now and ask, do I really need it? And I only buy if it is a really good price.
Things I have bought that I didn't need? Well, Tupperware for one. Why did I buy it? Because it's cheap tupperware, lifetime warrenty!

The small local thrift stores carry some of the best deals. They are more cluttered than the larger chain thrift stores, but the prices are cheaper because they just want to get rid of it to make room for more stuff. You might be able to haggle prices, depending on ownership.

Shopping with the Kids/Husband: I love going to the small thrift stores, because I can watch my son play with the toys, while I shop. The only disadvantage is that we end up always buying a toy. And if Hubby comes along, he picks up a book or CD. I usually shop for more practical items.

Shopping with friends: Don't if you are shopping for the same things...could cause a fight.

Thrift Store VS Garage Sale?

Thrift Store:

PRO

Supports Charity/Community

Save money on gas by not driving around looking for the address

Get what you need, Garage sales may not have that size in clothing etc.

CON

Sometimes prices can be more expensive than a garage sale

Paying taxes on items

Some thrift store use staples to affix their price tags on, thus damaging the item

Garage Sale:

PRO

Can Haggle person to lower price

Can get a bargin if buying several items

Sometimes person will offer to deliver larger item

CON

Spend more money on gas

Some garage sales are overpriced, and firm on they're prices