What type of Thrift Store do you shop in?

I know most people don’t pay attention to the type of thrift stores they are shopping in, but there are many differences between them.

It is easy to assume that the local second hand shop close to home is helping a community charity or job program and sometimes you would be correct. But, before you shop make sure you know where your money is going. I know... we all want a deal, but if it is important to you, find out who is really benefiting from your hard earned dollars.

Yes, there are definitely thousands of non-profit organizations out there benefiting from the sale of donated used goods….and that is wonderful! However, look out for similar looking stores that operate purely as a business or they are part of national chain and do not support the community at all!

If you are in a store where people can bring their goods in for review and let the business sell them for a fee, you are in a consignment shop. You will usually pay a little higher price for cleaned and freshened fashion and furniture.

Discount stores offer unused goods at a low price because they are basically the dumping ground from the department and retail stores who need to make more room in their fancy showrooms. You may find last winters wears, or flawed clothing.

Some things to consider wherever you choose to shop. Make sure you know what looks good on you. Keep your sense of personal style and you will be sure to find great fashion no matter what the price. Also, know what is a good sale price, even at a thrift store. Do not fall prey to used clothing and goods markups. It happens even at the local second hand stores.

If it needs work before you buy it, make sure you are committed to do it…otherwise just walk up to the front counter and hand them five bucks donation and be done with it. Make sure you spend the time to check out everything…and even give a second look around the store before you go. You just may find a little gold in an unexpected place. If you can try something on, do it. If not, most places will give you store credit if you keep the tags (or little blue,orange or yellow completely irremovable stickers) on.

Finally, one of the most helpful things to me through the years has been that I have gotten to know the employees at the places I frequent. Because of this, there have been discounts given because I am a good patron, there have been items saved for me because they know my personal style, and it just makes my shopping experience that much better.

Enjoy the hunt!

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