8 Thrift Store Shopping Tips

     This is for those newbies to the thrift store scene and maybe for the professionals too.  These tips will prove valuable no matter what category you fit into.  There are lots of great bargains to be had in the thrift store if you are willing to take the time and look.  Whether you have a booth at a flea market that needs inventory or you are just looking to add to your wardrobe, need to replace broken dishes from your kitchen, or would like to start riding a bike.  You will find what you need for pennies on the dollar at your local second hand store.  

     They have it all, shoes, scarves, slacks, jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, prom dresses, casual dresses, sweat suits, socks, hats, purses... you name it they've got it.  They also have housewares, craft supplies, pictures, furniture.  It all depends on what has been donated.  And sometimes you will see brand new, still tagged items from the store where item was first purchased.  Either the person that first purchased it had a change of heart (or weight in some cases) or the department store has made the choice to donate.  And if you donate items yourself, don't forget to get a receipt for your tax purposes. If you itemize on your tax return you can get a deduction for the amount of your donation.  It's a win win for everybody involved.  Now on with the tips!

1. Take your clothing off the hangers before getting to the register.  This will save time for a speedier check out.  And there is less likely a chance the cashier will snag the item in their haste.
2. Don't reveal to anyone that you are a dealer or seller.  You will find at some of the smaller (not corporate) stores prices are negotiable.  But! if anyone should find out you are re-selling the merchandise the pries are not so negotiable anymore.
3. Pay attention to the items at the end of the racks.  Other shoppers will put items that did not fit them here or maybe they down sized and these items did not make the cut.  Either way it might be something good that you don't want to miss out on just because they saw it first.
4. Don't review your purchases in a dark corner of the store.  Find a window and a flat surface if you can.  Lay your garments out and check for stains, rips or tears and also look at the structural integrity.  While doing this look at the price again and decide if you can make a profit.  If you decide a piece is a little too much for you, get a plan for the bargaining sure to come.  You could say something like "What's the best price you can give me on this?"  Because you have already decided on what you want to pay, that will be your counter offer.
5. Include a sniff test in your final auditing of your haul.  Steer clear of of moth ball odor and cigarette smoke.  While it is possible to remove the odors from many fabrics.  The time and cost to do so will prove to just not worth it.  Since you need your sniffer to be in tip top shape, don't wear strong odors yourself like perfumes or deodorant or lotions.  You get the idea.
6. Leaving your garments in the bag once you get home is not such a good idea.  I know your tired but you don't want more wrinkles to form.  And you certainly don't want an overlooked odor spreading to the other clothing. 
7. Keep in mind that you are working.  It's a good idea to have a plan and an intended route to help keep you focused.  It can be over whelming at first and sometimes hypnotizing looking through all those clothes.  Don't go when you are sleepy or hungry.  You will want to have all your wits about you so you don't make a mistake.
8. Remember to bring wet wipes or hand sanitizer.  It might get ugly in there. 

That wraps it up!  Go forth and conquer.  Charge!

One more thing... don't over look the jewelry.  More times than not I have purchased authentic silver pieces, clearly marked 925.  Some they know about and price accordingly but there is always some silver items mistakenly under priced.  I even found a brooch that was 14 kt gold with a beautiful diamond included.  This item was not marked with a gold marking but I had a hunch and found out I was right after I took it to be looked at by a jewelry maker friend of mine. You too can be that lucky.