10 Secret Tips to Thrift Store Shopping

10 Secret Tips For Thrift Store Shopping
Hello all of you thrifty mom friends,  have I got a good one for you! When you go shopping you always want to make sure you are getting the best deal while spending the least amount of money possible. Well here are some tips on how to save  money while thrift store shopping. These are my 10 Secret Tips for Thrift Store Shopping!  Of course I LOVE mall shopping but thrift shops are also a great alternative for all kinds of bargains on clothes, furniture, toys, and holiday stuff too! Oh, and don’t forget to check out my 20 Best items to Buy Used!

1. Looking to Save, Don’t Bring The Kids – Bringing your children can add stress and hassle to your shopping trip, and can also cause you to be stressed into spending money on things you don’t need. (“Mom but I have  to have it!”)I know your kids are probably perfect but mine start to complain after about 30 minutes of shopping so if I can arrange a play date so I can shop without them I tend to find more bargains and come home happier.
2. Write a List – If you go in knowing what you are looking for it can help you save time and also money, you will be less tempted to buy something you don’t need. Think of things kids need seasonally like rain boots, snow boots, snow pants, yard toys etc.
3. Always Try The Clothes On Before You Buy – Because it’s a thrift store, the clothes will, most likely, be worn and could have stretched or shrunk. Also, there could be holes, rips, or stains that you wouldn’t see on the hanger. Button up a shirt, zip a zipper etc.  Then, wash the clothes when you get home on a long cycle.
4. Large Purchases – If you plan on buying something that is large in size, like a table, or cabinet, make sure you have room in your car to transport it home. Also, make sure your large purchase will fit in the spot you want to put it in. (so measure before you leave home & bring a tape measure)
5. Tax Deductible – Some thrift stores allow tax deductions when you donate items. Make sure to ask for a tax return sheet. I’ve even seen some thrift shops (Value Village, Unique Thrift) that will give you a discount coupon for shopping after making a donation!)
6. Haggle – Sometime you can haggle the price of an item, if you have seen it there long enough or if you find minor (easily repairable) problems – like a missing button, for instance. If you can’t get anywhere with the cashier, politely ask for a manager who has the power to make decisions on pricing. All they can say is “no” so it’s worth a try!
7. Know The Full Price – When going thrift store shopping make a list of the items you need, or at least have a general idea of  what you are looking for, then check the brand name original prices of those items.  You need to know that you are getting a good deal. You won’t want to pay $40 at Goodwill for and item that is originally worth $20. This is where a smart phone and a quick Amazon or Google search will be your best friend!
8. Find Out Sale Days – Plan your shopping around days you know there are going to have a sale on the items you need. That way you get the best deal. Value Village for instance offers a 50% off day every major holiday (Presidents Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day etc) Just call your local thrift store and ask, “When do you have sale days?” Some even offer an email list so you can get notified of sales (Value Village does for example)
9. Always Check The Items – Electronic, clothes, shoes, toys, etc. All of them have the potential to be broken, so make sure you check them out first. With electronics ask if you can plug them in and test them out, if the store says no don’t buy it, you never know. Give careful consideration to purchasing board   games from thrift stores they will almost always be missing pieces so before you buy OPEN IT and count the pieces. I’ve found some great puzzle bargains but make sure you count the pieces – it’s a good rule with everything when “thrifting.”
10. Don’t Buy If You Don’t Need – Even if it is a great deal it doesn’t mean you need to buy it. You most likely won’t need it and will just end up wasting money in the process. It is best to only buy what you need. It’s the best way to keep within your budget.