Whether it be online, in-store, or consigning, thrifting has become the next big thing over the past one or two years. It is a great way to find items much cheaper than they are originally. Thrifting is also great for the environment because it is a form of recycling. For people new to the activity, it may be confusing or difficult to shop that way. Some might not know where to start or how to get the best finds. If you are one of these people or just want more tips, keep reading.
The Difference:
Before starting to shop, it would be helpful to know the difference between each type of store. First on the list are thrift stores. Thrift stores are where people donate their used clothing, furniture, dishware, electronics, etc., which are brought to a warehouse. The items are then distributed to stores of the same line around the area. The items are put on racks and shelves in the store for people to buy. The items are priced very low no matter what brand they are.
Next is online thrifting. Online thrifting is a bit more pricey because the seller can choose whatever price they want to sell their item for. As it is more expensive, you can communicate with the seller on flaws, sizing, etc. This is a great option if you don’t feel like going out shopping or you are looking for a specific item.
Last are consignment stores, which are a bit more confusing than thrifting. Consignment stores are also a little more pricey than thrift stores. People bring in their used items as well, but the owners of the stores look over the items and make sure there are no flaws and if they choose to sell it. The people that bring in their items and get accepted, will be paid money for a portion of how much it sells for. Therefore, you get money back for bringing in your items, but it ends up being a little more pricey because there are no flaws, and are carefully looked over.
Finding stores:
Thrift stores are all over, you just need to look. Some stores are better than others based on the size or location. Some of the best thrift stores are GoodWill, Savers, Red White and Blue, and Salvation Army. Popular online thrifting apps and websites are Depop, Poshmark, thredUp, The RealReal, and even eBay. Lastly, a few consignment stores around the area are Consignment Originals (Cheshire), Plato’s Closet, and Uptown Consignment. Now to find the better stores out of these, you need to go to more affluent towns where there will be better quality items. As well as location, find stores that are larger or have more of a selection other than a smaller store where there might not be as much.
Thrift Shopping:
Have a Plan-
Thrifting may be confusing or overwhelming at first, but it is really easy once you get the hang of it. To start, you want to have a plan of what you are looking for. For example, you might be looking for some cool shoes, a new handbag, a certain type of clothing, etc. This way, you can narrow your search, and you don’t feel as overwhelmed.
Where to Start-
Even though you might be looking for something specific, still look in other areas just in case there is a great find. Start with the areas you aren’t as interested in; that way, you can get it out of the way. As well as starting with that, definitely start looking in shoes and handbags so you can try them on or reach them without having your hands full. This will make it easier for you to carry items.
Have an Open Mind-
After you have your plan, walk into the store with an open mind. For example, even if you find something that might be ripped, know you can still sew it or fix it. As well as that, try thinking outside the box with how you can utilize the items you find. If you find pants that might be too big, remember you can wear a belt or if you are unsure if something will look good, know there are ways to alter clothing.
What to Look For-
When you go thrift shopping, you may be able to find great brand names or quality items. If you are looking in the clothing area, start by looking at the size of your choice. Most stores are organized by size to make it easier to shop. Some might even be organized by color, so you can start in the colors of your choice as well. Start looking through the racks, and before you pick up an item, make sure there are no flaws/stains that are unfixable. Make sure to go through all the racks because you don’t know what can be hidden. After that, you are good to go to start your thrifting journey.
When shopping in other areas, it is important to go straight to what you are looking for and branch out. For example, maybe you are looking for records. Go straight to the electronic area and look around. Shoes and handbags should be first because they are the heaviest and hardest to get to/pick up. They usually are color coded to make it easier to shop.
Now that you know all the tips and tricks of thrift shopping, you are ready to start your journey and have fun!
Here’s a little video on what a store may look like and the different items they might sell:
