How to find treasures in thrift and secondhand stores — Best Life
Those who browse thrift stores and secondhand shops usually do so in the hopes of finding a bargain on a rare brand or even stumbling upon something that could make them rich. Of course, choosing vintage items when shopping can be a lot of work. But just like finding worthwhile finds at any major retailer, a little extra knowledge can give you a real edge in your secondhand search. Read on for expert tips on how to find treasures at thrift stores and secondhand shops.
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When you’re in a second-hand store, it might seem counterintuitive to look for items that are even further discounted. But according to Vivian KellyExpert in vintage clothing and fashion, you should also go to the sale section first when buying secondhand.
“I always start with the clearance shelf,” says Kelly best life. “I have found some real hidden treasures on these shelves, simply because others didn’t know what they were looking for.”
Andrea Worochmoney-saving and lifestyle budgeting expert, agrees, adding that these items have likely been on shelves for a while. “These are items that haven’t sold within a certain period of time and have been reduced in price,” she says, meaning you may be making a rare find and paying even less.
City dwellers will be disappointed to learn that they may have to travel to find certain treasures. According to Deepak SchneiderFounder and CEO of the website Latest Free Stuff, smaller thrift stores can be gold mines.
“The best place to shop is in small towns and lesser-known thrift stores,” he explains. “Thrift stores in larger cities and big-brand stores are often very overpriced and don’t have as many unique items.”
These more localized stores are not only cheaper, but also have a greater chance of having the “unique” pieces you’re looking for, Tailor says.
However, if you are working with what is available in a larger city, it may be helpful to focus on specific areas.
“The most amazing find I made was at a thrift store in a warehouse distribution area, where most shoppers were looking for the newest items and passing over classic vintage pieces,” says Brenda ChristensenCEO of Stellar Public Relations and former owner of vintage clothing store Vintage Diva in Los Angeles. “I found a pair of Chanel high-top sneakers for just a few dollars and sold them online for $1,000 to a buyer in Paris.”
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Many shoppers plan to show up early for big sales events at traditional stores to ensure they get the items they want. But for one-off shopping situations like thrift and secondhand stores, being the early bird can especially pay off.
“Although most thrift stores add new items throughout the day, going there first thing in the morning means everything is better organized and you’ll be the first to see if anything new has been put in the store,” says Jennifer PrinceOwner and dealer at It’s Found Vintage.
Of course, it can also be worthwhile to visit frequently to get a feel for how the store generally works.
“The more often you go, the more you learn when they release new items, what days they are on sale – and in some cases, what days they don’t reorder,” says Willow WrightOwner of Urban Redeux in Alexandria, Virginia. “For example, a store near me doesn’t restock on Mondays because everything is 25 percent off on Tuesdays.”
If you see something that’s broken at the mall or supermarket, you’ll probably leave it on the shelf and maybe tell an employee. However, if you see something in bad condition at a thrift store, it could be your lucky day.
“You can also buy parts that need repair if you know what the repair will cost,” says Kelly, pointing out that you should first find a reputable repair shop.
Sometimes, however, clothes are simply past their prime – and that’s when you have to make the final decision. “If a piece of clothing is just too worn out, it might be best to just resell it,” Kelly adds. “Clothes actually have a limited shelf life.”
Most of us don’t leave the house without our smartphones, and when shopping at thrift stores, you should be especially careful to have yours with you, experts say.
“Have your phone handy when browsing thrift stores,” advises Tailor. “You can easily search for items you think are valuable and see how much they cost online.”
You can then better assess whether the price is a good deal, regardless of whether you keep the item or resell it, he adds.
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If you’ve already found a reliable secondhand store, Kelly recommends making friends with the owners.
“They’ll let you know in advance when something good comes in,” she says, adding that you can return the favor and “spread the word” about her store.
“I also tell the owners what I’m looking for and they then take that into consideration when purchasing items for their inventory,” Kelly explains.
If you can’t expect much from the staff, it can be helpful to get to know your fellow shoppers.
“I would suggest making friends with the people who enter the store while you are there,” says Mikaela Reidpersonal style consultant at MIIEN. “Maybe they’re trying to sell things to the store or know other places to shop.”
Thrift stores often conjure up images of crowded, colorful shelves—and maybe even a certain smell. But if you don’t like the hassle of shopping locally (or just want to save time), you can hunt for treasures without leaving your house.
“Don’t spend hours searching in stores, look online.” Sierra SkellyEditor-in-chief at GoodBuy Gear, an online second-hand shop for children, recommends: “There are a lot of opportunities to buy second-hand items on the Internet these days.”
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Thrift and secondhand stores can be a bit chaotic, even in the most organized shops, so it can be helpful to have a plan in place before you start browsing the shelves.
“Of course, I go into every thrift store with an open mind, but I also find that it can be really helpful to keep a list or just pop in to look for a specific item,” says Prince. “Instead of wandering around looking for everything, if I focus more on my list, I often find exactly what I need.”
When organizing and planning, it can also be helpful to have key information on hand to help you narrow down your choices.
“If you’re looking for something specific, whether it’s a pair of pants, a piece of art or a piece of furniture, know the measurements you need before you leave the house,” Wright recommends. “A quick note on your phone will help you a lot later. Bring a small tape measure – or if you’re lucky, you might even find one in the tool section!”
Speaking of online shopping, there’s another benefit, says Skelly. There are certain key terms every thrift shopper should know. When you hear that a thrift store sells “open boxes,” that should be music to your ears.
“These are basically display pieces and returns from high-end retailers,” says Skelly. “They’re like new, but half the price!”
These deals are often available online through third-party sellers who resell the opened items at a lower price, she explains.
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Those looking for bargains on new fashion tend to follow the sales cycle to secure the best deals, but experts say there is a certain trickle-down effect in secondhand stores that can be beneficial for those in the know.
“The best time of year to shop is after the holidays in January,” says Christensen best life. “People have received new things for Christmas or Hanukkah and are getting rid of things they no longer want but which are brand new, or replacing them with things.”
But there’s no reason to limit yourself to just one season. You can also find great finds at your favorite local store during other events throughout the year.
“Spring is another great time when people haul their unwanted items to the thrift store as part of their spring cleaning,” she says. “And surprisingly, late fall is also good because the start of school prompts many to get a new wardrobe and do some decluttering before the holidays.”
There’s a big difference between knowing what you want and knowing what to look for, which is why experts say a little knowledge can go a long way in the world of saving money – especially if you’re trying to snag a real rarity or expensive item.
“Whether you’re looking for home accessories, clothing or even books, it’s important to take some time to educate yourself on what you want to find,” says Wright.
She says that as a home furniture and decor reseller, she spends hours studying current and old books on art and design.
“Sometimes you have an eye for finding treasures, but you can train it,” she says. “Eventually you start to recognize the works of certain artists, pottery companies, lamp makers and vintage fashion designers.”
This story has been updated with additional entries, fact-checking, and editing.
