Pro-Thrifter Tips
Pro-Thrifter Tips
May we agree on something? Most women enjoy shopping. Most women like a good deal. When it comes to clothing, most women aim to dress as fashionably as possible. Amiright? Now, if you fall into the category of most women, you know there are an unlimited number of options when it comes to shopping. Let’s spend a little time talking about something few people are proud to admit - thrifting!
By definition, thrifters are those who frequent second hand shops, garage sales, yard sales, thrift stores, consignment shops, or the like. Thrifters like to look for lower price tags on products that would typically cost much more if purchased brand new. As a single mom, money may be tight, and while you may not like the idea of thrifty shopping, it could really lend itself to some advantages for you and your wallet.
Being thrifty has its own perks. Subsequently, when you pair that with shopping for clothing, you may be in for a pleasant surprise! Clothing isn’t the only thing you may find great deals on while thrifting. Listed below, you’ll find some advantages of being a thrifter, as well as my tips for being thrifty, what not to buy while thrifting, and some of my favorite online thrift stores. Let’s check them all out!
Advantages Of Being A Thrifter
- Potentially huge financial savings
- High quality items can be found at low prices
- One-of-a-kind wardrobe
- Opportunity to support your community
- Shops offer variety and are constantly changing merchandise
- Instill good spending habits in your children
- Clothes have already been washed, worn (and often, shrunk) already
- Each experience is a treasure hunt
- Find vintage items
- Become DIY inspired
- Save mega money on clothes and shoes for children
- It’s environmentally friendly
- Avoid the malls and other busy shopping centers
- Fun option for a family outing
- Make a business out of it
Okay, so maybe you’re thinking that this list isn’t good enough to convince you. I get it. I was also skeptical. I am not a lover of shopping, but the women in my family are, so if I wanted to hang out with them, I had to at least pretend it wasn’t the worst thing in the world. I don’t think it was until I had children that I fully appreciated the discounted price on clothes for them.
I mean, seriously, you could spend a fortune on brand new clothes for little humans, but I was able to fill closets and dressers with clothes at a fraction of a cost. After that, and realizing first hand just how quickly kids grow, I found myself going back for more. Not only that, I was able to donate the clothes that no longer fit my kiddos. Win, win, right? YES! But let’s keep talking about this and see if I can convince you that it’s not such a terrible idea!
Tips For Being Thrifty
- Shop or browse often
- Ask for additional discounts
- Purchase sale items
- Know the difference and value in fabrics
- Check clothing items carefully
- Assess the competition around
- Dress appropriately
- Consider the neighborhood
- Have a mindset of finding treasures
- Look through everything
- Don’t bypass the shoes section (but be cautious)
- Take your time
- Shop for off-season clothing
- Take advantage of holiday markdowns
- Browse early in the day
I feel like you may still be on the fence about all this ‘thrift talk’. But really, I have to wonder why. Is it pride? Afraid someone you know may see you? Not to worry, friend. Just go to a different city! And if you’d rather, keep reading because I think you’ll like the options for online shopping!
But first, let’s discuss some items that you shouldn't purchase from a second-hand store, whether it’s brick and mortar or online - because there are some things that are just better bought brand new or in a package.
Things You Shouldn’t Buy From Thrift Stores
- Undergarments
- Strollers, cribs, or car seats
- Electronics
- Stuffed animals
- Rain gear (umbrellas, jackets, boots)
- Linens
- Pet furniture
- Throw pillows
- Bed pillows
- Appliances
- Antique dishware - if you plan on eating off it
- Mattresses
- Upholstered furniture
- Rugs
- Helmets
- Baby toys
- Anything damaged or stained
- Bathing suits
- Hats
- Used makeup
- Old television sets
- Medical supplies
- Anything with old paint or chipped paint
I know what you’re thinking. You’d never even think to purchase anything from this list. That’s good! It doesn’t hurt to be reminded though, just in case you hadn’t thought of it. But now for the fun part, give me a chance to introduce you to some of the most popular ways to thrift online. You never even have to leave your house, be seen by others, and your purchases will be shipped to your door!
Online Thrift Stores
- Depop
- Poshmark
- thredUP
- ASOS Marketplace
- The Break
- The RealReal
- I Am That
- The Vintage Twin
- Omnia
- Vestiaire Collective
- Stressed
- Thrilling
- Mirth
- Tradesy
- Na Nin
- Hood Hippie
- Swap
- Thriftwares
- Everything But The House
- Shop Goodwill
- Vinted
- Luxury Garage Sale
- Pretty Penny
- Raleigh Vintage
- Markt
- eBay
- Etsy
- Grailed
- Refashioner
- 2nd Street
Something to mention about the online shops is that some of them even have mobile apps, making it even easier to shop. Also, some of the stores listed allow you to sell your own clothing through them! Look at all the options! Aren’t you excited? Still not? Well, the bottom line is this - you’ll never know until you try. And if it makes you feel any better, just start shopping for play clothes for your kiddos. They grow so quickly that it seems there is always an opportunity to be shopping for them. I, however, have faith in you. I’m betting that if you’re not already into thrifting for fun, you’ll enjoy it once you start. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even create a little side gig for yourself and bring in some extra cash!
By Lyric Anders, writer