You’ve been there. You see an item in a thrift store and immediately think, “Ooh, I’ve got to have this!” When in reality You may not even need it. My small condo is filled with things I should have left behind.
Today I’ll help nudge you past the items you should leave for the next bargain shopper.
Tips on Negotiating at Thrift Stores
I’m the first to admit that if a see a certain label or a stamp that says “Made in…”, I’m intrigued and want to buy it. However, the place where a piece of furniture, garment or tchotchke is made should not be the major reason you buy it. I’ll admit, certain items automatically exude quality or exclusivity, such as this tissue box, which was stamped “Made in Italy.”
I didn’t need it. Yet I bought it because, well, it said “Made in Italy.”
So you’ve got a garage full of I-will-paint-that-soon projects? That means the vintage Heritage sideboard for $60 may not be a wise purchase. I know it’s tempting to buy all of the amazing finds that are reasonably priced. However, to keep from being on the next episode of Hoarders, only buy pieces of furniture you need and that you can use immediately.
How to Find the Best Thrift Stores
Walk on by that complete plushy mattress set in the furniture section. Regardless of the low price, mattresses are not items I would suggest buying from a thrift or secondhand store.
One of the best feelings in the world is to walk into a thrift store and spy the perfect piece to complete a room. But this is only a good thing if you’re not driving a two-door sports car. Is it really a bargain if you have to rent a utility vehicle to get it home?
And don’t even consider buying it if you’re traveling. When the cost to transport an item significantly outweighs the cost of the actual item, leave it in the store.
Don’t worry, though. Something better always comes along. It’s the magic of thrifting!
So tell me, when do you leave something in the store?
Great advice, Rashon! And I'll take that sideboard in picture #2 please.
I totally agree about the mattresses! My daughter bought them and later found out she had bed bug bites ALL over and had to be treated by the doctor. Not worth the savings!!!!
So do you use the tissue box????
Not at all.
I get sucked in by "Make in Japan" labels.
I am extremely indecisive, I have to really want or love whatever it is. I made a few purchases last weekend.. I loved what I found and couldn't leave it, I didn't even wait until half price days, I was afraid the items would be gone. I really think about the function of the object in my life, if I just can't live without it and it's the right price.. I do have a set amount in my head that I would be comfortable with paying for certain things.. If it's over that price but I would die without it, I may be willing to pay a *bit* more, if not, I'm out the door.
Unfortunately I always leave the large pieces of furniture in the stores. I don't have a good way to bring them home. But I when I do purchase something I always have some idea of what I'm going to do with it!
That's why I've owned a pickup truck for the past 10 years. Nothing better than seeing an amazing matching Victorian-era couch and chair and being able to offer cash and to drive away with it on the spot. Helps to sweeten the deals I can get. Now I just need storage. Or a camper top.
I agree with you. My thought process is that I have to have a place to use it right away. It's so funny you gave the tissue box example. I almost bought a green one just like the one in your picture this week. It said made in italy and I am a sucker for that, too. I decided to wait because I didn't need it. For once, I listened to my own advice!
Having just moved to L.A. (and using all of my savings to do so) I leave almost all "great finds" where i find them in the thrift store (as much as it breaks my heart). But, as was stated: something better always comes along. And when that one something that we really really need in our apartment pops up, it's mine, and I love it more than anyone should ever love an inanimate object. And all those things that I left behind melt into the past, never to be remembered, as I cherish my new fantastic find.
For small items I ask myself "If you saw this in a favorite boutique would you be attracted to it? Would you buy it as a gift?"
My number one rule is to not look at my basket for a minute and list off everything I'm intending to buy. If there are items I missed in my listing, they go right out of the basket and back to where I found them. If it didn't make much of an impression, then it's most likely an impulse item that I don't need. I also try to use the rule previously mentioned of having an immediate use for something I find.
These great rules have kept my house only *partially* overfilled with things I don't need or use.
This is brilliant! I'm going to have to try it. I always take my basket to a quiet corner of the store before buying & check everything for scratches, stains, etc. I also ask myself if I have a place for the item when I do my little review. Often, just looking at/touching the item is enough for me to get that 'thrift success' feeling & I don't buy it.
"So you’ve got a garage full of I-will-paint-that-soon projects?"
Haha GUILTY.
I think you should ONLY buy things that you have places for, NOT things that you have to find places to stick them. I think if a person sees a lot of nice things, but does not have a definite place to stick them, He or She should say to themselves "I have Good Taste, I know the object(s) is pretty, but I will leave it for someone else, to clutter their house with". Then move on!
Comment by Fred Gonsowski Garden Home .com
I have one of those tissue boxes! I forget where I got it. What did you pay for it?
when I had a two seater little sports car, my husband was always amazed at what I managed to get in it and bring home for a makeover. LOL….I am on the lookout for a small truck just for me and my treasure hunting trips.
Agreed. Just before Christmas I saw a chifferobe at a small yard sale. I just knew it was like the one I had as a child so I turned around. I was expecting (hoping?) for it to be an outrageous price, but when he said $30 I know I had to have it! I called my husband who has a truck and he fine, buy it, but I won't pick it up. Keep in mind it was COLD out and I was driving my Mini convertible. So I offered $20, all the cash I had on hand, and he took it. Next I got him and his uncle help me "load" it in my car. No problem! They turned it upside down and it fit perfectly in the back seat. Of course it stood up about 4' above the car and did I mention it was December. But that's okay I got it home (20 miles) safe and sound and after being refinished it sits beautifully in my sitting room.
Who needs a truck? Best Christmas present I've had in years!
Good advice for new thrift store shoppers. I am a thrift store "hunter" though and have obtained my own formula for success.
First, I am on the lookout for "classic" style furniture of solid wood, clean lines that is sturdy and in good shape. Pass the ornate, rickety or pressed wood pieces. I know what pieces I am on the hunt for along with the measurements of my space as well as the measurements of my vehicles' back seat and trunk.
Ask the store if they can deliver as well as the price so you know what you can get there and still keep the price a bargain.
Although I love foreign made items, I stare at the piece and picture it in my decor, do I have a place for this? is the item a good size?, does it require any maintenance (ie: silver pieces usually require polishing)?, does the color fit in my color scheme? Is it a bargain price?…. etc..
Lastly, ask yourself if you truly need it, will you wear it, can you live without it? After all, a bargain is not a wise purchase if you are not happy with it, don't have time to paint or repair it, or use/wear it. Enjoy your purchases!
Try this – DON'T buy anything that is not a necessity for one month – you will be amazed @ the money you will save & how easy it gets as the days pass by!
[...] Thrifting: When Not to Buy [...]
[...] Thrifting: When Not to Buy [...]
That only makes sense if you shop in dept. stores, not Thrift stores. A month from now that item is no longer there. If it's something like a bookshelf and nothing special, then yes, but if I spot something that is a one of a kind item and will fit with my decor, then I can't resist and usually put it in my cart. Next I have to stop and think what I'd be willing to get rid of to make room. There are always things in my house that were OK at the time but at a later hunting I find something far better. Then I pass the old item on to a needy person in my comunity or donate back to the store. I really enjoy the hunt.
Really nice tips! As a rule of thumb clothes made in China is often of poorer quality!
I've found some amazing things in the past. Some things I buy thinking that I'll use, but in a year or so, they make their way back to the thrift store. But there have also been things that I leave at the store and then find the perfect use for two days later and then they are gone. I don't usually mind overbuying. I rotate my decor seasonally and thematically, so I have a great love of knickknacks. My apartment has a whole new look every few months. Thankfully it came with a whole lot of storage space! I think that tissue box is beautiful! The carvings more than the Made In Italy would've made it a must for me. As for using it, yes, I could find something to use it for. I would probably paint it and put it in my cleaning closet. I have handmade cotton cleaning rags I could fold up and put inside. It never has to be used as it was meant to.
Check out my thrifty blog! http://thriftscore42.blogspot.com/
awesome!!!