ShareA good thrift store becomes a great thrift store when you can maximize your spending power. Discount days are perfect for getting more bang for your buck.
Some stores run daily or weekly sales. Often times, sale items are identified by color tags. I find it difficult to keep up with the ever changing sale days and colors, so I have a notebook to write down which days have which colors and what percentage off I can expect.
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ShareWhile I sometimes enjoy thrifting alone, going with a friend can be a whole lot better.
'i <3 thrifting" day 2011
Shopping with a buddy gives you an opportunity to get a second opinion right on the spot about an item.
Of course, this will only work if you value that person’s opinion, so make sure your friend is one you trust. You need someone who can even be truthful and let you know when you don’t need something, too.
"i <3 thrifting" day 2011
Small groups are an excellent way to cover more ground a a very large flea market. Put together a list of what everyone is seeking and you can easily text or send a quick picture if you find something on the list.
"i <3 thrifting" day 2011
How great is it to smile with a friend about one of your awesome scores or share thoughts on the seller whose prices were sky high?
So what are your perks for having a thrifting buddy or group?
ShareWhen I first started thrifting for my apartment, I filled my shopping cart with everything that caught my eye. Too many times, I’d leave an item behind to give myself time to consider it, only to come back to find that someone else had bought it.
But the real trick isn’t throwing everything in your cart just to keep someone else from picking it up. It’s editing before the item even goes in your cart.
Yes, this vintage bowl is gorgeous. But do you really need it?
The first thing is to ask, “Do I really want this? Where will I place it?” If you say yes to the first question and give a quick response to the second, I would say it’s a keeper. However, if you don’t have a place for it, and/or it doesn’t give you the happy feeling, let it go.
I admit to having way too many dishes. I used to buy inexpensive pieces because they were my style. Many of those pieces are still sitting in the bag the cashier placed them in. If you don’t entertain regularly, or display dishes as soon as you get home, chances are you won’t ever use them. So edit your cart and take out those pretties. Heartbreaking, I know. However, it’s for the better.
How to Display Dishes if You Just Can’t Part With Them
Double check what’s in your cart to make sure you don’t already have something similar. Unless you collect canisters, ask yourself whether it’s necessary to have two sets.
Do you edit while you shop? What are some of your tips.
ShareWhen most people consider thrift stores they often think of used items. But sometimes a major thrift store will collaborate with a major department store, offering many of the same items. So the question is, should you buy a new item from a thrift store? Well….
When a thrift store in my area had its grand opening, I went. When I walked in the store was like a rock concert, people everywhere. I had no intention of buying anything until I spotted a box of cherry-wood suit hangers.
I really needed some good-quality hangers and these were less than half of what they would be in the department store. And they had two boxes of them in the thrift store. Even better, the store is still stocking the same hangers!
Rule #1: Buy a new item in a thrift store is when the price is significantly less that what it would be in a department store.
Just because an item is brand new in a thrift store, doesn’t mean it’s currently being sold in regular retail store. It can simply mean someone donated a product that has never been used and still in the box.
Cari Cucksey’s Flea Market Shopping Tips (video)
For example, I picked up these Ralph Lauren sterling silver wine chillers earlier this year.
The $135 price tag from the original store was still on them. I knew I’d use them for years to come so I bought them.
Rule #2: If the item is brand new but not currently in circulation, and the price is right, buy it.
Emily Henderson: Round-Up From the Round Top Antiques Fair
What happens if you see an item in the thrift store, but you also know regular stores carry it? While it is good to patronize thrift stores that have a good mission to donate and give back, don’t pay more for an item that you can find elsewhere cheaper. For example, purchase small items like batteries or pencils from a traditional retail store.
Rule #3: Don’t check your price-checking skills at the door. Buy only the real bargains.
Do keep in mind that thrift stores return policies do vary.
So have you purchased a brand new item from a thrift store? What was it?
ShareYou’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?
ShareNegotiating. It’s the moment you either love or dread. For you newbies and dreaders, here are a few tips on how to negotiate while shopping thrift or visiting a yard sale.
The first rule is always be pleasant. It seems obvious, but if you’re kind and courteous to the sales associates at a thrift store, they’re more likely to remember you. After you’ve flashed that great smile and put on a little charm, it’s time to starting dealing. It’s important to note that every store has its own policy regarding discounts, so don’t expect the store to bend its policy just for you.
How to Find the Best Thrift Stores
Here’s a story. I was in a well-known chain thrift store. I saw 10 cups that were individually priced, but priced rather high. I asked the sales associate if the sticker price was the best price. She informed me that the prices were fixed and could not be changed. My next step was to ask for the manager.
Look at my find! Gorgeous silver cups.
When the manager came out I started talking about how amazing the product was. I slowly leaned in and made a proposition: “What is the best deal I can get if I buy all of them?” She gave them to me for half price. Which was great. Especially seeing that the associate had previously told me a deal could not be made.
Another great find.
If you are visiting a yard sale, I would encourage you to have a firm price in mind when looking at a piece. For example, if you know you won’t pay more than $500 for a bed, offer $300. Perhaps they will come in at $400. If that’s the case then you technically saved $100. The worst case scenario is that they say no.
Finally, bring an internet-ready device. Many times thrift store associates are not familiar with the value of an item and may often overprice it.
Use your mobile device to send pictures to friends and get their opinion if you aren’t sure what to pay. Visit auction sites like eBay to see what the going rate is. Typing in key words on major search engines may offer valuable information as well.
Keep in mind that all of these are just tips and are not fool-proof. You can be pleasant, speak with the manager and even start off with a great offer, and still get a plain-Jane no. Don’t fret. You tried. If you really want it, buy it. If it costs too much, leave it. Something else is bound to come along.
ShareSo you think you want to thrift but you just haven’t found the inspiration. Let me tell you why I love it!
Thrifting is an affordable way to find unique home decor and clothing. For example, I started thrifting as a means of finding clothes that none of my friends had, at a price that didn’t break the bank.
Design Happens: What We Love About Rashon
Design styles recycle themselves so you can find things that were once old, but are now new.
Don Draper’s Office, The Mid-Century Modernist
If you visit a few church swap meets, I’m sure you’ll find authentic pieces of furniture or accessories that inspired the Mad Men phenomena. You may even get a great story to go along with your treasure!
Repurposed Design: Repurposed and Recycled Decorating Projects
Thrifting is also eco-friendly. When you buy a used chair at a garage sale, you’re keeping it out of the landfill and reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, you can repurpose lots of things you find. How about turning a salvaged sink into a bird bath? While helping to save the environment you can get some stylish pieces – could there be anything better?
So…go in search of that perfect mirror, headboard or sofa. And be sure to tell us what you find.
What are you waiting for…the weekend is almost here!
ShareSay hi to our newest blogger, Rashon Carraway, aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting. If you love rummaging through thrift stores for the perfect design find, you’ll love Rashon’s weekly posts, all about thrifting. They’ll run every Friday starting tomorrow. And if you haven’t made his acquaintance yet, here’s a little about him.
Rashon began blogging under the alias Mr. Goodwill Hunting in 2009 as a way of sharing his love of thrifting with the world. Although a renter, Rashon felt the need to personalize his space without spending a lot of money. As his blog audience grew, he began to open up more about his decorating process, sharing his fantastic finds along the way.
HGTV Blog of the Month: Thrifting With Mr. Goodwill Hunting
In January 2011, Rashon made a guest appearance on the Nate Berkus and was invited back several times during the season. He became a regular guest during season two.
He owns a lifestyle firm, Rashon Carraway Designs, that seeks to help individuals live their best life through thrifting. He is also a wardrobe consultant and event planner.
In the summer of 2011 Rashon created I Love Thrifting Day bringing people together from all over the country to shop and the spread the word about his favorite topic.
ShareLast month we introduced you to Mr. Goodwill Hunting (aka Rashon Carraway) in our Blogger of the Month feature. While chatting about his blog and awesome thrifting skills, Rashon tipped me off that Saturday, July 9th is “I Love Thrifting” Day. So what is I <3 Thrifting Day? Rashon says, “I’m encouraging all my followers and others to join in and descend upon thrift stores to show a solid front.” Together designers and style-conscious folks in the online community can bring attention to the importance of repurposed design and their love of thrifting.
With several avid thrifters and fans of Mr. Goodwill Hunting on staff, we knew we couldn’t pass this event up. So, the HGTV Design Happens team has decided to host an I <3 Thrifting event in the city where we are based—Knoxville, Tenn.! So, if your close by, come and join us! We’d love to meet you. Check back for more details on where and when.
Or you can go thrifting with the designers hosting thrifting in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Denver, Phoenix, Roanoke, Va., Columbia, S.C., Charlotte, N.C. and Toledo, Ohio. Plus, continue to check Rashon’s blog and Facebook page for host updates in your city. Even if there’s not an official host near you, you can communicate with those participating in the event by using the Twitter hashtag #ilovethrifting to find interested folks in your community that may want to meet up and shop!
And don’t forget to order an I <3 Thrifting t-shirt to proudly wear around your city. (I’m getting the pink one!)
What are your I <3 Thrifting plans for July 9?
Tell us in the comments below.
ShareOkay, before we dive into the stunning interior design work and jaw-dropping thrifting skills of Mr. Goodwill Hunting (aka Rashon Carraway), I have to comment on his killer wardrobe.
So sophisticated! So suave! (And handsome, too, yes?) Rashon told me, “My dress definitely influences my interior design style. I believe most people can have a comfortable space if they create a home that directly resembles their wardrobe.” Let’s take a look at his living room, shall we?
One of my favorite aspects of the blog Mr. Goodwill Hunting is that Rashon not only shares the treasures he finds for his clients, he also shares decor updates and design ideas from his own home. His love of interior design and repurposed decor is instantly evident in his living room. What a stunning space. What was once an outdated, striped sofa, Rashon reupholstered for a fresh, contemporary look. And while Rashon says his living room is “in process”, I think it looks magnificent as is.
More on Mr. Goodwill Hunting
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