Just Before You Go-a-Thrifting

A Beginner’s Guide To Thrift Shopping

“He who will not economize will have to agonize” – Confucius

Wise man that Confucius, He totally knew what he was saying when he uttered the words above.

Thrifting or the art of purchasing second-hand items has become the new
cool, gone are the days we used to feel shy or embarrassed because we got stuff from the thrift market or store. Now it’s totally a boast-worthy thing to score fab items at ridiculously low prices.

Now that we have that out of the way, What do you need to consider before you go – a- thrifting? It’s one thing to buy cheap stuff and it’s another to score items of great quality.

I’m no expert yet I’ll be sharing a few tips that have helped me during my thrift-scapades. Take note that no one is really a pro at thrifting, we learn every day so we can get better at it.

Practical Tips to help you score gems while Thrift Shopping

• The first thing is to know what exactly you want to buy.

If you are one who thrifts a lot or a newbie you know that every thrift market or store has different sections for different items. Hence before going – a – thrifting, I’d advice you know what you want to buy and make a list so you don’t go wandering about the market.

• The second thing is to have a budget.

Budget? For cheap stuff ?? Well, when shopping for anything it is always advisable to work with a budget.

It is so easy to get carried away with how affordable things at the market are and you might end up splurging on items you don’t even need. Although impulse buying works for some it’s best to shop based on your pocket or wallet (as the case may be).

• Here’s another helpful one; Go shopping with a friend.

Personally, I enjoy going to the thrift market alone, so I don’t even know why I’m telling you to go with a friend.

Yet, if you’re a newbie at this and you know someone who a pro at thrift shopping you could bring the person along so that you don’t get “robbed” or over pay for items.

• Another thing to do while at the market is to check your items thoroughly.

Now you are at the market, alone or with a friend, ensure you check any item you purchase thoroughly. Be it clothes, footwear or accessories. Check the buttons, zippers, check for holes and tears.

Also, examine the colour of the material, if you aren’t sure if it’s faded or that’s just the colour, KINDLY DROP IT! so as to avoid purchasing something you’ll end up wearing maybe once or twice or never at all.

• Also, make sure to be observant.

Yes! I know, you have a list but something fancy can still catch your eye. Always be observant you never can tell what thrift goodie you might score.

I for one always pay attention to shops selling clothes or bags whenever I’m out (not thrifting) because I never know what nice thing I might see. Plus if I don’t have the money I drop something as a deposit so the retailer can know I’m serious.

That’s how I scored this lovely satchel for only 600 bucks. Call that a thrift steal! ;)o

• Now you’re done selecting your item, the next step is to negotiate and drive a good bargain.

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Whatever you’re purchasing be it preowned or new, bargaining is always essential.
Retailers tend to double or sometimes triple the prices of their goods. It’s up to you to bring your negotiation game to the table and score yourself cool items at a steal.

If the retailer states a ridiculous price divide it in half (½) and sternly tell them that’s what you want to pay. If they refuse to budge, you should totally apply the walking away technique. If they call you back you’ve definitely scored yourself a good bargain, if they don’t oh welp!

You could decide to settle for their price or simply try another stall. This totally depends on how badly you need that item.

Thrifting is too essential right now because we are bringing back vintage fashion and where’s the best place to find quality vintage items? Yes! You guessed right it’s totally the Thrift Market.

Here are some other items I’ve scored while thrifting, you wouldn’t believe how much I got them for 😉

Patterned Shirt and Beige Pants

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Do these tips sound helpful?

Do you have other tips?

What’s the cheapest yet quality item you’ve scored while thrifting?

I’d really love to hear from you.

Until next time,

WanShyGirl ❤❤