Thrifting Tips & Techniques - A wrinkled dollar Guide

Hi, my name is Jessica and I'm a thriftaholic. Recently I've been receiving questions about how I find such great deals on thrifted items. Below is my response to those questions.

I will openly admit that thrifting isn't for everyone, but if you fit into one of the following categories I'm hoping you will enjoy my list.

1. You've never been thrifting, but would like to start.

2. You've been thrifting, but never had any luck.

3. You go thrifting all the time and find great deals.

(If you fall into category #3, please feel free to comment on this post with your tips)!

Okay, here's THRIFTING TIPS & TECHNIQUES, a wrinkled dollar guide.


1. How low can you go? The price of second hand clothing is great already, but why pay more when you can pay less? Seek out special deal days at your local thrift store and plan your shopping around those dates. For example, the Goodwill near me takes 50% off everything the first Saturday of the month. They also have a ‘color of the week’, which means any clothing items with the designated color tag are 50% off. Then, on Sunday all those items drop to $.99! The Salvation Army near my old stomping grounds does 5 for $5 on Friday and Saturday - you get 5 “tag color of the week” items for just $5! Now, I’m not saying I never pay full price. If you find a must have item and it is worth the cost, snatch-that-sucker-up! But, sometimes patience can really pay off! Go ask the cashier at your local thrift store to see what’s shakin!

2. Where everybody knows your name. You can’t pop your head in a thrift store once a month and expect a gold rush. I know you’re busy, but if you want to find great stuff you have to become a frequent shopper. You are not the only treasure hunter; don’t let others find the loot first! The employees should know your name and you should know what they had for dinner last night (ok, not really, but you get the point). Zooey Deschanel just dropped off her entire wardrobe at Goodwill last night! Are you going to miss out on that action? I don’t think so. Get your butt in there.

3. One is the loneliest shopper. Two thrifters are better than one. If you get overwhelmed, split the racks and work together. This is especially true on deal days, because you may need to move fast and two people can cover more ground. Avoid thrifters wrist (a pain which may develop from lugging around enormous amounts of clothing) and let your shopping partner offer their advice on what to buy and what you can live without. Disclaimer: make sure you find someone who loves second-hand shopping as much as you otherwise they may get bored and start giving you the “are you ready” eyes. Then, you will reply with the “I just started eyes” and things can get violent!

4. Early bird gets the deal. Simple concept, show up early and have first pickens, need I say more?

5. Mr/Ms Fix it. Ever find a really cool skirt, but the hem was too long? Ever get excited about a top until you realize it has a small surface stain? Before you pass up anything consider what you can do to fix the problem. Alterations and cleanup can transform a so-so item into a gem! Bring along a Tide pen and discretely swipe the stain to see if it will come up (the dressing room is a great place to do this). If you can sew, channel Tim Gunn and make it work!

6. Luck is preparation meeting opportunity: If you are not the type who likes to sift through every item, rack by rack then you better go in with some ideas. Keep a list of pieces that are on your radar or pull images out of magazines and keep them in a notebook. Doing this will give you a starting point and can help alleviate feelings of anxiety as you stare at the vast sea of clothing. Most thrift stores are sorted by style and then color, so if you are looking for a purple skirt you should be able to figure out where to look pretty quickly. Then, keep checking that spot on your next visits and hopefully (fingers crossed) one day the perfect skirt will appear.

7. Hawk Eyes. Two places to look for great finds: 1. The return rack near the dressing rooms, 2. The cart or rack that was just wheeled out from the back. Keep your eyes peeled! Another tip: Let’s say some cute alt girl is holding a blouse that you really want. Keep tabs on her. If she decides not to purchase the blouse you need to be the first to see where she puts it down. Yes, kind of creepy, but necessary if you want the blouse, okay?

8. The Social Network. Did you know that thrift stores like Goodwill are now on Facebook and Twitter? Search for your local chapter, (mine is Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana). I love Facebook Fridays! All you have to do is ‘like’ Goodwill on Facebook and you receive money-saving coupons! Coupons are for Facebook fans only and are available for download through the Facebook Fridays page. Thanks Zuckerberg!

9. Can I see your ID? Many thrift stores offer additional discounts if you are a student, senior or active military. Ask your cashier and don’t forget to bring proof! Seniors get 30% off at most Goodwill locations on Wednesday. Maybe Grams will be your shopping buddy!

10. Enter the Unknown. You are a woman. The department sign says women’s. According to basic logic you are shopping in the right spot, but don’t let silly signs tell you what to do! You are free to shop every rack of every section. Venture out and sift through the men’s and even kid’s clothes (boy’s tees can work for you ladies with a small frame)! Men can even find stuff in the women’s department (a little awkward, but true). A lot of plaid and oxford shirts get tossed in the men’s department because they are considered to be more of a masculine item, but women wear them – very well – all the time! Ever heard of the boyfriend shirt, where do you think you will find that?

11. Use them thoughtfully: Don’t forget to check out accessories. Items such as scarves, belts and jewelry often get overlooked, but can make or break an outfit. Belts are especially easy to find and usually cost a dollar or less. I personally love looking at vintage costume jewelry.

Ok, now go use those wrinkled dollars!

Thanks for reading and happy hunting.