Life Hack: How to Score Big at Thrifting

Thrifting is a fashion lover’s best friend. It’s a budget-friendly and sustainable way of finding unique and vintage items that you won’t be able to find in regular retail stores or via fast fashion.

Weaving in and out of local thrift stores or checking off major hotspots when visiting another city is the norm for the average thrifter—especially if you’re reselling. Unfortunately, most thrifters don’t know (or consider) thrifting hacks they can use to find some great items—amid mounds of the mundane.

This article will explore the best thrifting hacks you need to know to help you score big while thrifting.

Do a Background Check on Different Thrift Stores

If you’re hitting up a new store that you’ve never been to before, it’s important to do some groundwork. Research different thrift stores in your area, and take note of their customer reviews—this can help you gauge if they’ve got hidden gems, or if they’re overpriced.

This information can guide you on which stores to visit and which ones to avoid. If you notice a store is constantly flagged for overpricing its items, or you’ve read several negative personal experiences from other customers, you should probably check elsewhere.

Know What You’re Looking For

Thrift shopping is an exciting experience that might occasionally result in big impulse buying. The rush of finding a hidden gem can easily lead to spending outside your budget—especially out of fear you’ll never see it again.

Another thrifting hack is, therefore, to list the items you’re looking for to keep yourself in check. This can help limit excess spending and provides you with a concrete goal in mind when you’re rifling through stacks or racks of clothing.

Whether it’s a statement piece of jewelry, vintage furniture, or a denim jacket—jot it down. This list can help you remain focused and stick to your budget, even if you’re surrounded by unique finds.

Shop With an Open Mind

Just because there are specific things you’re looking for doesn’t mean you should leave a nice item on the shelf, provided it is within your budget. Thrifting is an adventure and all about the thrill of the surprise find. Keeping an open mind can lead to discovering a new piece you might not otherwise consider or personally gravitate toward.

Take Your Time

While going through the entire store might sound obvious, it can be daunting. A lot of the time, you’ll probably end up skimming through aisles or racks without checking out everything. Even with your list in hand, you never know what you’ll come across at a thrift store.

When thrift shopping, ensure you set aside the full day, or at least an afternoon. You want to have enough time to peruse all the sections.

Know When to Visit

Knowing when your thrift store restocks can increase your likelihood of finding great gems.

Weekends are the worst time for thrifting. Typically, most thrift stores receive new arrivals during weekends, but these items must be sorted out and priced before being placed on the shelves.

Most people don’t work during weekends, which means these stores are often crowded. If possible, it’s best to go thrift shopping on weekdays. Morning hours are ideal, when not many people will be out and about shopping.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Some stores might have weekly discounts for certain item categories, whereas others might hold holiday or seasonal sales. Also, don’t be shy of requesting a discount, especially if you identify some damage to the product. They’re more likely to want to get rid of it.

Many independent or local thrift stores also offer membership or rewards programs, which can be a great incentive for repeat customers.

Always Try on Clothes Before Buying

Don’t always trust the size on your item’s tag label, as different brands are notorious for having varying size charts. To guarantee that your pick fits you well, and love how it looks on you, try it out first before purchasing.

Trying out your items also makes it easier to inspect them for any damage, such as missing buttons, stains, or holes.

Final Thoughts

Thrifting is all about having fun while securing great deals at it. Yes, leaving the store empty-handed might feel quite disappointing. But if you truly want to score big at thrift stores and find gems that reflect your unique style, exercising patience and incorporating these thrifting hacks is key.