From Novice to Thrifting Expert: Your Ultimate Guide

Thrifting has been around for several centuries now, but it's transformed into a fully-fledged phenomenon over the last few decades. You'll find consignment stores popping up in every second city or town, but if you're new to the thrifting scene, your first few visits can be quite overwhelming!

Although it might seem like any other shopping experience, browsing through a second-hand store takes a little more patience and skill than what many of us are used to. If you're eager to dabble in the world of thrifting, we've got all the tips and techniques to take you from a thrift store novice to a used goods expert!

What Is Thrifting?

While you're likely familiar with the term 'thrifting,' you may not be sure exactly what it means. In a nutshell, thrifting refers to the process of shopping for used goods, including anything from clothing and accessories to homeware and electronics, usually at a second-hand store. Most thrift shops are non-profit businesses that rely on donations for their stock. Some specialize in particular types of products, while others accept goods from a range of different categories.

Why Has Thrifting Become So Popular?

Thrifting has been a popular way to shop for quite some time now. In the past, it was seen as a convenient place to find affordable or unique items. This made it a hit among those trying to live frugally or on limited means, as well as others who preferred to shop for vintage garments rather than buy from contemporary stores.

In recent years, thrifting has seen a surge in popularity as people have switched to this style of shopping in an effort to be more sustainable. As the negative ramifications of fast fashion become more evident, many shoppers have veered away from traditional stores and have chosen to purchase pre-loved goods instead. These days, it's generally seen as a more ethical and environmentally friendly approach to shopping.

What Do I Need to Keep In Mind When Thrifting?

Before you delve into the world of thrifting, there are a few things to keep in mind ahead of each consignment store outing.

Just like with any other shopping trip, not every visit to your local vintage store will be a success. If you didn't manage to find anything to your liking during your first visit, don't lose hope!

Even though most stores will ensure the items they sell are in good condition, some might need some extra work to get them looking spick and span.

Thrifting is a more eco-friendly choice compared to buying from a fast fashion store, but it's still essential to keep sustainable practices with the items you purchase. For example, just because an item was inexpensive doesn't mean you should only wear it a handful of times.

Returns policies vary between second-hand stores, and many don't offer refunds or exchanges unless an item is damaged.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Thrifting Experience

These are the must-know tips to ensure you give yourself the best chance at having a positive thrifting adventure.

Be Open-Minded

Easily one of the most important rules to remember when thrift shopping is to approach each experience with an open mind. Unlike most stores, where you may have a rough idea about what products and styles you'll spot, second-hand stores can always surprise you with their rare finds.

Give Yourself Adequate Time

Many consignment stores have huge inventories that can take a lot of patience to browse through, so it's always a good idea to set aside a significant chunk of time. A rushed visit can prevent you from unearthing all the easy-to-miss gems and quirky items dotted around the store.

Focus On Well-Made Items

You likely see anything from fast fashion pieces to high-end designer goods in most second-hand shops. If you're thrift shopping in an effort to be more eco-conscious, it's much better to stick to quality items that will stand the test of time rather than cheaper alternatives that aren't as durable.

Examine Each Item Thoroughly

In most cases, only items in decent condition will be accepted by thrift stores, but there may be some blemishes or faults with certain goods. This may not be an issue for many customers, but it's imperative that you check for signs of damage or wear and tear before parting with your hard-earned cash.

Set Yourself a Budget

Even though the prices in stores that sell pre-loved items tend to be a fraction of those in other shops, it's still easy to blow your budget when you find pieces you love. Because of this, it's worth coming up with a budget ahead of time.

Visit During Off-Peak Times

We previously mentioned how tricky it can be at times to root through the often crowded racks and shelves in thrift stores. While there's no way to avoid this sometimes time-consuming process fully, planning your trips during quiet times, like during the week, can make things much less stressful.

Try Out Different Stores

Some second-hand shops are simply a better fit for you than others, whether that's based on your specific tastes or other factors like organization, layout, or stock. As such, don't let one bad experience deter you from giving another store a shot, as they all have their own niches and quirks.

Check the Store's Social Media Profiles

Over the last few years, many vintage stores have begun to utilize social media in the same way as traditional retailers. If any of your local thrift shops have a Facebook or Instagram page, you may find that they post updates about anything from upcoming sales to new inventory.

Learn How to Thrift Like a Pro

There's an art to thrifting, and at first, it can be baffling how some people leave the store with some incredible finds while you're struggling to spot anything of interest to you! With this guide, you'll be better equipped than ever to root out the hidden treasures and become a skilled second-hand shopper.