Deals, deals, deals! There are many great deals to be found in Thrift Stores if you know how to look. Here are some tips to get the most out of your shopping experience.

Enjoy this guest post by Maria Rainier! xo – Jessica Rae

23 Tips for Shopping Thrift Stores Like a Pro

1. Don’t be afraid to buy used – Thrift stores are now more socially acceptable than ever. Don’t be worried that you’re buying used, nobody will know unless you tell them.
2. Inspect the items carefully – Check for stains, holes, tears, missing buttons, and broken zippers. Make sure any pockets are intact and don’t have holes in them.
3. Don’t expect a dressing room – Some thrift stores have them, but many don’t. Wear a tight-fitting top so that you can try on things over top of it.
4. Have a plan – Thrift stores are often have a large variety of merchandise, knowing what you want beforehand can save you a lot of time.
5. Leave the kids at home – It can be difficult to keep an eye on them while you shop, and since most of the merchandise is unboxed, there is quite a bit of mischief they can get into.
6. Find out when the sales are – Yes thrift stores have sales, some even have a weekly Half-Off Day.
7. Ask the store employees to keep an eye out for hard-to-find items –That way they can set it it aside if one comes in.
8. Stockpile clothes for the kids to grow into – If you find something nice that’s just a little too big, buy it and set it aside.
9. Make it a weekly routine – You never know what you’re going to find at a thrift store. One week there may be nothing you like, and the next you may find a virtual gold mine.
10. 

    Writer: Maria Rainier

    Bring your friends along – Thrift stores oftentimes have unique clothes you’ve never seen anywhere else. This can be quite amusing for you and your girlfriends, and a second opinion never hurts.

11. Be willing to take your time – Thrift stores aren’t known for their organization. It’s best to put a little time aside so that you don’t miss out on any great deals.
12. Exchange old clothes for credit – What better way is there to save than to exchange old clothes you no longer want?
13. If you find that you’re accumulating too many clothes, bring one old piece with you each week and exchange it for a new one.
14. Go outside the city to shop – Often times the busier thrift stores are picked over fairly quickly. If you live in a city, consider making a short trip to the outlying areas to find a better selection.
15. Look for quality brands – Oftentimes people donate quality brands simply because they don’t fit anymore.
16. Don’t be afraid to try new brands – Sometimes quality foreign brands you’ve never heard of pop up in thrift stores.
17. Don’t forget the accessories – Thrift stores are excellent for accessories such as fine hats and belts.
18. Avoid personal undergarments and make-up – Not all thrift stores carry these items, but if they do, avoid them.
19. Check the washing instructions – It’s not really worth it to buy used clothes that require dry cleaning.
20. Test out new styles – Thrift stores can be great to try out a new style without making a big investment.
21. Wash your clothes before wearing them – Why? Because it’s just icky not too.
22. Keep an eye out for clothes that still have the original tag on them – Overstock and factory rejected clothes, that are perfectly fine, sometimes find their way into thrift stores. Keep an eye out for these excellent deals.
23. Use the internet to find stores in your area – If you’re unsure where to find a  thrift shop in your area, use the internet. Some suggested sites are TheThriftShopper.com, ThriftyPlanet.com, and Goodwill.com.

Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she writes about education, online degrees, and what it takes to succeed as a student working towards an online bachelors degree from home. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.