thrift tips (from someone who actually works at a thrift store)
so basically i’ve been working at a thrift store for about 4 months now (a chain one, not value village but similar), but i’ve been a thrifter for years. TRUST MEEE the inside knowledge i’ve gained as an employee has turned my thrifting experiences upside down.
so i’m thinking why not share that info to help y’all thrift better?
what you need to know…
before you go:
the busiest times of year for donations is during season changes (spring to summer, summer to fall, etc) and uni/college move in week. a lot of places don’t take donations during this time of year, but some will. always ask places if they’re accepting donations during these times, because if they are, there will be LOTS of new merchandise on the floor.
the busiest times of the week in a thrift are usually midday/afternoons on weekends (fri/sat/sun) and afternoons/evenings on weekdays. the busiest times of year are around any holidays and back to school season. i strongly avoid doing huge hauls around these times of year. you will be in there FOREVER. basically: the best time to thrift is morning to midday any day of the week, if your schedule allows it.
if you’re looking for a specific style, make a pinterest board or some kind of list for inspiration/comparisons. this can really help you find things you like. be sure to include a desired colour palette to compare! (this isn’t necessary but i know some ppl are looking for specific things lol)
most places roll out donations during the week. over the weekends, things get pretty picked clean.
bring a soft measuring tape for measuring clothing! if you don’t like trying clothes on or the thrift doesn’t allow it, make sure to take your measurements before you leave and write them down. don’t be afraid to measure garments, because if you usually wear an XL in certain brands, not all brands are consistent.
clothing is not washed at thrift stores. we do not have the time for that lol. it comes as is. do what you will with this info and keep that in mind.
BRING YOUR OWN BAGS PLS LMFAOOOOO PLEASE. reusable bags from thrifts are often expensive or sometimes even just fully plastic (which literally defeats the purpose of thrifting out of eco consciousness so…)
wear a mask- not just to protect yourself from germs but also dust! dust is so common in thrifts. your lungs and throat will thank me later.
bring hand sanitizer! it can help get rid of germs and sticky residue on your hands (things just are sticky all the time and it sucks lol)
if you plan on spending a lot of time in the store, definitely carry a water bottle and some snacks. thrifting is tiring. it is so exhausting being pretty and having fun /j
SET A BUDGET!!! it is sooo easy to get carried away in a thrift because the prices are so low. whether your budget is strict or fluid, it is always good to have a budget so you don’t overindulge.
while you’re thrifting…
be mindful of others. do not hoard items or buy things you will never use. some people thrift because they cannot afford to shop at other places.
ALSOOO!! this goes to the skinny babes out there (i’m one of y’all but LISTEN TO ME !!)- LEAVE PLUS SIZED CLOTHING ALONE. if you’re looking for the oversized look, sizing up one or two sizes is fine. but do NOT go taking plus sized clothing away from other people! everyone deserves to find cute clothes at the thrift!
with that said, if you’re capable of wearing adult sizes, pls stop buying kids clothing. i don’t care if it’s trendy to wear teeny tiny shirts, you can find those in the adult sections!! parents need to clothe their kids too </3
do not be afraid to ask for help. the employees are there to assist you if you need it!! however pls don’t ask us “do you have (xyz specific niche product)” because we definitely have no idea what we do and don’t have for sure lmao.
do not be afraid to haggle prices. if a shirt has a stain and you love it but it’s $7 and you have no idea if it’ll come out, ask if they can reduce the price. 9/10 times they do not care and will DEFINITELY drop the price lol.
if you are a student, have coupons, or may qualify for any other discounts remember to ask how to qualify for them! thrifting isn’t just a chance to shop eco friendly and find some amazing and unique finds, but also a good way to save as much money as possible. use those discounts up babe.
if you can, always try things on before buying. sometimes a pair of jeans looks cute on the rack but it might not be what you’re looking for!! it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if they don’t do returns.
while checking out…
have your bags on hand!
know which items you have inquires about and either hand them to the cashier first or last! it helps keep you both organized :)
if they collect hangers at the front, remember to give all your hangers to the cashier! if they don’t, ask what to do with your hangers!! just pls do not leave hangers in the cart or in your basket!!!
tell the cashier about any discounts or coupons you may qualify for in order to get the most bang for your buck.
if the store allows returns, ALWAYS GRAB YOUR RECEIPT! actually no even if they don’t take returns, grab your receipt. it helps you know how much you spent on what items and will often tell you how much you saved as well :)
you don’t always need to thrift items you intend to upcycle or resell! it’s okay to allow yourself to buy things you just want as is.
if you’re having trouble deciding if you really should get an item you really want, do it (if your budget allows it). there is only one of every thing (generally) in a thrift.
shopping for off-season items can help you find more gems. if you’re looking for sweaters and coats in the summer, 99% of people won’t be. you’ll be more likely to find better stuff that you get to keep all to yourself.
after you’re done…!
if you thrift often and find that you have a lot of clothing, give back! imagine you have a bowl of fruit. over time, if you keep taking from the fruit bowl, it will become empty. if you want more fruit, you have to refill it, right? donations help keep thrifts in business!
if a thrift allows returns, do not remove any store tags until you’re sure you want to keep the item! just in case it maybe looks different than you thought in different lighting, or maybe doesn’t go with that skirt you wanted to pair it with (for an example lol).
if you intend on reselling, do lots of research on the item you purchased. the other day i thrifted a flute- barely used- and got it for $70 CAD. turns out, it’s worth $830 CAD brand new and about $300 used! (too bad i’m keeping it lol)
if you accidentally purchased something you didn’t really want or can’t return, ask some friends or online groups if anyone would like to take it! if it’s a unique find, someone is bound to love it. and- worst case scenario, you can always resonate it.
final thoughts…!
in the end, these are just tips and tricks i’ve picked up as a thrifter over the years and as i’ve worked at one. some of these things i’ve learned from customers i’ve met or even my friends, and they’ll all helped me thrift more efficiently than i did in the past :)
whether you choose to follow these is up to you! don’t take anything i say too seriously, it’s all just for fun. i wish you luck on your future thrifts! may you find everything on your wish lists <3
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