One of my favorite things to do is go thrifting or antiquing. It's a treasure hunt for the perfect addition to your home or closet. There's just something so gratifying about buying something for $1 that you know is worth so much more. I'm an art teacher and buying new clothing is pointless since it will eventually end up with paint on it. Yet I get compliments on my clothes regularly. When I tell them it's a thrift store item they usually respond saying they never find anything good when they shop at thrift stores. So here's my advice on how to be successful on your next outing to your local Goodwill or antique mall:
1. Look up, look down
Thrift stores and antique malls are only so big and sometimes they need to figure out creative ways to cram everything in to a tiny space. That's why they hang chairs from the ceiling or artwork high on the wall. That ship painting is the perfect example. I had to ask an employee to get it down for me so I could find out how much it was. I got it for $1. Probably because they didn't want to have to put it back and get it down again for another customer! That vintage pant hanger was found mixed in with a bunch of miscellaneous hangers stuffed in a plastic laundry basket with no price on it. They probably didn't think anyone would want to buy it and were going to use it to hang clothing with!
2. Frequent the little guys over the chains
Sure, places like Savers have clothing sorted by size and color. But they also draw more people in, which means the prices are higher and you are competing with all those people for a good find. The little auxiliary down the road run by volunteers might actually be where you'll find a true vintage find as older people donate more to those places.
3. Check for color tag sales or special discount days
It's pretty much a guarantee that holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day will be a big sale day. But most thrift stores have certain days of the week for senior day or color tag days. Some stores offer coupons if you donate as well.
4. Bargain your price
Just because it's priced doesn't mean that proce is set in stone. Antique store dealers know that more than likely they will have to go down on a price to make a sale. And that Goodwill shirt with the missing button isn't going anywhere unless someone wants to fix it. The worst they can do is say "no".
5. Make a list
Just like with the grocery store, you want to make a list of the things you need or want before your trip. If you know what you are looking for then your eye is more likely to catch it when you see it. It also gives you an excuse to go thrifting!
6. Check it twice
Make sure the item you are interested in has no stains, buttons missing, tears or missing parts before you buy. If it's an electrical item, find an outlet to test it first. If the damage is something you can live with or fix and is worth your time, then it's a go. Otherwise, let it go.
