How to find treasures in savings and used stores

If you are looking to locate unique or precious items, see these quick tips.


Those who seek to strike racks in savings and second -hand stores generally do so in the hope of finding a good deal on a rare brand or even meeting something that could make them rich . Of course, opt to follow the vintage route when purchases can add a lot of work to the process. But just like looking for interesting discoveries at any large retailer, a little additional knowledge can allow you to allow you a real length in your second -hand search. Read the rest for expert advice on how to find treasures in Thrift and Secondhand stores.

In relation: 7 ways to spot false offers and scams during online purchases .

1
Start with the customs clearance.

clearance rack sign
Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

If you are in a second-hand store, it might seem counterattack to search for items that are even more reduced. But according to Vivian Kelly , vintage clothing and fashion expert , the customs clearance section is where you have to go first, even when you save.

"I always start with customs clearance," says Kelly Better life . "I found real jewels hidden on these racks simply because others do not know what they are looking for."

Andrea Woroch , save money and Lifestyle budget expert , agree, adding that these articles have probably been on racks for some time. "These are items that have not been sold within a certain period and have been marked," she says, which means that you could mark a rare discovery and pay even less.

2
Know where you are looking for.

exterior of small town thrift store
June Marie Sobrido / Shutterstock

City downs will be disappointed to learn that they may have to travel to locate certain treasures. According to Deepak Tailor ,, Founder and CEO Among the latest free things on the site, smaller savings stores can be gold mines.

"City-small savings stores are the best types to shop for and in less known stores," he explains. "Used stores in big cities and major brand stores tend to be very expensive and they don't have as many unique items."

These more localized stores are not only more affordable but also more likely to have the "only" parts you are looking for, says Tailor.

However, if you work with what is available in a larger city, this can help target specific areas.

"The most astonishing find that I marked was in a thrift store in a warehouse distribution area where most buyers were looking for new items and went on conventional vintage parts," said Brenda Christensen , CEO of Stellar public relations and former owner of the vintage clothing store in Los Angeles Vintage Diva. "I found a pair of Chanel sneakers at a simple dollar and sold them online for $ 1,000 to a buyer in Paris."

In relation: 6 best clothes to buy in thrift stores, stylists say .

3
Try to beat the crowd.

close up of woman's hands while she sifts through clothing on the rack
Chaay_tee / Shutterstock

Many buyers plan to present themselves early to the main sales events in traditional stores to ensure that they get the items they are looking for. But in unique shopping situations like Thrift and Secondhand Stores, this can particularly be paid to be the time.

"Although most savings stores add new items throughout the day, getting the first in the morning means that things are more organized, and you will be the first to see if something new has been put on the ground, "said Jennifer Prince , owner and merchandiser to It is found vintage .

Of course, he can also pay to get an idea of ​​how the store works by often visiting in general.

"The more often you go, the more you learn when they release new goods, what are their sales days - and in some cases, what days they do not replenish," said Willow Wright , Owner of Urban Redex In Alexandria, Virginie. "For example, a local store near my home does not restore Monday, because everything is 25% on Tuesday."

4
Do not be aware of the articles - even if they seem to be torn or damaged.

woman inspecting shirt at thrift shop
Speedkingz / Shutterstock

If you see something that is broken in the shopping center or at the grocery store, there is a good chance that you will leave it on the shelf and that you may make an employee. But if you see something in ruins in a thrift store, it could be your lucky day.

"You can also buy parts that require repair if you know what repairs cost," says Kelly, noting that you should first locate a renowned repair workshop.

Sometimes, however, the articles are just in front of their peak - and you will have to make the last call. "If an article is simply too exhausted, it may be preferable to transmit it," adds Kelly. "Clothes have a shelf life."

5
Use your phone.

close up on woman's hands using smartphone
A_B_C / Shutterstock

Most of us do not leave the house without our smartphones, and you will want to make sure you have yours when you make tabling, according to experts.

"Always have your phone at hand when searching in second -hand stores," said Tailor. "You can easily search for articles that you might think of being precious and see what they opt online."

You will then have a better idea of ​​knowing if the price is a good deal, that you keep the article for you or resell, he adds.

In relation: 6 strange hacks of goodwill ex-employees .

6
Make friends in the right places.

two women discussing a yellow shirt in front of a clothing rack at a store
Antoniodiaz / Shutterstock

If you've already obtained a reliable second -hand store, Kelly recommends getting friends with the owners.

"They will make you know in advance when something good happens," she said, adding that you can turn the same and "pass the word" to their shop.

"I also let the owners know what I am looking for, and they will keep it in mind when they buy articles for their inventory," explains Kelly.

Don't you get much out of staff? This can also help know your buyers' colleagues.

"I suggest making friends with people who enter the store while you are there," said Mikara Reid ,, Personal style consultant at Miien. "They can try to sell things at the store or know other places to buy."

7
Do not exclude online purchases.

close up on hands holding credit card and typing on laptop
istock

Savings stores often evoke images of crowded and multicolored racks - and perhaps even a certain smell. But if you don't like the bustle of shopping in person (or just like to save time), you can look for treasures without leaving your home.

"Jump hours of passing in stores and look online," Sierra Skelly , editorial director at Goodbuy Gear, an online child consignment store , recommended. "There are a ton of online used purchase options now."

In relation: 6 fabric stylists say they will never wear .

8
Know what you're looking for.

Young man searching through racks at thrift store
istock

The very nature of savings and second -hand stores can ensure that the most organized stores feel a little chaotic. This is why it can be useful to have a plan before starting to browse the racks.

"Of course, I go to each savings store with an open mind, but I also find that keeping a list or making a specific article search can be very useful," explains Prince. "Instead of serpentine, looking for everything and anything, I often find exactly what I need when I am more focused on my list."

As part of your organization and planning, it can also help you have vital information at hand to help you refine your choices.

"If you are looking for something specific, whether it is a pair of pants or a work of art or furniture, know your dimensions required before leaving the house," suggests Wright. "A quick note on your phone will help you much later. Bring a tiny ribbon to measure - or if you are lucky, you can even find one in the tool area!" AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

9
Look for stores that sell "open articles".

Female hands lifting lid of cardboard package on wooden table
istock

Speaking of online stores, there is another advantage, says Skelly. There are certain key sentences of which any thrifter should be aware. If you hear that a consignment store is sold " Open box items , "It should be music in your ears.

"These are mainly soil models and high -end retailers," says Skelly. "They are just like new, but half the price!"

These offers are often available online through third-party retailers, who resell open items at a lower price, she explains.

In relation: 6 classic clothing items that never go out of motion, fashion experts say .

10
Time your dates of purchase correctly.

Male friends shopping in a secondhand market in summer
istock

Those who are looking for offers on the new fashion tend to follow the sales cycle to help ensure the best offers. But the experts say that there is a little effect to fall on used stores which can be advantageous for those who know.

"The best time of the year to go hugging is after the holidays in January," explains Christensen Better life . "People have obtained new articles for Christmas or Hanukka and get rid of things, they don't want who are new or replaced items."

But there is no reason to limit yourself to a single season. Other events of the year can also provide major finds to your local store.

"Spring is another ideal moment when people transport their unwanted items in the thrift store during spring cleaning rituals," she said. "And above all, the end of autumn is also good, because the start of the school year invites you to obtain a lot of a wardrobe and a fresh unblocking before the holidays."

11
Become an expert in your field of interest.

Shot of a woman making notes while using her laptop at home
istock

There is a big difference between knowing what you want and knowing what to look for there. This is why experts say that a little expertise can go a lot to the savings world, especially if you try to get a real rarity or an object of big tickets.

"It doesn't matter whether you save yourself for interior decoration, clothes or even books, it's important to spend time learning what you want to find," said Wright.

She says that as a reallowing of the furniture and decoration market, she spends hours addressing art and design books, current and past.

"Having an eye to find treasures sometimes comes naturally, but there are ways to train it," she said. "Finally, you will start to recognize the works of certain artists, pottery companies, lamp manufacturers and vintage fashion designers."

This story has been updated to include additional inputs, verification of facts and copying edition.


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