If you’re looking for truly one-of-a-kind items that you can’t find anywhere else, a secondhand store is the place for you. I’ve been able to find some awesome pieces and beautiful clothing at my local secondhand store, but sometimes the whole excursion is a total dud. Shopping at a secondhand store can be quite a hit-or-miss scenario, especially if you’re not privy to the top tricks of the trade. Luckily, after a bit of trial and error, I’ve discovered how to make the most of my trips to our local secondhand store, and I’m ready to share my wisdom with y’all. Below are some of my top tips to find success at a secondhand store, so you can come home with items you really love.
Learn how to sort trash from treasure
Not every item at a secondhand store is going to be a winner. Chances are you’ll need to do a bit of digging in order to find your diamond in the rough. Knowing how to distinguish trash from treasure will help you save time during your next trip to the secondhand store and will make the entire affair more successful. If your thrift shop specializes in furniture and home goods, make sure you’re able to accurately distinguish which items are vintage and which items are just plain old. Not all antique items are created the same, after all, and some will be crafted with far greater quality than others. Likewise, if you’re in the market for a new outfit, be sure to check the label for each clothing item first. If you’re not too familiar with famous fashion brands, don’t be afraid to pull out your phone and do a quick Google search of different labels as well.
Go in with a game plan
One of the best tips to find success at a secondhand store is to go in with a game plan. Most secondhand shops house a wide variety of different items, and it can be very easy to become overwhelmed. Having a rough idea of the type of items you’re looking for ensures that you won’t get too distracted and end up at the register with a million items you don’t really need.
Keep an open mind
As important as it is to have a game plan, it’s equally important that you keep an open mind. Half the fun of shopping at a secondhand store is the opportunity to browse and explore to your heart’s content. As you dig through the racks or sort through the shelves, you’ll likely uncover an item that you never knew you needed. When browsing through clothes, try looking one size above and below your regular size. Things get misplaced or mislabeled all the time at secondhand stores. Broadening your search in this small way increases the chances that you’ll uncover a true gem.
