by L.M. Garrison

Created on: August 08, 2009   Last Updated: February 25, 2010

For anyone who loves shopping and finding great bargains, thrift stores can be the perfect place to shop. Smart shoppers find beautiful clothing, linens and glassware in excellent condition, at a fraction of retail prices. However, thrift shopping requires more time and effort than shopping in retail stores.

Many thrift stores are large and include several different departments. Before you get overwhelmed, zero in on the departments you want to shop. Thrift stores generally separate merchandise into broad categories like glassware, linens, books, toys and clothing. The clothing will then be arranged into smaller sections of men's, women's, and children's. It's also a good idea to spot the dressing rooms, restrooms, and check-out counter before you start browsing.

One disadvantage of thrift shopping is that the merchandise is not brand new, and therefore, sometimes not perfect. Look carefully! When you spot an appealing item, examine it critically. Glassware and decorative items should be checked for cracks, chips, discoloration, and missing pieces. Carefully check clothing and linens  for tears, stains, loose stitching, pilling, shrinkage, or any other signs of wear. Depending on your intended use for the item, you may be willing to purchase a damaged item for a thrift store price. If not, you'll want to know about the damage before making your purchases.

Take your time. A thrift store is not the place to run in and grab what you need. It pays to spend time carefully looking at everything. As many thrift stores are stuffed with merchandise, you may find yourself shuffling through racks and rummaging through shelves and bins to find the best buys. If you only glance at the items in the front, you'll miss the hidden gems. It's also best to avoid distractions. Children, spouses, and friends can make it difficult or impossible to successfully shop. It's best to go alone when you have time to browse thoroughly.

Before you complete your purchase, familiarize yourself with the store's policies. Are items returnable? The store's return policies may help you decide when you're unsure about a purchase. Do they discount damaged or incomplete items? If you're not going to put the item on display or wear it in public, you may be willing to purchase an imperfect item at a discounted price. Are there special discounts or sale days? Some stores offer discounts to students, seniors, and other groups. There are also many stores that offer half-price days and seasonal clearance sales. To get the most bang for your buck, take advantage of every possible price reduction.

Most importantly, have fun! Many seasoned thrift shoppers view it as an adventure. The thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of snagging a super bargain will make all your time and effort worthwhile!

Learn more about this author, L.M. Garrison.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.