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    Home » Money Saving Tips » Budgeting

    How to Shop at Thrift Stores

    Modified: Sep 4, 2015 · Published: Apr 14, 2014 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment
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    how to shop at thrift stores

    If you are not shopping at thrift stores, you might be missing out on some hidden treasures! Thrift stores are a great place to find clothing, appliances, books and much more! I highly suggest checking out your local thrift store to see what fun things you can find.

    How to Shop at Thrift Stores

    Have Plenty of Time

    Shopping at a thrift store is not like walking into a department store where things are clearly organized. Thrift stores are not always the most organized. Plan on having a couple of hours to really dig through everything and find exactly what you are looking for. If you take the time to look through all the racks you can score some great stuff on the cheap!

    Set a Budget

    Be prepared to find a lot of great deals when shopping at a thrift store. Sometimes you find so many great deals you end up spending way more than you were prepared for. It’s very easy to grab lots of items when they are only a few bucks each, but each dollar adds up. Have a clear budget in mind when you head out to shop or better yet bring cash! Having only cash on hand will ensure you can’t spend more than you planned.

    Check Your Items

    Before you purchase any item make sure you fully inspect it. You will want to look for rips, tears or stains on clothing. If you are looking at household appliances plug them in to ensure they are in working order. Knowing if there is anything wrong with the item will allow you to make an informed decision before you purchase. There is nothing wrong with buying a damaged item if it is marked down and you the ability to fix it.

    Shop Alone

    If possible try shopping alone. As stated earlier shopping at thrift stores takes a lot of time. You might ended up spending hours in one store and you will want to focus on digging through the racks. Bringing little ones can sometimes distract you at a thrift store and you might not be able to take the time you need.

    Bring a List

    You will come across some unexpected finds at a thrift store but you should still bring a list. Having a list will give you a general idea of what you are looking for. It is easy to forget what you are looking for once you are in the store looking at all the great treasures.

    More Budgeting

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    • Important Lessons Learned About Credit Repair
    • 5 Reasons Why Re-gifting Rocks
    • How to Live on One Income

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    Alison McFadden

    Welcome to Everyday Shortcuts, where I share delicious and simple recipes that anyone can cook, practical household tips and clever shortcuts to help simplify your everyday life. 

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