From emails to tweets to comments, I tend to get the same questions related to thrift shopping. I’ve done posts on most of these questions but I wanted to compile a FAQ {frequently asked questions} post for you guys. Here are my top five frequently asked questions related to thrift shopping.

Q: How do I find a good thrift store in my area?
A: Thrift stores aren’t created equally, so it’s really a matter of trial and error. It takes time to find the store that’s best for you. Take a drive or walk around your area to scope out secondhand shops, ask friends for referrals and visit websites for national chains like Salvation Army and Goodwill to find a location near you. And be sure to check out The Thrift Shopper, it’s a national directory of resale shops.

Q: I live in a small town, will I find good stuff at my thrift store?
A: Some people tend to think only major cities have awesome thrift stores, and this is so not true. Though I’m in NYC, I’ve come across some really crappy stores. Sometimes, it’s the smaller cities that have better merchandise: vintage pieces and the stuff isn’t as picked over. If you don’t think so, check out what I found while thrifting in a small town in Ohio.