12 Mar Thrift Shopping 101 – Your Top 5 Questions Answered

I’m a thrift lover. And if you’re reading this site, you might be, too. However, for people who are new to thrifting, it can be a bit intimidating. I mean, that’s exactly why I wrote Looking Fly on a Dime: How to Find Fabulous Fashion at Any Thrift Shop & Make the Cheap Look Chic. It’s all about debunking the misconceptions people may have about thrift shopping and empowering them with easy shopping tips.

I always tend to get the same questions and today’s post is all about the top 5 thrift questions and how to solve these dilemmas.

I Want to Thrift Shop, But I Don’t Know Where to Go
There’s no real magic formula to finding a perfect shop. It’s all trial and error. Check with national thrift store chains to see if one is in your area and there’s always The Thrift Shopper, which lets you enter your zip code to find a thrift store near you. And if you think larger cities have all of the goods, think again! Here are three reasons to thrift shop in a smaller town.

Isn’t Thrift Shopping Dirty?
Sigh, if I had a dollar for ever time I heard this question, I could afford to shop at Bergdorf. Once and for all, thrift shopping is not dirty! I get why some people are put off by wearing another person’ clothing, but this is how I always break it down. When you buy something at a department store, do you know how many people tried it on or if it was purchased, worn and then returned? It’s no different with thrift shopping. I even have an entire chapter in my book {currently on sale for 99 cents at Amazon!} dedicated to easy ways to clean your thrifted clothes, shoes and accessories.

When to Go
Is there really a best day or even time to thrift shop? Some say no, but I say yes, kinda. It’s all about bettering your odds of some serious thrift store scores. In my experience, I find that early in the week is the prime time to thrift shop. Check out this post, The Best Days to Thrift Shop, for full details on why I follow this theory.

I’m Plus Size, What About Me?
While I’m not plus size, I know several curvy women who love to thrift and they walk away with secondhand gems. The average American woman is a size 14, so it’s not uncommon to find these sizes at thrift stores. Depending on the shop, you may have to dig a bit deeper but the same goes for women who are really petite, short or tall. Read more at Thrift Shopping for Plus Sizes.

I Have No Idea Where to Start When I Get to the Store
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but don’t! Give yourself time {I say 45 minutes to an hour for newbies} and have a loose idea of what you’re looking for. Don’t be too specific but know if you’re seeking dresses, sleeveless shirts, trousers, etc. And if you’re really trying to maximize your experience, I suggest starting with accessories {read more at Thrift Shopping Strategy: Why You Should Go for the Accessories First} and then venturing to the shoes and clothes. But whatever you choose to buy, just shop smart. A quick way to have thrift shoppers remorse is if you only buy something because it’s cheap. A great price can be enticing, but also be sure you actually love the garment you’re purchasing.

What were your top thrift shopping concerns when you first started thrifting? Has thrift shopping become easier? What tips helped you become a pro thrifter?