Feel free to scroll through the post to read all vintage style FAQs, or click any of the questions below to be taken immediately to the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is thrifting?
How do I thrift?
What should I never buy at a thrift store?
What is a thrift store?
What is a consignment store?
Where can I find thrift stores?
Can I get bed bugs thrifting?
Where is that Goodwill Outlet in NYC?
Why is thrifting so addicting?
How can I donate clothing to a thrift store?
How can I sell my clothing to a thrift store?
What is thrifting?
Thrifting is the act of shopping for goods (clothing, accessories, furniture, books, electronics, etc.) through secondhand outlets, such as a thrift store, antique show, flea market or yard sale. An advantage to thrifting is not only saving money, but the process of discovery since you never know what treasures you might find.
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How do I thrift?
To get a complete overall guide, you need to check out my 34 Tips on: How to Thrift Store Shop. This article is based on my 5-part series that demonstrates how to thrift shop like a pro athlete and find the best THRIFT SCORES!
If you just want to dip your toes in the world of thrift store shopping, watch this video on thrift shopping for beginners to pick up the basics, and also check out my thrift jargon handbook to learn the lexicon communicated between seasoned thrift shoppers.
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What should I never buy at a thrift store?
Despite great values and deals, there are 10 key items you should never buy at a thrift store. Rather than purchase used, choose to buy these items new to reduce risk of unnecessary harm, injury and uncleanliness.
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What is a thrift store?
A thrift store is where previously owned goods are curated to sell at discounted prices. Examples include Goodwill and Salvation Army, two of the largest thrift store chains in the nation. Thrift stores acquire a majority of their goods from donations, which is how they sell pieces for a fraction of what they originally may have cost.
Anything from clothing to furniture to electronics, linens, housewares, recreational equipment and more can be purchased at a thrift store. Unlike mass retail chains, no two thrift stores offer the same selection.
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What is a consignment store?
A consignment store is where lightly used high-quality trendy items are sold and the previous owner gets a commission.
An example of a nationwide consignment store is Second Time Around, where customers can purchase previously owned designer and top label pieces at a fraction of full retail price.
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Where can I find thrift stores?
Visit the Goodwill and Salvation Army websites to use their “store locators” to find a thrift store near you. Or, visit The Thrift Shopper for an expansive list of thrift stores searchable by city, state and zip code.
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Can I get bed bugs thrifting?
Most likely no, but it’s still smart to practice safe thrifting by taking preventative measures to avoid bringing home bed bugs from thrift stores.
The number one tip is to wash and dry all of your clothing immediately after purchase and to avoid buying certain goods at thrift stores where bed bugs can live.
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Where is that Goodwill Outlet in NYC?
Ah, the most popular question I receive! Check out this post where I share how to find the Goodwill Outlet in New York City and if you’re lucky enough, how to find one near you.
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Why is thrifting so addicting?
Thrifting is an acquired skill and interest that with due investment of time and practice, can almost become a thrift shopping addiction.
While the addictive variables differ from person to person, it’s a combination of cheap prices and the competitive hunt for the best finds at the best prices that feeds a shopper’s addiction to all-things-thrift-shopping.
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How can I donate clothing to a thrift store?
Most thrift stores have specific donation areas at the store for you to leave your bagged items.
Call in advance to check that the store is a donation center, which is typically located at the very front of the store or at a drop-off area open during the store’s retail hours.
Also, some thrift stores have bins located in parking lots of shopping centers where you can donate 24/7. These donation bins look like oversize mailboxes.
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How can I sell my clothing to a thrift store?
Thrift stores only accept donated clothing, and therefore do not buy clothing from the general public.
You can sell your clothing for cash or store credit to nationwide buy-sell-resale chains like Beacon’s Closet or Plato’s Closet.
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