There are some amazing deals to be had at thrift and resale shops and those who are secondhand savvy can find some seriously awesome pieces for their homes for way less than in the usual retail haunts. Even better, older furniture and decor items are often much more unique and can help your style truly stand out from the crowd. So how do you make the most of these emporiums of low-cost decor? By shopping smart, of course! Read on to find out just what that means.
Be ready to haggle. Often, if you're willing to ask, deals can be made at thrift stores, antique malls, and resale stores. Bargaining an item down might be intimidating, but remember, the worst they can say is "no" so there's no reason why you shouldn't at least try. Of course, you shouldn't haggle over every item, but if something seems too high or needs a lot of work, it can be worth it to ask if they'll take less.
Check items over carefully. Who hasn't gotten super excited over a thrift store find and forgotten to check it over? I've definitely been there, but excitement shouldn't trump being picky. Sometimes your great find isn't so great if its cracked, crooked, or not in good shape. If you plan to paint or refurbish it, fine, but otherwise watch out.
Know what can be fixed. Along those same lines, there are some things that can easily be mended and others that aren't fixable no matter what you do. If you don't know much about the topic, give it a quick search on Google while you're in the store.
Check in regularly. You might find amazing deals by hitting up the stores every few months, but you're better off trying once a week if you're really looking for something. It can also help to get to know the owner or employees, as they may be able to give you heads up when things come in.
Carry a list of what you need or already own. It can be useful to keep a list with you of things you're looking for so you can check those areas first. It can also be useful to track things that you already have, especially if you're looking for books or other collectibles that might be fairly similar. Keep a small paper in your wallet or get high-tech and keep the list on your phone.
Watch for sales. Even high-end antique stores have sales every now and again. A great way to keep track is to follow the store's Facebook, Twitter, or blog, which nearly all big stores have these days. If you're buying big ticket items, even small percentage off can add up fast.
Think creatively. Sometimes, the best thrift store finds are items that need a bit of TLC or even a total makeover. Some paint, new fabric, or an update to this century can turn something that was old and worn out into something amazing. If you stink at DIY, there are hundreds (possibly thousands) of places to find instructional videos, photos, and tutorials online.
Ask yourself if you really need it. When things are cheap, it can be easy to buy more than you need, but the best deal doesn't mean much if you don't need or have a place for something in your home. Unless you're thinking of reselling an item online or gifting it to a friend, always be honest with yourself about buying things; even really cheap things.
Don't be afraid to dig. Many thrift stores and antique shops are crowded with stuff and require shoppers to do a bit of digging or shuffling around to find things. It might not be easy, but it can be more than worth it when you score great items no one else took the time to look for.
Do research. It can be helpful to have a price in mind when you go looking for an item by doing some research on eBay or another site carrying similar items first. That way, you'll know what's a fair price and what's just too much to pay. You'll also learn how much you'll need to save up (you might find it for cheaper, but it never hurts to have extra) if you want to snag the item in question.
Bring cash. While most stores will take debit and credit cards, you don't want to be left crying over an item you couldn't buy in a store that's cash only. Carrying cash can also help ensure you stick to a budget and don't overspend.
Be patient. Sometimes you can go into a store and see what you need right away and other times it can take a year or more of searching to finally meet your perfect match. Don't give up if you're not finding what you want; it's out there somewhere!
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