You can score some major deals by shopping at a thrift store. How about a brand new, large, crockpot in the box for $10 or girls designer dresses for only $2 each? These are a couple of my recent bargains. Of course, some finds are better than others. We have been burned in the past with things such as appliances that don’t work or jewelry that broke the minute we got it home.
The past is the past, however, and now we are a lot smarter. We know exactly how to check thrift store items before we buy them, exactly what to look for depending on the type of item.
Clothing
The biggest negative with used clothing is generally shrinkage. If the sleeves are longer than the bottom of a shirt, for example, then you are either looking at something retro from the 80s or a shirt that has shrunk past normal use.
Check zippers, buttons and stitching, and don’t forget to examine the fabric in a well-lit area for stains.
If you have the opportunity, try on your clothing before you buy, or at least find out if you can return it after purchase.
Furniture
I have a fear of bed bugs, so I usually skip any kind of used furniture, especially the upholstered kind, which might also carry fleas, bacteria, etc. If you are a bit more brave, make sure to check for pet hair and signs of bugs before you buy.
Electronics and Appliances
If it has a cord, plug it in. If it takes batteries, test it out. (If you know you will be hunting for something specific, such as a radio, it might pay to bring your own AAs with you.) Most thrift store employees will be happy to help you test electronics and appliances before you buy them.
Jewelry
Pull on chains and make sure to check settings and clasps. Besides looking for weak links, so to speak, you also want to make sure that tough to open or close clasps are left behind. They can get very annoying very quickly and may be the reason that gorgeous piece of jewelry was donated in the first place.
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