National Thrift Shop Day

It seems August is all about snagging a deal. Last week we celebrated National Bargain Hunting Week 2013 with a roundup of some of our favorite tips, tricks, and advice for finding a bargain on everything from clothing to washing machines. And this weekend it’s time to celebrate National Thrift Shop Day! It’s a great way to find clothes on a budget.

Follow our credit counseling tips to get the best deals.

If you follow Talking Cents, you might already know some of the deals I have scored buying used. Thrift shopping is like hunting for treasure; you never know what you might find! Thrift shopping is also an eco-friendly way to update your home or wardrobe and a great way to support your local community. Follow these tips for indulging in National Thrift Shop Day and scoring the best deals this weekend.

Your first question might be where to even find a thrift shop. Use sites like TheThriftShopper and ThriftyPlanet to find a thrift shop near you.
Before you go, set a budget. Just because you are shopping at a thrift store where items are typically very inexpensive doesn’t mean you should let your budget go out the window.
Bring cash. Most thrift stores I have visited only accept cash. Be sure you have enough cash on you to avoid paying ATM fees.
Find out when the discount days are. That’s right, scope out the sales. For example, on certain days items with a red tag might be 50% off. Or the store may offer a discount for students or senior citizens on specific days of the week. Discounts are a great way to get clothes if you’re working on debt management.
Bring a reusable bag. Many thrift stores have stopped using plastic bags.
Always try items on or be sure they work before buying. If you are purchasing toys or games, make sure they have all their pieces. Be sure clothing fits and look for stains and rips. Plug in any electronics to make sure they work.
Shop out of season. Chances of the selection being picked over are slim if you are shopping out of season. Also, it’s more likely that people are cleaning out their closets and donating off season as well.
Wear clothing that you can easily try things on with since many thrift stores do not have dressing rooms. Leggings and a tank top usually work best for me.
Be creative. Remember almost anything can be repurposed. If you see a coffee table that would fit perfectly in your living room but doesn’t quite match, remember that it can always be painted or stained. When it comes to clothing, remember it can always be tailored.
Haggle. The worst thing that can happen is they say no.
Wash everything before you wear / use it.