Exploring thrift shops, flea markets, and swap meets can be a real adventure. I love the thrill of uncovering unique treasures at unbeatable prices. Over the years, my dedication to thrifting has led me to remarkable finds, such as pieces from Orrefors, Galway, and Waterford crystal for about $2 each, vintage wooden lacrosse sticks purchased for $3 (and sold for $150), and a pea green suede Prada handbag, complete with authentication card and original $875 receipt, acquired for just $1. If you’re ready to get started, here are our best thrifting tips to help you unearth unique pieces!
Essential Tools for Thrifting Success
To navigate the often overwhelming environment of thrift stores and flea markets, it’s crucial to come prepared. Equipping yourself with these tools can significantly improve your thrifting efficiency and help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Here’s a list of items that will make your thrifting experience go smoothly:
- Notebook or Notes of Space Sizes: While you have to be open to all possibilities when thrifting, if you specific items, keep a list of sizes so you’ll never have to guess if an item is too tall or wide for an intended space.
- Measuring Tape: Essential for ensuring that furniture or decor items will fit.
- Paint Chips or Swatches: Useful for matching items to existing color schemes, preventing problematic mismatches (most thrifted items are non-returnable).
- List of Clothing Sizes: Keep a comprehensive list of clothing and shoe sizes for yourself and family members to streamline the shopping process.
- Magnet: Helps in identifying metal types; for instance, genuine silver is non-magnetic.
- Smartphone: Invaluable for researching items on the spot, checking barcodes, or verifying the authenticity of designer and branded goods.
- Sanitizing Wipes: Useful for cleaning items to assess their true condition, distinguishing between dirt and permanent damage such as hairline cracks.
- Cotton Ball: Gently run it around the edges of glassware or ceramics to detect tiny chips or cracks.
- Magnifying Glass with LED Light: Assists in reading maker’s marks or fine print on items. This is especially helpful on jewelry or silverware.
Real or a Rip-off? Recognizing Quality and Authenticity
A critical part of successful thrifting is the ability to discern genuine, high-quality items from knock-offs. When thrifting, remember to:
Educate Yourself on Popular Brands: Familiarize yourself with reputable brands and their distinguishing features such as tags, countries of origin, button design, special stitching, etc. This knowledge can help you identify valuable items and avoid counterfeits.
Examine Craftsmanship: Look for signs of quality construction, such as generous hems on clothing, solid and dovetailed joints on furniture, and clear markings on ceramics or glassware.
Be Cautious with “Designer” Goods: High-end designer items are often counterfeited. So, it’s essential to pay close attention to details like logos, spelling on care tags, stitching, and material quality. A quick check online can often save you from a mistake.
Use Technology: Counterfeit apps have been widely touted as a simple, easy way to detect designer knock offs. However, they are far from foolproof. I’ve actually had better luck simply Googling keywords such as “authentic Waterford maker’s mark” to find side by side comparisons.
Top Thrift Store Chains Across the United States
Never been to a thrift store? Not to worry. There are plenty of independently owned and operated local shops in every town, regardless of size. Plus, there are several national organizations that operate in every major city throughout the US. The best of these include:
Goodwill Industries. Founded in 1902 in the city of Boston, Goodwill was begun as a way to help the needy and unemployed by collecting used household goods and clothing which were being discarded. Today, Goodwill provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people who have barriers preventing them from obtaining a job. And, Goodwill is funded by a massive network of retail thrift stores!
Bonus! In some cities, in addition to regular retail locations, Goodwill also offers “clearance centers” also known as “the bins.” Basically, everything that doesn’t sell in the regular retail space is sent to these centers. Items are separated (clothing and then “general merchandise” which can include anything from children’s toys, to coffee makers, to fine china) and then dumped into giant blue bins. Fill your cart and at checkout they weigh the merchandise and charge by the pound. The experience is not for the faint of heart, but the bargains can’t be beat. (Here’s where knowing your brand names and labels is really essential). The bins get replaced and replenished throughout the day, so there’s a continual flow of new items. Click to find a Goodwill near you or shop Goodwill online.
The Salvation Army. Founded in 1865 in London by a Methodist preacher William Booth and his wife as the East London Christian Mission, this organization was created to share salvation with the poor. Today, you can find the Salvation Army in over 130 countries, operating shelters for the homeless, providing disaster relief, and offering humanitarian aid to developing countries… as well as operating hundreds of thrift shops. Click to find a Salvation Army store near you or shop the Salvation Army online.
Habitat for Humanity. Founded in 1976 by Linda and Millard Fuller, Habitat for Humanity operates in all 50 U.S. states and more than 70 countries. Habitat ReStores are retail outlets that sell new and used building and household materials donated by small businesses, large companies, job sites, and individuals. Proceeds from ReStore sales help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. Find a ReStore near you.
These chains offer a wide array of items, from clothing and furniture to electronics and collectibles, making them excellent starting points for any thrifting adventure.
Exploring Flea Markets and Swap Meets
Beyond traditional thrift stores, flea markets and swap meets provide wonderful avenues for treasure hunting. They are also a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon, as the venues often feature a diverse range of vendors offering unique, vintage, and handcrafted items, as well as food, crafts, and even entertainment.
When visiting these markets, you’ll find the best treasures if you arrive early. And, remember to bring cash, as not all vendors will accept electronic payments.
Flea Markets: Typically held on weekends, flea markets can range from small community events to large-scale gatherings showcasing hundreds of unique vendors. They are ideal for finding antiques, collectibles, and one-of-a-kind pieces as many vendors specialize in a category (vintage milk glass, equestrian themed pieces, primitive baskets, etc.). These vendors are also often wonderfully knowledgeable about their niche and are happy to share their expertise!
Swap Meets: Similar to flea markets, swap meets often emphasize the exchange of goods between individuals. They can be excellent places to trade items you no longer need for something new (to you)!
Thrifting Tips for Beginners
Embarking on your thrifting journey can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. Here are some expert tips to help you make the most of your experience, sharpen your thrifting skills and increase the likelihood of success.
Keep an Open Mind: Instead of only searching for specific items, allow yourself to explore and discover unexpected treasures. Keeping an open mind will help you unearth the most wonderful, wacky, and whimsical pieces!
Visit Frequently: Inventory in thrift stores changes regularly – often daily. Regular visits increase your chances of finding unique items.
Inspect Items Thoroughly: Check for any damage, stains, or missing parts. Although some flaws can be repaired, it’s crucial to determine whether the effort is worth it before you bring it home.
Understand Store Policies: Familiarize yourself with the store’s return and exchange policies. Many thrift stores have a strict no-return rule.
The Environmental Benefits of Thrifting
I always tell my family, that by thrifting, I am saving the Earth. And, I am only partly kidding! By choosing to thrift, I know that I am contributing to a more sustainable and socially responsible world.
Reduction of Textile Waste: According to a recent article “A sustainable guide to thrifting,” the fashion industry is a significant contributor to global waste. Vast amounts of clothing ending up in landfills every single year. By extending the life of garments through thrifting, the volume of textile waste is decreased substantially. And, so many of today’s fast-fashion clothes are made from synthetic materials, which take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, unlike clothing from decades ago, which were mainly created using natural fibers
Resource Conservation: Producing new clothing requires substantial resources, including water and energy, as well as raw materials. Opting for secondhand items reduces the demand for new products, conserving these resources. By thrifting, you’re helping to alleviate the negative environmental impacts associated with the fashion industry’s resource-intensive processes. (Learn more about conservation of resources at TruEarth.)
Lowering Carbon Emissions: The production process and transportation of new clothing contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Thrifting minimizes the need for manufacturing and shipping new items, reducing your carbon footprint. According to Retail Dive, which reports on the most impactful news and trends shaping retail, “If every consumer this year bought just one secondhand garment instead of a new one, it would lower CO2 emissions by more than 2 billion pounds, equal to taking 76 million cars off the road for a day, and save some 23 billion gallons of water and 4 billion kilowatt-hours of energy…”
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Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to real style for the way you live. From fabulous fashion and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors, plus the latest products and tips for throwing parties, weddings, and events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!