March 15th, 2015

Thrift Stores


The frugal cougar used to work at a thrift store.  Value Village to be exact.  This was a looooong time ago (I was 19 at the time).  I saw how the donated items were processed, checked and priced.  I had access to all that wonderful merchandise at a steep discount.  I spent way to much money because I wasn't yet a Frugal Cougar. 

For this discussion on being frugal - I will give some tips on how to manage and navigate a thrift store so you buy what you need (and only what you need) and save money.

First, let's talk about thrift stores in general.  These can be run either by a non-profit (such as a hospital thrift store) or a profit company (such as Value Village).  Even with the profit company, the items are still donated to a charity (e.g. Developmental Disabilities), the Value Village buys the donated items in bulk (often by weight) and then sorts and prices.  The charity gets the money for the weight of the items.  The private company gets the profit from the items sold.  There are a few other variables, but this is essentially how it works.

In a thrift store - the items are received as they are donated.  They are not washed by the store.  Checkers/pricers will quickly scan the item, looking for overall quality (visible dirty, damage, etc).  If the item is covered in dirt/grime, it will be discarded.   Otherwise - out on the sales floor they go. 

In smaller, non-profit stores - the items may or not be sorted and displayed by type.  Usually womens/mens/children are separated, but that is often it.  Buyers need to rummage a bit to find a size or colour.

At Value Village - the items are sorted by by adults/children, then gender, then type (long sleeve button shirts/blouse; long sleeve shirt; short sleeve shirts/blouse; short sleeve shirt; T-shirt, etc.)  They are further sorted by colour (yellow, orange, green, blue, etc). 

The prices tend to be cheaper at the smaller, non-profits.  The prices are are higher at the profit store, however, there is often more merchandise to choose from and it is well sorted, so that it is easy to find what you're looking for.

Regardless of what type of thrift store you shop at - here are some tips:

1)  Have a price limit in mind.   It is easy to overspend at a thrift store because there are so many great deals.   Have a price limit and STICK TO IT.

2)  Whether you are looking for one specific thing or just having a gander and seeing what is available - look over each item carefully before putting it into your cart.  Check for stains and rips (the checkers and pricers work fast and so they sometimes miss stuff).  Eliminate anything that is not repairable or has stains. 

BTW if the rip IS repairable, but the price indicates that the rip might have been overlooked by the pricer and you really want the item - set it aside in your cart and ask for a re-price by clerk or manager.

3)  Hold the item up to yourself.  Will it fit?  If you determine it won't fit, just put it back and move on;

4)  After going through the racks and eliminating poor quality or obvious misfits, go to the changing room.  I usually wear a tank top when I thrift shop.  Sometimes the change rooms are crowded and the attendant will only let you take in 3 to 6 items at a time.  I can try on all the sweaters, jackets, etc and check them out in the mirror OUTSIDE the change rooms.  I can then eliminate what doesn't fit while waiting.

5)  While in the changeroom, check the fit and colour.  Does it fit well?  Is the style and colour flattering.  Don't EVER buy something thinking, "it's great, I just need to lose 10 lbs"  Buy clothes that fit.  Period.  The only time you want to buy something that doesn't fit perfectly is when you're pregnant and need room for the baby bump to grow. 

6)  Once ill-fitting and unflattering items are eliminated.  Think carefully about the well fit and flattering clothes.  Will you wear it?   I could try on the most beautiful evening gown, but know full well that I don't go to fancy balls and such.   It's a waste of money if it is something that you will not wear.  

7)  After determining that the item is something that you would wear - think about it some more.  Do you have something in good condition that fits in your closet already?  Do you need to add this item to what you already own.  We can only wear one outfit at a time.  If you already have five white blouses - do you really need one more?

8)  Once you determine that it fits, it's flattering, you need it, you will have some "potentials".   Leave the changeroom and take stock of the "potentials".  Take one more look for rips/stains.  Check the seams and buttons.  Pay close attention to the collars and cuffs.  Check for fading.  I even look carefully in the seams and look for bugs (Please note - I have been thrift store shopping for over two decades and worked in a thrift store.  I have never found bugs or had bugs in my home).  Checking for bed bugs is just a precaution.

9)  Take another look at the prices.  Is similar stuff available in retail stores for the same price (or sometimes less)?  Don't buy a used item that can be purchased new for the same price.  There is lots of merchandise out there and the checkers/pricers can't possibly know all the stores and their price points.   Is the item worth the price?  Does it fit in your budget?  Eliminate what doesn't fit in your budget (remember item 1 - stick to your budget!!!)

10)  Take the items to the check out.  Ask the clerk if there are any discounts and special deals available.  Maybe they have a "seniors discount" and you are a young looking senior.  Whip out that Care Card and get that discount!  Maybe they have a special for veterans or BCAA (Automobile Association) members.  Once, I asked and they had a coupon out.  The clerk had an extra coupon at the til and let me have the discount!  You never know - just ask nicely and see what happens.

11)  If you don't know the return/exchange policy - ask.  Value Village has a return policy where you can bring back clothing/shoes within seven days (with the tag still attached) and the receipt.  This policy does not apply to jewelery, furniture or large items.  Always ask to be sure.

12)  Thrift stores tend to stuff the merchandise into bags.  Remember - this ain't Victoria's Secret.  Don't expect to have your items wrapped in tissue and gingerly placed in.  If you need an extra bag or the items not packed so tight - just ask nicely.  The clerk on my last visit double bagged all my items because I had a long walk and didn't want to bag to rip.

13)  Take 'em home and try them on again.  Get your partner or a friends opinion if this is important to you. 

14)  Wash 'em.  Remember - the thrift stores don't launder the items.  Just give them a run through the wash if you want to make sure they are nice and fresh.  I sometimes omit this, as I can often smell the detergent or fabric softener on the clothes.  I always wash clothes before donating them to charities and, evidently, many other people do the same courtesy.

Thrift Stores are great.  They encourage re-cycling.  They are fun to shop in.  I find them comfortable as I am not smelling the off-gassing from the dyes used in clothes (which I find overpowering in a retail store).  Thrift store shoppers are a pleasant, happy bunch. I see people trying on a coat or outfit and sometimes they look really, really good.  I can't help but tell them how much the items suit them and that it is such as awesome find.  I often leave the store feeling good.  I got some clothes that I needed and look great on me and didn't cost a fortune.  Good times.

Happy Thifting everyone.

The Frugal Cougar