5 things to know before you thrift or shop consignment |
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5 things to know before you thrift or shop consignment
Thrift and consignment shops can be treasure troves for bargain hunters, but there’s more to the experience than low prices
Becca Mchaffie / Unsplash
Thrifting and consignment shopping can be a great way to save money, but getting the most out of the experience takes a little know-how. The best finds aren’t always obvious, and what looks like a great item may not be worth bringing home if it’s damaged, or incomplete.
There’s also more to these shops than racks of secondhand clothes and shelves of used goods. Some consignment stores carry brand-new merchandise, inventory can change constantly, and certain items may become cheaper if they sit on the shelf long enough. Knowing how a particular store operates can help you shop smarter and avoid missing out on a good deal.
If you’re dropping off items to sell or consign, there are a few things to know there, too. Stores aren’t interested in taking every old or broken item off your hands, and owners often have a good sense of what will actually sell. A little preparation before you arrive can save you a wasted trip.
Reader’s Digest spoke with thrift and consignment shop owners to get the inside scoop on what shoppers and sellers should know.
From finding better merchandise to understanding markdowns and knowing what’s worth bringing in, here are five tips that can help you make your next trip more worthwhile.
The inventory can change faster than you think
Hugo Clement / Unsplash
One of the biggest parts of thrift and consignment shopping is also one of the most unpredictable: You never really know what will be there.
Reader’s Digest points out that consignment shop inventory is constantly changing as shoppers’ tastes and needs change. What sells well one year may not be nearly as popular the next.........