Thrift Store Shopping: 4 Most Common Mistakes

I have read about this before and I have actually seen it. Thrift store shopping is a great way to save money and buy unique items. You can totally recreate your wardrobe, redecorate your apartment, save money and have a lot of fun while doing it. BUT, thrift store shopping is a skill and somewhat a talent that anyone can develop; all you need to do is avoid the following mistakes, and practice your thrifty shopping skills.

1. High Expectations

Embrace the adventure of going to a store not knowing what you will find. Many people have the idea that unique items that nobody else will have and this is really cool, in my opinion.

they will only find old, dirty, and ugly clothes at thrift stores. Some people go thrift store shopping with the idea that they will find exactly what they are looking for. Thrift stores are not department stores. Although you may find the same item in different sizes and colors, this is very rare. Thrift store shopping is more about finding

So, lower your expectations and go on an adventure to find who-knows-what at the thrift store. You will have lots of fun!

2. All or Nothing

If go to a thrift store and there is nothing you can or want to buy, it does not mean that the store sucks! Remember, it is always an adventure going thrift store shopping. One day you go and find nothing but you go back another day and you find lots of brand new designer stuff that someone just dropped off.

Go to more than one store in your neighborhood and even in other sides of the city. After you visit the same store twice or three times, you will know if that store is worth going back to.

3. Lack of Patience

This is the #1 rule when thrift store shopping. Listen to some music while shopping, especially if you are like me and get overwhelmed in crowed places. You can really zone-out and take your time finding goodies while you listen to your favorite tunes. Also, make sure you eat well and drink plenty of water, and even bring a small bottle of water with you.

You might want to go by yourself the first time just so that you don't feel pressured by your friends if they are ready to leave because they could not find anything, and you are having a great time and want to stay longer.

4. Getting Out of Control

Avoid buying something just because it's cheap, cute, or designer's brand. Take your time making your decision and try to think of all the ways that you can use a particular item. If you cannot find any good reasons to buy it, then don't. When you think "I'll find a use for it later," you are setting yourself up for failure. Why? Simply because you will be wasting your time and money, and might be missing out on something better.

Note: I do recommend that if you see something that you like, put it in your cart immediately, and take your time deciding whether you really need it or not. I recommend doing this because if you do not put it in your cart someone else will, and this might be the only item of its kind in the whole store. For example, if I see a purse that I really like, I put it in my cart immediately. Then I take my time checking it out and ask myself "is it in good condition? is the price reasonable? do I have similar purses at home already? is it a unique color, such as orange? (orange purses are not common; nevertheless they can go with everything, in every season, just like black purses)

Share your thrift store shopping experience! Leave us a comment!