"18 Top Tips for Buying Used Clothes" (GetRichSlowly.org)

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"18 Top Tips for Buying Used Clothes" (GetRichSlowly.org)

Submitted by: Tip Hero 12/21/2008 3:03 PM

A fantastic personal finance blog, GetRichSlowly.org, has an excellent post "Embracing the Thrift-Store Ethic: 18 Top Tips for Buying Used Clothes". The author's article, J.D. (who is also the founder and owner of the website) states at the beginning that, "if the national media is any indication, more people are embracing the notion of buying used clothing from thrift stores and consignment shops."

And J.D. also notes that you can find more than just clothes at thrift stores. "If your budget is pinched," he writes, "they�re an excellent place to find furniture, to pick up kitchenware, and even to find inexpensive entertainment. A large part of my personal finance library has been purchased from the local Goodwill (for about $3 per book)."

Here are the headlines for the first five (of 18) tips listed, but you should click through to see the full list, as well as the excellent commentary associated with each:

1. Set a budget.

2. Discard your prejudices.

3. Go with a friend.

4, Try things on.

5. Examine each item thoroughly.

Embracing the Thrift-Store Ethic: 18 Top Tips for Buying Used Clothes

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Comments:

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I bought my dad a book last year at Amazon for $23.99. The next day I was out at the salvation army and saw the exact same book in good condition for $1.50. It was worth the return shipping costs, and my dad was just as happy to have a used book.

Posted by anonymous on December 22, 2008 9:40 AM

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Thrift stores are the best for designer duds. Tecnica boots, Yves St. Laurent Jackets, Sevens Jeans, Alice & Olivia sweaters, have gotten all of these for a fraction of what I would pay retail. But definitely make sure you examine each item. I almost bought a great pair of rock and republic jeans until I turned around and saw worn holes at the bottom hem.

Posted by jessa28 on December 22, 2008 9:44 AM

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I absolutely ADORE shopping thrift stores! Brand new bread machine, $9.99; foodsaver mint condition, $18.00; brand new QVC King size alternative down comforter still in wrapper was marked $80 this summer; kept my eye on it as when 100 degrees outside not to many folks buying blankets; finally taken out of wrapper & $20 price tag on it; got 1/2 of that $10 & gave to my daughter for her Birthday Present in August! YES! there is absolutely NO OTHER WAY! the only thing it takes is time; delayed gratification: choosing voluntary simplicity; fantastic!

Posted by MzScarlett on December 23, 2008 12:47 PM

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I love shopping at thrift stores, consignment, goodwills, etc.. It is a new store every day. Even going to different goodwills, each one is a different store.

When going to other stores you have to wait on new shipments to come in. If I go to a another regular store, they all have the samething.

All stores have used clothes...
(think about it).
* Someone has tried it on,
* Returned it ( ladies you know how we do, keep the tag on, let it air out, then return it)
* Did you keep your underware on...Did you have on underware....
* Must I go on.......(KEEP IT REAL)

P.S.
I sell clothes....ALWAYS WASH before you wear. Clothing gets parasites sitting on the crates, pallots, ships, trucks, etc....Not to mention what else you get from people trying on clothing.

Posted by Ms. Keep it Real on December 24, 2008 10:23 AM

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Ms.Keep it Real; what type of clothing are you selling, where I can I get a look at what you are selling?
Please contact me at Kelley OriginalObriens@aol.com
I have recently attend a few flea markets along with some of the thrift stores I see listed here and I did not find or see anything of good or decent quality at any of these venues. Please advice.

Posted by Kelly on January 03, 2009 1:50 PM

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Thrift stores are my favorite. I have a college students who loves to shop these. She and i can go and get Polo sweaters for 5-10 dollars compared to 70 in the stores in is well worth it. Just wash when you get home and you are set to go. We also go to garage sales in our area that we know will have great clothes at a sale price!! Nothing wrong with it. I always tell her no one has to know where you got it!! To tell you the truth she always gets my comments on her clothes than anyone I know and she hasn't paid 1/2 the price of what others are paying for the same thing.

Posted by Patricia on January 10, 2009 8:59 AM

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Making rounds to the same stores fairly and being friendly to the staff is also smart. At several local stores they know my face and my taste and sizes. I walk in and they may have one thing or several for me to look at. Another thing I love is everything has usually been washed and dried so it it was going to shrink it likely has already!

Posted by firemom on January 19, 2009 11:55 AM

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I'm a cheap woman, but I buy high quality label clothing at our new Goodwill store. Many items come from people who bought at factory stores close by, high price labels, and in perfect condition. Wish Goodwill Store had been in my town when I was struggling for money in high school, working evening job for money to get through. Although my daughter and son never wore thrift store clothing in junior or senior high school, my daughter and her husband have week end fun going from thrift store to next thrift and garage sales. Our Goodwill is high quality, clean, rarely anything wrong clothing. Shoes and books are fantastic. Goodwill also has job referral service in its new building. Not to mention grocery outlets and bread outlets, my husband and I are proud to shop these stores as many seniors and young couples are doing the same.

Posted by Juanita M. Stuart on January 23, 2009 4:49 PM

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I am a life-long thrift store shopper and LOVE them! Although we were fairly well-off (not to say wealthy by any stretch of the imagination) during my childhood, my parents regularly took us thrift-storing as children. Although both are professionals, they grew up in poor homes and definitely know the value of a dollar.

My brother and I were fortunate in that this instilled a love of thrift stores, and we've never had the predjudices that some people seem to have against them. My profession demands that I appear in court on a regular basis, and much of my wardrobe comes from thrift stores! I've found designer wool suits, silk blouses, super-pricey jeans, and all manner of vintagewear at the stores in the nearest city. My weaknesses are unusual jewelry and accessories, including designer purses. Three of my latest finds are a lovely Dooney Bourke and a Coach, both in pristine condition--total price 6.00$ (for both), as well as a pair of genuine diamond-stud earrings (7.00). Whenever I need something (be in housewares to books, etc), I go thrift-storing first.

My best suggestions would be to shop the stores in your nearest city (larger and better-stocked than in smaller towns) and to have patience--you may need to shop several stores over a period of time while you wait to find your "dream" item. Now I take my little goddaughter (age 8) thrift-storing so as to instill a love of them in her as well!

Posted by SiameseBelle on January 27, 2009 4:12 AM

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Sound like a lot of work. However, to work for your money is not enough. You also must work to save it!!

Posted by Patti on March 03, 2009 10:16 PM

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Rummage sales are also a great option along with garage sales. If you are willing to take some time to look thorough and yes wash before wear. You may just end up with new with tags items or like new condition for under a buck.

Posted by April on March 05, 2010 5:36 PM

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