Bargain Babe: Tips for Successful Thriftspotting

The reason I love shopping at thrift stores is (you guessed it!) the truly amazing deals. When I head out on a thrifting expedition, I set my budget beforehand, limiting myself to, say, $25 for a new-to-me pair of jeans. During my most recent excursion, I escaped with EIGHT items for just $14.49.

Here's a detailed digest of the fruits of my labor:

Bargain 1: Two baskets in top-notch condition for $1 each. I picked up one to hold fruit on the kitchen table and the other for stashing potatoes and yams in a dark drawer.

Bargain 2: A wooden tray for $3 to hold garlic, avocados, and other items I like to keep in sight on my kitchen counter so I remember to actually use them.

Bargain 3: Two juice glasses that are nearly the same pattern as my existing designer collection for the fabulous price of $1 each.

Bargain 4: $1 for a brick red scarf with brown and crème accents that I'm still on the fence about because I can't tell if the scarf screams "retro" or "grandma." But hey, for $1, I'll take my time deciding.

Bargain 5: A ring of four measuring spoons that had no price tag so I offered the cashier $.50 for them. He said yes. Win!

Bargain 6: a pair of designer jeans that flatter my figure in all the right places for $6. They are a tad short, but I can always roll up the cuffs to show off my shoes, turn them into capris, or make them into summer cutoffs.

The cool thing is that everything but the scarf was on my wish list of items to look out for until I found a good deal. I could have paid $10 to $15 per basket at Pier 1 Imports or IKEA, $4 a glass at Crate & Barrel, and who knows how much for a new carved wooden tray. Earlier in the day, even, I stopped in at a high-end thrift store and saw used jeans for as much as $70.

If you're like me and you're ready to start saving some green at thrift stores, follow these veteran thrift-spotting tips.

1. Shop Clearance Racks First
Same as when shopping the department stores and boutiques, the best way to score at thrift stores is to make a bee-line for the clearance and sales rack before you browse full-priced items; you may find just what you are looking for at a fraction of the price.

2. Shop Mid-Week
Hit the thrift stores on Tuesday or Wednesday, after they've processed weekend donations. You also won't have to fight off as many bargain seekers mid-week.

3. Scout Thrift Stores in Swank ZIP Codes
Shop at thrift stores in better neighborhoods for higher-quality inventory. Head out with a friend who has an eye for fashion and can help you quickly (and honestly!) say "yay" or "nay." Looking for a killer thrift store in your area? One of the best ways to find one is to Google "thrift store" + your ZIP code. Also, check out the National Thrift Store Directory online at TheThriftShopper.com. (When I last checked, the site had 9,347 thrift stores listed.)

4. Inspect Secondhand Clothing Carefully
Remember that you're shopping at a secondhand place: inspect clothes carefully for tears, missing buttons, holes and stains, as these imperfections may not be easily visible under store lighting. If the imperfection is small and doesn't bother you, ask for a discount. Chances are the owner or manager has taken the imperfection into account when pricing, but it never hurts to ask. Avoid items at thrift stores that would be especially worn out (like athletic shoes and bike helmets) or potentially unsanitary (undergarments, socks).

5. Negotiate Discounts
If you can pay in cash and are buying multiple items, ask if they can give you a discount. The higher your tab, the more likely they are to consider your offer. However; don't be surprised if the clerk says he or she isn't allowed to authorize a negotation.

6. Avoid ThriftSpotter's Remorse
Never dilly-dally if you see something you like! The best items turn over quickly and there's no telling if the store will get a similar product again. Broaden your search for thrift stores to include consignment stores, teen re-sale shops, flea markets, and shops associated with local fashion schools.

7. Embrace Junk Mail & Be Store Loyal
Once you find a thrift store or two that you love, sign up for the store's mailing or email newsletter list. You likely get coupons, advance news of sales and events, or a birthday discount coupon.

Happy hunting!

Copyright 2010 Shoestring, LLC and Julia Scott/Bargain Babe. Photo: iStock