Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.
When people learn that I’m incredibly frugal, they almost always ask, “Should I shop at a thrift store?” While I’ve definitely done my fair share of trolling the aisles at both the Salvation Army and Goodwill, the answer is usually “it depends.” Certainly, there are plenty of great deals to be had at thrift and consignment stores; however, you just might be able to pay lower prices at a retailer. Here are my best tips for scoring deals, no matter which you choose.
Be a Clearance Hound
Each time you visit your favorite department store or big box retailer, make it an aim to seek out the clearance section. Usually tucked away in an unassuming aisle or endcap, clearance items might be difficult to find. The first markdown typically isn’t the last so be sure you time your offers well. The drawback to clearance is that more than likely merchandise is being moved to make way for new, up and coming items. That means, the clothes probably will be best worn in the next season, the decor might need be be stored for months, and you risk being “out of style.”
Shop Thrift for Specific Needs
You’ll fare best at thrift store if you know exactly what you’d like to purchase before you darken the doors. For most consumers, browsing at such a shop without a plan will result in overspending and impulse buys. My favorite picks for thrift or consignment stores? Usually large ticket items like sporting goods or furniture hit the top of my list. We’ve also known to specifically look for and find great costume items, especially around Halloween. Undoubtedly, you’re likely to walk away from a thrift store with a gem of a purchase you didn’t have on your radar. So per usual, use smart shopping strategies like bringing cash only to spend and setting a time limit for your trip.
Coupons, Coupons, Coupons
Don’t relegate coupons to full priced merchandise. Often, both clearance items in retailers and stock in thrift stores can be discounted on top of already basement bargain prices. Spend some time researching your offers and printing off coupons at home before you leave. My personal favorite clearance coupon offerings come from Target’s Cartwheel App and Stein Mart’s online printable coupons. Some department stores also keep coupons at the checkout. It never hurts to ask your clerk if there are coupons available. The worst you could hear is “no.” Thrift stores, too offer coupons from time to time. Ask the clerk what offers are available.
Timing is Everything
What day of the week you shop can make a big difference. Goodwill features a 50% off “Color of the Week” sale every week. Items tagged with a specific color are half off that entire week and only $0.99 on that Sunday. The first Saturday of the month, everything is half off. If you visit a Goodwill Outlet, you can also take advantage of once a month sales where you pay by the pound. Timing is crucial to make a good deal great. As I mentioned above, timing for clearance items in a retailer can be a bit more tricky and requires a close eye. Pay attention to the incremental percentage drops. You can begin to intuitively know if an item’s price will decrease even further or if it’s hit the bottom. Also, pay attention to weekly discounts that might improve clearance deals, like Senior Citizen shopping days.
Realize Extra Expenses & Know Your Limits
Be sure you account for any extra expenses, like dry cleaning or refinishing, that a thrift store purchase might require. Also keep in mind before you purchase your comfort level with buying used goods. There’s nothing worse than spending money on something you’ll never use or wear. When it comes to clearance, you need a specific strategy for storing items to guarantee you won’t forget where they are located when the next season rolls around. If you’re buying clearance clothing or shoes for your children, keep in mind their growth patterns. You want to be sure the item will actually fit when the time comes.
Both thrift shopping and clearance bargains can be successful strategies to save money. It’s my honest opinion that no one should ever pay retail prices for anything. Be a smart shopper and stretch those sales until your pennies scream ouch.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
I like Goodwill for 3 things off the top of my head: (1) Picture frames, either little ones you put on your desk, or ones with big (awful) wall art. Spray them a new color and, voila! Also, single candlesticks. I like the eclectic bohemian look of 5 or 6 different candlesticks, all with white candles. Finally (3) Little mismatched pieces of cut glass, serving pieces, they’d hold something like pickles or olives. Spray paint the back with a pretty color – if you can, find something opalescent- and they hold jewelry or cosmetics.
I love it! I bet you’re great with upcycled Christmas gifts. 🙂