How to Save Money by Thrift Shopping
The resale market has been on the rise for several years. In fact, in 2019 the resale industry was shown to be growing 21 times faster than the retail market.
And with good reason! Buying at thrift stores and resale shops is sustainable, offers more variety, and can save you quite a bit of cash. Gone are the days when thrift store shopping was stigmatized – now, for many, it’s the preferred way to shop.
If you’re working on managing money and cutting back on expenses, we’re here to give you some helpful tips on how to save more by shopping preowned. Let’s jump in!
Go Local
There are over 25,000 thrift stores and resale shops in the United States. That means you very likely have at least one thrift store in your area. Shopping local thrift stores can be an excellent way to find great deals that fit within your budget. Many smaller shops offer regular specials and promotions (i.e., fill a bag for $5, 20% off Tuesdays, and so on), so you can get quite a bang for your buck.
Do a Clothing Swap
Clothes shopping can be an expensive venture! However, some second-hand clothing stores buy used clothes and shoes that are in good condition, so you can swap out your old duds for new ones on the cheap.
If you’re the type who has a closet full of items you’ve only worn once or twice, this section is for you! Gather up any old clothing you haven’t worn in over a year and bring it in to your clothing reseller. Most of these shops will offer you cash in exchange for your clothes, or they may offer you a larger amount in the form of a store credit. And just like that, you’ve cleaned out your closet and scored some new clothing.
Shop Seasonally
When it comes to thrift store shopping, some people recommend doing your shopping in January, because many individuals give hefty donations during the month of December for tax reasons.
By January these items are out on the shelves and thrift stores are packed, so not only is there more to choose from, but you can also expect some big sales.
Check Out Your Options
When you’re shopping for car insurance, never accept the first quote you’re given. Get quotes from multiple companies to see which option can give you the best deal. The same applies with thrift store shopping!
Look up each store’s deals and discounts to see where you can get the best price on the items you’re looking for. And don’t forget to check online for coupons.
Online Thrift Shopping
If there aren’t any thrift shops in your area, no worries! There’s a whole world of online resellers just waiting for you to discover them.
From thredUP to Poshmark to eBay, you can use online reselling sites either to sell your old items or find “new-to-you” ones. Most of these sites offer shipping so you can order from anywhere.
Online marketplaces are another great option if you’re willing to pick up items locally. Facebook Marketplace and other platforms that allow individuals to sell to others in their area are an excellent way to score big ticket items for less. Many people use these to find appliances and larger items that would be expensive to ship.
Try a Discount Retailer
They’re not exactly thrift stores, but discount retailers offer brand new products at significant discounts. They obtain their items by buying overstocks or products that other stores could not sell. This allows them to sell items for far below the suggested retail price.
However, these types of stores are similar to resale shops in that you never know what you can expect to find. You’ll find different merchandise each time, so don’t write them off if you don’t immediately find what you’re looking for. Keep checking back frequently, as their stock will change from month to month.
Get Extra Cash with LendNation
Sometimes even thrift shopping isn’t enough to give your budget the cushioning it needs. If you need some extra cash to tide you over, try applying for a loan from LendNation. With in-store and online options – title loans, installment loans and payday loans – you can be approved within minutes and get the cash you need the same day. Apply online today!