There is a virtually limitless supply of resources when it comes to thrift shopping. For those of you who are new to the game, I'd like to quickly run through the list of most common second-hand sources, tell you where you can find many of them, and be frank with you about the pros and cons of each one. In no particular order, they are as follows:
Flea Markets - Flea markets are fairly common in most towns and consist of several marketers selling their goods at various (and often negotiable) prices. You can stop at a market booth that sells homemade trinkets, crafts, or art, none of which are second-hand, but the reason I go is for the furniture. Flea market dealers often aquire their furniture as curbside pick-ups or from thrift stores at a reasonable price, and then flip them for a profit. A smart flea market buyer will negotiate for a price, and a dealer will often counter offers until coming down enough for the buyer to make a deal, and the seller to still make a profit. In addition to furniture, other items commonly found second-hand at flea markets include books and jewelry.
Pros: Because most dealers put out no money or next to no money for the items they are selling, haggling is not only possible, but often encouraged.
Cons: As with any sales venue, you will run across the occasional dealer who will try to sell you a lemon. Doing your research before going out for big-ticket items like furniture will help you discern whether that deco vanity is truly 1930's or a pre-fab knock-off from the 90's. All sales are final, so buy wisely and test electronics before buying. Also, dealers must pack up at the end of the day, so they cannot hold items for you. Bring your truck.
Antique Malls - I wouldn't decorate any room of my house without first exhausting every antique mall within 30 miles of where I live. One of my favorite interior designers, Nate Berkus, has said that a room should look assembled over time, rather than bought in a day. But since not all of us have heirloom antiques passed down from Nana, antique malls are a great way to make it look that way. I can't tell you how many Tiffany-style lamps, original artwork, or mid-century modern-chic pieces I have seen for under $100. Next time you need something stunning over your fireplace, consider a vintage sunburst clock or piece of artwork before putting up another flatscreen. Want a coffee table everyone will be blabbing about? Antique mall! Even if you just want one splurge item (to me, antiques are a splurge, even though they're often much more affordable than new), consider a lovely Italian vase or brass sculpture.
Pros: Practically everything is one-of-a-kind. Most items have been carefully researched, and dealers are often quite honest about pieces. Items found here range from vintage clothing to jewelry to furniture, so it really is a one-stop shop.
Cons: Because dealers do their research, know what they're doing, and sometimes even make an investment in their items, you will pay more here than at, say, a thrift store or yard sale. Use your judgement when deciding how much something is worth to you, and then figure out if that matches the monetary value.
Consignment Shops - Okay, here's how consignment shops work: I walk in with clothes I've never worn or have barely worn, a designer bag I'm no longer fond of, and a pair of shoes I ordered online that ended up being the wrong size. The consignment shop owner will value my items, and then will give me cash and/or store credit (each store's policy differs). The owner will then sell the items through their shop for a profit. I, on the other hand, can use my money or store credit to buy a new outfit, a more practical bag, or a pair of shoes that actually fits. And even if I don't have clothes to sell or trade, consignment shops are a great place to get an incredible deal on clothes that are practically new.
Pros: Consignment shops sell only quality items, which means they are lightly used or brand new, and are even sometimes designer brands. Most stores have every item washed or dry-cleaned before selling. If I don't have extra money, but I do have extra clothes, store credit is an amazing way to get a new wardrobe for next to nothing. And as far as second-hand goes, this is probably where you will find the best variety and quality.
Cons: Because these shops make an investment and do not rely solely on donations, items will cost a little more. Also, clothing and accessories are usually the only items sold here, so this is not your home-decorating destination.
Online Shopping - When it comes to buying other people's stuff online, the first site that pops into your head is probably ebay.com. But sites such as listia.com use a point system rather than money, so you can actually "purchase" items for free.
Pros: Online sites usually work solely as a bidding process, so you can find an amazing deal on almost any kind of item imaginable. Also, you have the convenience of being able to shop 24/7/365, and in your underwear, to boot!
Cons: Clothes may not fit, appliances may not work, and there may be a stain on that gorgeous jacket. About 90% of what I buy online is actually as good as advertised, so it really is buyer beware.
Boutiques - Second-hand boutiques are much like consignment shops as far as the quality of the items and the type of items sold, but each boutique usually specializes in one area of fashion. There are prom boutiques, wedding boutiques, baby boutiques, and so on. The store sign will indicate whether or not they are a second-hand boutique as well as what type of clothes are sold there. If your town has one of those cobblestone, yesteryear-type downtown areas, this is most likely where you will find your second-hand boutiques.
Pros: If you know what you're looking for, say prom attire for example, it's your one-stop shop. Some even have deals with local florists and bakeries for special occasions, and they will give you a discount just for shopping at that boutique.
Cons: As I said, most boutiques specialize in just one area of fashion, so you will need to shop around if you are looking for more than one kind of item. And since items are a higher quality, you should expect to pay more here than at a thrift store.
Rummage Sales - Rummage sales are usually hosted by churches or schools that rely completely on donations and use all proceeds for a charitable cause. They are often only held in one place for 1-3 days once or twice a year. Folding tables will be set up in rows, piled high with clothing, toys, accessories, jewelry, decorations, and so on. One must literally dig through piles of things to find what they are looking for, hence the name "rummage sale." Some things you should know about rummage sales include the fact that it is not a place for those who are afraid of crowds or germs. I have seen people elbow-to-elbow, and while I personally find this to be part of the fun, I know there are a lot of people who don't. Also, if you are bringing very small children, bring friends or family to help keep an eye on them, because they can get lost easily among so many people, and can get hurt by people who are rushing around without looking where they're going. All in all, I guess I could sum it up by saying rummage sales are not the place for the faint of heart.
Pros: Items are sold at a general price, rather than marked individually. For example, sweaters are $1 each, regardless of whether it is made of polyester or cashmere. Also, on the last sale day, items are usually sold by the bag, so you can get as many things as you can fit in a shopping bag for a standard price. This is by far where you will get the best value. Also, you can find everything from clothes to shoes to electronics, so the variety is quite impressive.
Cons: Because all the proceeds go to a charitable casue, I find it to be in poor taste to haggle for a deal. There are no dressing rooms, you will have to sift through clothing, and I have seen people fight to the point of violence and injury, so you really need to have the heart and the stomach for these sales.
Yard/Garage/Block/Estate Sales - These are all basically the same thing. Someone is moving, or their child has grown out of his clothes, or Nana has died, and all the things that can no longer be used are put outside for you to buy. An advantage you have is that the previous owner is right there, so you can actually see where these items are coming from. You can even inquire about the history, age, and quality. And sellers are always willing to make deals .Also, if you see that the seller is a smoker or has pets, and this is something that concerns you, you can act accordingly.
Pros: In addition to the fact that you have the previous owner right there to make a deal with and talk about what you're getting, stuff is cheap, cheap, cheap.
Cons: If one item is dirty, it may all be, and you may need to pass on a huge sale entirely if you're not happy with where it's coming from. Also, many people (myself included) find it awkward to walk around someone's yard without ultimately buying something, so you may end up buying items out of guilt.
Thrift Stores - Ah, perhaps I've saved the best for last. Thrift stores rely soley on donations and often donate all profits to charity. My favorite thing about thrift stores is probably the rows and rows of knick-knacks, trinkets, and miscellaneous items. they're great for decorating or as gifts (don't worry, I'll explain the proper thrift-gifting etiquette soon). I would have to say that as I look around my home, I can count on less than 2 hands the number of items I have purchased new. From lamps to linens, toys to tools, books to board games, thrift stores have it all. And the great thing is, they never have the same thing one week to the next. My favorite shopping game is "What can I get for $20 today?" The result is sometimes an entire outfit (shoes, purse, and jewelry included) or a new piece of furniture that just needs a little TLC.
Pros: Variety! You may have to sew on a button here, use a little elbow grease there, but it's well worth it for the money you save.
Cons: Remember, everything is used, so as with all second-hand shopping, look for stains, tears, breaks, and working zippers before purchasing. Items are almost always non-refundable, so if they have not tested the electronics, you should ask them if you can, and don't buy it if it's not worth the potential disappointment.
Lastly, a good rule of thumb when it comes to second-hand shopping, is that a good dealer will sell used items for no more than 10%-20% the retail price, with the exception of antiques whose values have appreciated over time. Wash any clothes you buy before you wear them, and wash them on hot, if possible. If you are not handy at reupholstering, or cannot afford to have it done, you should probably pass on that questionable-looking couch. Educate yourself in the signs of fleas, lice, roaches, rodents, bed bugs, and other potential hazards because some places just aren't very clean at all.
With the proper attention, care, preparation, and execution, you may very well be able to find something gorgeous and just what you dreamed. Thrifting should be a happy experience, so be sure you are completely comfortable in your second-hand venue. Good luck as you shop, and happy thrifting!
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