Thrift Store Thrills: Op Shopping on a Budget
The shift in the image of op shops has resulted in their popularity with young and old bargain hunters alike. Previously regarded as poor men’s dens, thrift stores now attract people from different walks of life who share a common purpose – to purchase used items in good condition at bargain prices.
Image by Bart Everson
The benefits of charity shopping
Walking into a thrift store is akin to stumbling into Alladin’s treasure trove where a wide range of items are found, including vintage products. Popular with bargain hunters and environmentalists, who support the recycling of materials, op shops provide several perks which giant department stores do not.
- They offer items at reasonable prices.
- They suit shoppers searching for something different, such as a vintage bag or purse.
- There is an eclectic feel about them, like a haven for surprising finds.
While many frugal Australians rely on Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul) and Red Cross Stores for their bargain finds, there are many other thrift or op stores throughout Australia that offer an interesting array of items ranging from cutlery and kitchenware to clothing and accessories. Interestingly, many upmarket op shops have introduced new items at a fraction of the retail price, making such stores even more alluring.
Consider the following tips on shopping at thrift stores:
Look up op shops in your state or suburb
Invest some time in looking up charity shops around your area on the internet, classified sites or in the local newspaper. Some stores do not have websites of their own or do not advertise online. Hence, relying on print media is your best bet in scoping out the stores. Also, forums and blogs are useful platforms for your research.
Avoid impulse buying
It is a good idea to hop from one thrift store to another within the same vicinity to compare items before you make a purchase. Avoid shopping in a rush and ensure you have ample time in browsing through the items on display. Go through the clothing racks at your own pace to ensure that you don’t skip anything that may take your fancy. Examine closely the items that you are keen on buying to ensure there are no scratches, stains, loose stitching or tears.
Bring sufficient cash
Some op shops still apply conventional transaction methods and do not accept credit cards. Ensure that you bring sufficient cash to these stores to avoid the hassle of finding an automated teller machine to withdraw the amount you need.
Wear no-hassle clothing
If you are looking for clothes at thrift stores, wear a fitting top, skirt and strapless foot ware to try out tops, pants, leggings or skirts. This is due to the fact that some op shops may not have dressing rooms or a secluded space for you to try on clothing. Wearing no-hassle clothing allows you to slip clothes on and off conveniently and quickly.
Be flexible with clothes sizes
If you stumble upon a perfect size 12 dress when a size 10 fits you nicely, don’t despair. Consider taking it to the tailor for alteration; it’s a wise decision for clothes you can get at a steal.
Avoid peak-season shopping
Shop a season ahead to grab the best items in the store. Winter coats can be bought in autumn and summer dresses can be bought in spring. Avoid shopping in December as the stores will be abuzz with Christmas crowds looking for good deals.
Bear in mind that op shops are stores that sell used things, particularly used clothing. In most cases, these stores are charity shops that sell overstocked donations, such as second hand kitchenware and clothing, from which its proceeds are channelled to charitable purposes.
To get a better variety of items or new products, you should shop in profit thrift stores. These are basically the same as the conventional charity shops but are owned privately and sell goods obtained from charity shops for a profit. These stores will have a more impressive and higher quality inventory, as the products have been meticulously selected for a niche market such as vintage, retro or bohemian styles.
Shopping in op shops is analogous to treasure hunting. The thrill lies in the notion that you never really know what you will find until you browse rack after rack or shelf after shelf of clothing or accessories and strike gold. Have fun hunting for that treasure the next time you go to the thrift store!
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- Painless Budget Cuts: 4 Simple Ways to Save
- Shopping online: Are you really saving as much as you think?
- How to Cut Your Food Budget
- 5 Money Saving Secrets You Should Know
- The Secret to Huge Savings: Using Coupons
Category: Frugal Living
