How to shop at Thrift Stores- 6 Tips

A decorative vase with intricate designs, a hidden gem from a thrift store shopping adventure, holds a vibrant bouquet of red roses and white hydrangeas, accented by green leaves. The vase sits on a table set for dining, with glasses and plates blurred in the background.

Shopping at your local thrift store allows you to bring home treasures at very reasonable prices and helps provide for people in need.

I love a bargain.

Don’t get me wrong, I love nice things, too.

But the thrill of finding something I actually really want at an almost “for free” price-goodness- I’m all in!

I am a big Homegoods fan, but I REALLY love thrift stores.

I haven’t shopped for clothing at thrift stores, but boy have I found some beautiful plates, vases, candlesticks and even linens!

This gorgeous vase was $7.00!

Amidst tips for thrift store shopping, a person holds a decorative porcelain vase adorned with vibrant floral and geometric patterns, showcasing an illustration of an Asian woman in traditional attire. The vase rests elegantly on a wooden table against a striped background.

I used the vase on this pretty table with Spode Indian Tree China.

Then there’s this vase that was originally marked $7.99 but was 1/2 off!

History of Goodwill

Goodwill has been transforming peoples lives since 1918. They specifically exist to help veterans, low income families, people with disabilities and those who have unexpected medical or mental needs. They also provide free career counseling, skills training, and résumé prep services that help unlock opportunities for job seekers. I love their values from their website:

“OUR VALUES:

People Matter
Integrity
Continuous Improvement
Stewardship
Excellence
Collaboration”

Walking into a Goodwill, and finding some treasures, ends up helping a lot of people who really need it!

History of ARC

The last time I visited a ARC Thrift Store I asked the manager to tell me a little bit about their history. She explained that they have been in business since 1968 and they aim to help people with mental disabilities. Here is what I found on their website.

“Since 1968, arc Thrift Stores has proudly done our part every day to help make our state the best place to live and work. We are one of Colorado’s largest employers of people with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and many other intellectual and developmental disabilities. We strive to be tireless advocates for those in our community that need us most, as well as to the environment.

AND we happen to have the BEST selection and best prices on thrift ANYWHERE! Every day, in every store, you will find treasures and must-haves at unbeatable value!” The rifting at arc not only brings you some really great deals, you can feel really good about supporting people in need.”

It feels great to support organizations that give back to and empower people with mental disabilities!!

So now that you know a little history, what’s the best way to shop at a thrift store!?

When you go into your local Goodwill, ARC or just neighborhood thrift store it’s easy to be overwhelmed. S0, here are some good tips to follow for your next trip!

6 Tips for Shopping at Thrift Stores

Have an idea of what you want to buy. Last time I thrifted I was looking for colored water goblets. There was a set of 6 turquoise ones for $6.99. Sounds great, but at that point I wasn’t looking for that color so I had to pass. If you go in thinking- I’ll just look around and see if anything strikes my fancy…well, you will most likely leave with something you didn’t really need to buy! And even if it’s cheap, its still money wasted!
Have a budget. Again, it’s easy to think- this is so inexpensive, and I love it, so I should buy it! I might decide I have $20 to spend that week at thrift stores. If I’ve already spent my allowance, I just won’t go thrifting until the following week. It’s easier if you just don’t know what you’re missing ;)
Keep in mind that almost every thrift store has a color system. By color system, I mean this is how they decide what is on sale that day/week. Goodwill typically has 2 colors on sale each week. One is 50% off and one is 30% off. Mile High Thrift in Denver has 5 different color tags and they change the sales each day. One of the colors is 75% off, two are 50% off, one is 25% off and the other color is not on sale that day. The vase with the red tag above is from Mile High and was 50% off the day I purchased it.
Check to make sure the items you are eying aren’t damaged. I got so excited when I found some really pretty glasses from a great price that I bought them. When I got home I noticed one was chipped. Bummer! Don’t make the same mistake I did.
If you have the time to pop in regularly, do. Thrift stores are constantly getting donations, so their inventory is constantly changing. If you go looking for Imari plates, like me! and don’t find any the first time you go, keep stopping by. You never know when someone might decide they are ready to donate their set!
Have fun! But be aware of over-consumption. Just because you like something doesn’t necessarily mean you should buy it. Buy only the things you love and you will cherish them for years to come!

Here are some treasures I’ve found thrifting! The $1.00 brown transferware plates are my most favorite.

Happy Thrifting!