Five tips for saving money at thrift shops

It’s time to dust off those treasure-hunting skills, get frugal and save some money for National Thrift Shop Day Aug. 17.

According to a recent survey conducted by TopCashback, a cash back site, 83% of Americans would consider buying refurbished or used items in order to save money.

The survey polled a cross-section of 2,041 adults, aged 18 and over.

To many people, thrifting is more than just second-hand shopping, it’s a lifestyle — 68% of Americans shop at thrift stores. This trend isn’t going out of style anytime soon; it’s better for the environment and for everyone's wallets! So to start, here are some thrifting tips from TopCashback’s team of money-saving experts:

Keep an open mind. Going into a thrift store looking for something specific, will limit shoppers from finding another piece that could really catch their eye. Only go in with a budget and an idea of what is needed. Stay open-minded and be patient when thrifting.

Try on clothes if possible. Many thrift stores do not have a return policy and offer no refunds or exchanges. To ensure the purchase doesn’t end up back in the donation pile, try on items before checking out, if possible, to confirm sizing and envision how the clothing will be worn. This also gives shoppers extra time to examine the quality of the items and make sure there aren’t any noticeable tears or stains.

Pro-tip: When examining clothing items, make sure to look at the tags and fine print. Look for durable materials, like cotton or wool, as they will provide the most value if one is looking for long-lasting fashion at a significant discount.

Look for additional savings. Many thrift stores have reward programs to help shoppers gain additional savings on purchases. Also, some thrift stores have daily sales depending on the color of the item’s tag, guaranteeing even more savings on those items.

Thrift and sell online. Online thrift stores, such as eBay, Poshmark and Depop, are great options to find what shoppers are looking for from home. And if some extra cash is needed, these tools can be used to get rid of extra items lying around the house.

Pro-tip: If something looks valuable at a thrift store, research the item on a resale platform before purchasing. If the item is selling for more than the thrift store’s price tag, it is possible to try to “flip” the item by selling it for more money online to make a profit.

Try local thrifting. Many local thrift stores run by churches or charities are often overlooked. However, there are many hidden gems to be found at these stores, from clothing to furniture, for a heavy discount. Plus, the money spent will be given back to the local community, depending on the program.

Submitted by TopCashback.