Badass Thrift Store Shopping

[StarBright]

Has anyone here tried thredup?

I haven't used threadup - but have used poshmark when I was looking for something specific. Both times I got the exact clothing items I was looking for, with tags still on, at a fraction of the list price.

[tygertygertyger]

I've used ThredUp twice. I like it for brands that I'm already familiar with and know correct sizing. When I wanted new yoga pants, I ordered two pairs in generic size Large, and one of those was too small for me. Hence the preference for brands I'm familiar with! (I used the small pair to make patches for a pair that was getting holes... the fee to send it back made it seem not worth it to return.)

[iris lily]

I remember when DH quit a job working for someone else, a job that provided uniforms. I thought oh crap now we have to buy clothes for him. Doh, I had forgotten about thrift sore clothes EVEN THO I myself shopped there for clothes.

He does light construction work, so clothing was not hard to find with the exception of blue jeans at the thrifts. He is short, so finding the right length isnt easy. But shirts, shorts, sometimes casual docker-type pants—those are easy to find.

Saved us a boatload of money.

[Weisass]

I've used ThredUp twice. I like it for brands that I'm already familiar with and know correct sizing. When I wanted new yoga pants, I ordered two pairs in generic size Large, and one of those was too small for me. Hence the preference for brands I'm familiar with! (I used the small pair to make patches for a pair that was getting holes... the fee to send it back made it seem not worth it to return.)

That is super helpful. Thanks.

[SotI]

Maybe a bit of a silly question, but DH and I opportunistically buy from op shops (which I sort of conflate with thrift shops, but maybe I am wrong?) or flea-markets for many things. Basically, b/c it's cheaper, more sustainable (as "already there") and often older/better quality as new, short-lived products (e.g. traditional cookware, tools, etc.)
We don't use ebay (we don't use FAANG products on principle).

Still, I sometimes feel guilty for thrift shopping b/c we could afford to shop new - so aren't we crowding out ppl who have to rely on op shops and second-hand goods? Anyone of you have had that concern, as well? What's your "excuse"?
I have settled on "I have no excuse, I do it anyway" ...

[Erma]

Still, I sometimes feel guilty for thrift shopping b/c we could afford to shop new - so aren't we crowding out ppl who have to rely on op shops and second-hand goods? Anyone of you have had that concern, as well? What's your "excuse"?
I have settled on "I have no excuse, I do it anyway" ...

Don't feel guilty. There is so much stuff around. Unfortunately, I don't have easy access to thrift stores at the moment but when I was there there was always plenty of stuff and most stores used the money they got to help other people. Here it's now almost impossible to get rid of things even for free.

[Dicey]

Maybe a bit of a silly question, but DH and I opportunistically buy from op shops (which I sort of conflate with thrift shops, but maybe I am wrong?) or flea-markets for many things. Basically, b/c it's cheaper, more sustainable (as "already there") and often older/better quality as new, short-lived products (e.g. traditional cookware, tools, etc.)
We don't use ebay (we don't use FAANG products on principle).

Still, I sometimes feel guilty for thrift shopping b/c we could afford to shop new - so aren't we crowding out ppl who have to rely on op shops and second-hand goods? Anyone of you have had that concern, as well? What's your "excuse"?
I have settled on "I have no excuse, I do it anyway" ...

Not silly at all. I volunteer at a thrift shop and I assure you, there is plenty to go around. Unless you're blocking the door to keep people out, lol. There are also CL, ND, FB Marketplace and Buy Nothing groups.

[Cassie]

We have a ton of thrift stores so yes Dicey is right about plenty of stuff to go around so shop them guilt free:)).

[Cranky]

Has anyone here tried thredup?

I’ve done a couple of orders from ThredUp and been pleased. They are more expensive than Goodwill, but you can search for exactly what you want.

[elaine amj]

We are big thrifters here. And in the summer we garage sale almost every weekend - even better deals than thrift stores.

Many years ago, I only thrifted selectively. Then when pregnant, DH’s coworker recommended we try a Mom2Mom sale - where parents rent tables to sell their baby and kids stuff. First trip I bought one special occasion dress and couldn’t imagine buying everyday baby clothes. Before long, we were buying practically every bit of baby gear used.

And a year later, we started organizing the same sales in our city. Imagine 120+ tables of baby and kids stuff with 2000+ shoppers coming through in 4 hours. It was garage saling on steroids.

As you can imagine, we soon got over any squeamishness and buy pretty much everything thrifted. I do draw the line at underwear - although I buy used swimsuits so that might still be inner squeamishness lol.

Even better, both my young adult kids still thrift regularly and take their friends to thrift stores.


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[Mountainbug]

Has anyone here tried thredup?

I tried a box from thred up. I read on the frugal girl blog to like items that appealed to me to give them a better idea of what I was looking for. The box I received was mostly those items lol. But it worked out great- I got a few Patagonia items in great condition. It might have been lucky timing though.

[JAYSLOL]

We are big thrifters here. And in the summer we garage sale almost every weekend - even better deals than thrift stores.

Garage sales are where it’s at, lots of competition out there, but I’ve found crazy amazing deals on stuff

[Sugaree]

Still, I sometimes feel guilty for thrift shopping b/c we could afford to shop new - so aren't we crowding out ppl who have to rely on op shops and second-hand goods? Anyone of you have had that concern, as well? What's your "excuse"?
I have settled on "I have no excuse, I do it anyway" ...

I've been told that I shouldn't shop at thrift stores because I can afford to shop elsewhere.  But the person who told me that is someone who grew up poor and married into money and is now way invested in keeping up with the Joneses.  I think I told her that I'd give her opinion all the consideration that it deserves. 

Just because I "can" afford it doesn't mean that buying new is the answer to everything.  It's almost as much about keeping crap out of the landfill as it is saving money.  Especially clothes.  As far as the whole taking-away-from-less-advantaged-people I read an article recently that said that the money that the thrift stores generate with their stores funds programs that help more than the availability of cheap clothing does (usually....I have some doubts about one of my local stores).

[SotI]

Thank you all for your comments. It definitely helps to not feel guilty again for snapping up some good items.  ☺

[Dicey]

Still, I sometimes feel guilty for thrift shopping b/c we could afford to shop new - so aren't we crowding out ppl who have to rely on op shops and second-hand goods? Anyone of you have had that concern, as well? What's your "excuse"?
I have settled on "I have no excuse, I do it anyway" ...

I've been told that I shouldn't shop at thrift stores because I can afford to shop elsewhere.  But the person who told me that is someone who grew up poor and married into money and is now way invested in keeping up with the Joneses.  I think I told her that I'd give her opinion all the consideration that it deserves. 

Just because I "can" afford it doesn't mean that buying new is the answer to everything.  It's almost as much about keeping crap out of the landfill as it is saving money.  Especially clothes.  As far as the whole taking-away-from-less-advantaged-people I read an article recently that said that the money that the thrift stores generate with their stores funds programs that help more than the availability of cheap clothing does (usually....I have some doubts about one of my local stores).

Another aspect of this discussion is the sheer availability of material goods. The amount of stuff produced nowadays is simply staggering.

When I was a kid, I had 1 pair each of church, school (specific uniform shoe), and play shoes. Nowadays, I'm sure I own twenty pair of shoes, if not more. As a kid, I had 2 or 3 uniforms, the same number of church dresses, and a week or two worth of play clothes. Now I have a huge walk-in closet that's pretty full.

No one is really taking anything away from anyone, there is simply too much being produced for that to be true.

[AMandM]

I've been told that I shouldn't shop at thrift stores because I can afford to shop elsewhere. 

By that logic, I should let myself get cheated, buy extra food just to throw it away, set fire to a dollar bill every day, ....

As far as the whole taking-away-from-less-advantaged-people I read an article recently that said that the money that the thrift stores generate with their stores funds programs that help more than the availability of cheap clothing does (usually....I have some doubts about one of my local stores).

Most of the thrift stores where I live don't directly fund programs. Instead they pay a charity (each store has a different one) a dollar amount based on the weight of donations.

[Sugaree]

I've been told that I shouldn't shop at thrift stores because I can afford to shop elsewhere. 

By that logic, I should let myself get cheated, buy extra food just to throw it away, set fire to a dollar bill every day, ....

As far as the whole taking-away-from-less-advantaged-people I read an article recently that said that the money that the thrift stores generate with their stores funds programs that help more than the availability of cheap clothing does (usually....I have some doubts about one of my local stores).

Most of the thrift stores where I live don't directly fund programs. Instead they pay a charity (each store has a different one) a dollar amount based on the weight of donations.

Most of the stores here that aren't Salvation Army or Goodwill are associated with church-based drug rehab programs.  One group isn't exactly bad, even though I have doubts about the effectiveness of programs that rely on former participants as counselors instead of licensed professionals.  The other feels like a grift.  The thrift store employees, and also the employees at the oil change shop that the program also runs, are working for free (technically, their pay goes to offset the cost of their "treatment" which is not licensed and thus not covered by insurance).  Anyone with a trade is sent to work for free in their trade.  I knew a guy who was a licensed electrician who would be sent all over the state, including the pastor's beach house, to do electrical work.

[BikeFanatic]

I too used to believe that I was stealing from the poor by getting great deals in thrift stores. But this thread and that video  above eased my fears. I have quite a few in my new neighborhood to check out.
I like getting board games for 90 percent off retail and of course thrift store shopping does hopefully
Ease some of the waste of all the excessive manufacturing of goods.

[Trifle]

The vast majority of our possessions and clothes are thrifted/bought used.  I used to be squeamish about upholstered furniture, but I got over that.  I'm just really picky and inspect thoroughly.

Some of our best finds over the years have been beautiful solid wood furniture for cheap.  As far as clothes go, one time I got a great down vest for $8.  I adore it and still wear it all the time. 

[Dicey]

Today is my shift at my favorite thrift shop. Oh, the anticipation!

[NotCreativeName]

That was a very interesting documentary - one to make you think. 

My husband had a car shop and I was always on the look out for work pants for him.  Paying $3 instead of $30 made it easier to deal with grease and stains.

Also, I generally donate and then shop on the same trip.  I probably buy only 10% of the time when I donate/shop, but have found some very good buys on things I actually use.  Notable is kids first 2 wheeler bike with training wheels for $10, random pieces of silverware that match my current for .25 per piece, and flower vases for under $1. (I have a couple of bushes that flower prolifically and like to give cuttings to some friends & family.)

[LaineyAZ]

I also try to donate at the same time I shop.  Here, every Tuesday is senior day which is 25% off.  It's my incentive to declutter things like costume jewelry, CDs, kitchen items, etc. and then browse. 

Last week I was happy to find a pair of gray suede ankle boots in great condition that were wide enough and only $6 - usually this style seems to be too narrow and tight for my feet.  Stylish + comfortable = hard to find.

However I'm still dismayed to see prices climbing - used bras for $5, kids bikes in rough shape for $25, dollar store items for $2 and up, etc.  I realize inflation means paying more but some of this stuff is barely re-usable.

[BikeFanatic]

I previously posted a recliner that I found on the street, but I forgot the 20 bicycle that was in pretty good shape for 20$ had to negotiate down the price from 25, this was during the pandemic and you could not get a bike cheaper that works. I bought it for a friend who has no money and was driving a bike with one very crappy brake that barely worked! We call it happy bike because it is a total Mary popping upright rider and it is so different than modern bikes, very comfortable and the wheels spin with out much resistance. I can keep up with others on it and everyone wants to ride it on group rides because it is so unique looking.

[Weisass]

Picked up a pair of solid kid's ski boots at "Play it Again Sports" yesterday for a song. They fit great, and when we are done with them, they will go right back to Play it Again for the next kiddo.  Win win!

[Dicey]

As usual, my thrift shop shift did not disappoint. I deliberately didn't look for anything this time. Normally, I spend most of the day on the floor, curating inventory, which is how I find treasures. I worked retail for 14 years and am a lot younger than many of the other volunteers, so I normally get a lot of shit done.

We were short handed, so I cashiered all day, whomp, whomp. As I was exiting the retail portion of the shop, after the store had closed, I noticed a Fellowes Paper Shredder. (I own a badass one from my pre-FIRE days, but I used it a LOT. Now it only works when you actively hold the "Clear" button down. DH has tried to fix it, going down the YT rabbit hole and even contacting the company, but it apparently can't be done. Of course, we were still limping along with it, but its days were numbered.) It was priced at $15! Oh yes, pretty baby, you're coming home with me! It's not quite as monstrous as the model I have, but now that I'm FIRE, 8 pages at a time (vs. 20) is sufficient.  Just in time to start on our taxes, yippee! A quick search says this model sold for about $110, so $15 was a pretty good price.

[tyrannostache]

Has anyone here tried thredup?

I’ve done a couple of orders from ThredUp and been pleased. They are more expensive than Goodwill, but you can search for exactly what you want.

I have used both Poshmark and ThredUp, and thus far I'm most pleased with ThredUp. I've sold a few things on Poshmark (Frye boots previously bought from a thrift store) and bought a few things (Eileen Fisher cardigan that arrived absolutely REEKING of awful perfume).

When I was getting ready to do job interviews last year, I got a perfect condition set of Banana Republic wool suiting for about $24 total from ThredUp. They are like brand new, and I felt 100% confident going into the interview that I looked professional and up-to-date.

I also did a ThredUp closet clean-out bag to get rid of some work dresses I can no longer use, maternity clothes, stinky Eileeen Fisher cardigan, some hand-me-down Patagonia items (my Dad is an outdoor gear shopaholic), and the fruits of my ill-fated foray into minimalist footwear (result: I got plantar fasciitis). I'm pleasantly surprised at the payout. I have more than $50 in credit, thanks mostly to the stinky Eileen Fisher cardigan, on which I actually made a teeny profit (bought it at a steep discount from Poshmark).

[Warlord1986]

I love thrift and consignment stores. There is always so much stuff. Don't feel guilty about buying used, feel happy that you're saving something from the landfill and reducing waste consumption.

Just got back from the local thrift store. Found a book for my dad's upcoming birthday!

[Nutty]

Another spot that often gets overlooked is pawn shops for mechanical tools.  I must have a steep discount for electrical stuff and expect it to be short lived.  I've only had a few meet that expectation. 

Wrenches, sockets, screw drivers are all there for the negotiation.  Know what you are buying and inspect it.   

[NotCreativeName]

Pawn shops are a no-go for me.  I've looked at jewelry, tools and electronics there and was surprised at how high the prices were.  Also lots of sad people there and I always got the vibe of poor people being exploited. 

But thrift stores are another vibe entirely.  And I'm happy to donate lots of good quality items I just don't need anymore (whether I ever needed them is debatable, but I won't go there!) 

Sometimes there's an item that's fairly valuable and it makes me happy to think that someone will find them and be thrilled (looking at you Coach shoes that were just a bit too big). 

[Dicey]

Pawn shops are a no-go for me.  I've looked at jewelry, tools and electronics there and was surprised at how high the prices were.  Also lots of sad people there and I always got the vibe of poor people being exploited. 

But thrift stores are another vibe entirely.  And I'm happy to donate lots of good quality items I just don't need anymore (whether I ever needed them is debatable, but I won't go there!) 

Sometimes there's an item that's fairly valuable and it makes me happy to think that someone will find them and be thrilled (looking at you Coach shoes that were just a bit too big).

100% agree!

[Nutty]

I've had good and bad experiences with the vibes.  In some cases, it is exploitation.  In others, people have a need.  As with all things, it depends on the user and how they approach the pawnbrokers. 

As consumers, we choose who we do business with and there are some I don't patronize.  As with thrift stores and flea markets, everything is negotiable.  If you don't like the price, there is usually some wiggle room, but don't just expect a steal or them to give it to you.  I have gotten discounts on old merchandise.  Some good deals and others were what I was desiring/needing. 

I know people who will buy a specialty tool and rather than selling it themselves, will get a little money back after having used it and gotten their money worth through the use and let the shops sell it.  These are the complete tools with instructions.  They don't last long.  Cheers

[NotCreativeName]

I know people who will buy a specialty tool and rather than selling it themselves, will get a little money back after having used it and gotten their money worth through the use and let the shops sell it.  These are the complete tools with instructions.  They don't last long.  Cheers

I've never been one to hassle with selling used but still valuable items and just end up donating.  You make a good point here on how pawn shops could be useful for the original owners to recoup some $$.  And I don't mean to say ALL pawnshops are exploiters, just a vibe I've gotten at times that is super uncomfortable for me so now avoid completely.

[SquashingDebt]

As usual, my thrift shop shift did not disappoint. I deliberately didn't look for anything this time. Normally, I spend most of the day on the floor, curating inventory, which is how I find treasures. I worked retail for 14 years and am a lot younger than many of the other volunteers, so I normally get a lot of shit done.

We were short handed, so I cashiered all day, whomp, whomp. As I was exiting the retail portion of the shop, after the store had closed, I noticed a Fellowes Paper Shredder. (I own a badass one from my pre-FIRE days, but I used it a LOT. Now it only works when you actively hold the "Clear" button down. DH has tried to fix it, going down the YT rabbit hole and even contacting the company, but it apparently can't be done. Of course, we were still limping along with it, but its days were numbered.) It was priced at $15! Oh yes, pretty baby, you're coming home with me! It's not quite as monstrous as the model I have, but now that I'm FIRE, 8 pages at a time (vs. 20) is sufficient.  Just in time to start on our taxes, yippee! A quick search says this model sold for about $110, so $15 was a pretty good price.

This made me smile because I just donated a shredder to our local thrift store last weekend.  (Partner and I combined households and did not need 2 shredders.)

[Dicey]

As usual, my thrift shop shift did not disappoint. I deliberately didn't look for anything this time. Normally, I spend most of the day on the floor, curating inventory, which is how I find treasures. I worked retail for 14 years and am a lot younger than many of the other volunteers, so I normally get a lot of shit done.

We were short handed, so I cashiered all day, whomp, whomp. As I was exiting the retail portion of the shop, after the store had closed, I noticed a Fellowes Paper Shredder. (I own a badass one from my pre-FIRE days, but I used it a LOT. Now it only works when you actively hold the "Clear" button down. DH has tried to fix it, going down the YT rabbit hole and even contacting the company, but it apparently can't be done. Of course, we were still limping along with it, but its days were numbered.) It was priced at $15! Oh yes, pretty baby, you're coming home with me! It's not quite as monstrous as the model I have, but now that I'm FIRE, 8 pages at a time (vs. 20) is sufficient.  Just in time to start on our taxes, yippee! A quick search says this model sold for about $110, so $15 was a pretty good price.

This made me smile because I just donated a shredder to our local thrift store last weekend.  (Partner and I combined households and did not need 2 shredders.)

Hmm, I thought I'd added a post-script here, but I guess not. The shredder went back, because it couldn't chew up as much as our existing one does, even though ours only works in manual mode. Since I volunteer there, I was able to check it out to try it at home, and then bring it back, so no money changed hands. Making do for the win!

[Morning Glory]

My $3 thrift store toaster works great!

[jeninco]

MrInCO dropped our butter dish the other day, so when I had 10 minutes to spare on Monday I ran through our local Goodwill and found a replacement. It'll hold the shorter, wider sticks, but I'm not sure it's long enough for the longer, skinnier sticks -- not that it really matters: we buy a brand that comes in the size that fits.

turns out, green stickers were half off, so after tax it cost 95 cents! (And it's innocuous white ceramic.)

[Dicey]

Nothing to report yet, but today is my official volunteer day at the Thrift Shop. Ooh, the anticipation!

Also, it never fails, no matter how thoroughly we look around before the store opens, a customer always, always presents something for payment that one of us would have snagged if we'd seen it first. Which just goes to show there's plenty to go around, lol.

[JAYSLOL]

Nothing to report yet, but today is my official volunteer day at the Thrift Shop. Ooh, the anticipation!

Also, it never fails, no matter how thoroughly we look around before the store opens, a customer always, always presents something for payment that one of us would have snagged if we'd seen it first. Which just goes to show there's plenty to go around, lol.

Can’t wait to hear what else you find.  Still too cold for garage sales here, but hopefully I can start snagging amazing deals soon too

[meadow lark]

Today I bought my 21 mo grandson (we live together) a Little Tikes car he can sit in and push with his feet for $13.  It retails for $50.  Previously I have bought him  a kitchen ($24) and work bench (complete with all the tools and screws).  ($15 IIRC). Definitely his favorite toys and they are taking over my living room!

[Dicey]

Today I bought my 21 mo grandson (we live together) a Little Tikes car he can sit in and push with his feet for $13.  It retails for $50.  Previously I have bought him  a kitchen ($24) and work bench (complete with all the tools and screws).  ($15 IIRC). Definitely his favorite toys and they are taking over my living room!

Lol, there used to be a great kid's consignment shop on my walking route. My walking partner found a kitchen there that's so similar to yours, it must be from the same manufacturer. She keeps it at her house, but it gets passed around to all the visiting grandkids. It's been shared by at least five other families. My granddaughter loves it and has no idea it doesn't live at our house.

[PMG]

Last night the nurses in our childbirth class were adamant that the dishwasher is not sufficient to sterilize bottles for a newborn.  We’re so overwhelmed by All. Of. The. Information. That we have decided if those nurses tell us something we’re going to do it. (Ok… within reason… but… sometimes you just have to pick someone to trust! They are a good choice…)

Today, after an appointment next door to
to the local goodwill I popped in and purchased a brand new in box Dr Browns microwave bottle sterilizer for $8.99 or less than half of what I would have paid if I went to Walmart.

I dunno if that was badass but it sure was easy.

[SunnyDays]

It seems like there are some great thrift stores in the US.  The ones where I live tend to be utter crap.

[Dicey]

Last night the nurses in our childbirth class were adamant that the dishwasher is not sufficient to sterilize bottles for a newborn.  We’re so overwhelmed by All. Of. The. Information. That we have decided if those nurses tell us something we’re going to do it. (Ok… within reason… but… sometimes you just have to pick someone to trust! They are a good choice…)

Today, after an appointment next door to
to the local goodwill I popped in and purchased a brand new in box Dr Browns microwave bottle sterilizer for $8.99 or less than half of what I would have paid if I went to Walmart.

I dunno if that was badass but it sure was easy.

Baby #1 drops pacifier. Mama immediately swoops it up, puts it in a plastic bag and gets a sterile pacifier out of the diaper bag.

Baby #2 drops pacifier. Mama picks it up, sticks it in her mouth, then gives it back to baby.

[getsorted]

Baby #1 drops pacifier. Mama immediately swoops it up, puts it in a plastic bag and gets a sterile pacifier out of the diaper bag.

Baby #2 drops pacifier. Mama picks it up, sticks it in her mouth, then gives it back to baby.

It's a little different with bottles. Incidental germ exposure from licking the floor, etc. is going to happen, but bacteria is a numbers game and if you give them a good medium like warm milk and a little time, they will proliferate quickly.

I got a.microwave sterilizer at a thrift store for my kid. It was an extra step after washing but overall pretty easy.

[Dicey]

I completely understand the reason, I'm merely pointing out that things tend to be a lot more relaxed the second time around.

[Sugaree]

I did the microwavable sterilizer too.  We only sent bottles to daycare, so that extra step wasn't too bad.  I'm pretty sure I picked mine up at a consignment sale for about $10.

[Weisass]

I scored some kids clothes today when I was on my way into the consignment shop to drop off more stuff... worked out great, because I still have a credit even after spending!

[Cranky]

I wore my $200 t shirt this week! LOL

I picked it up at goodwill, so not $200, but it still had the tags, so I looked it up. It’s from a boutique in California that imports from Japan.

I enjoy imagining how it ended up at Goodwill in Wisconsin - an unappreciated gift, perhaps?

I did feel pretty fancy.

[Dicey]

I wore my $200 t shirt this week! LOL

I picked it up at goodwill, so not $200, but it still had the tags, so I looked it up. It’s from a boutique in California that imports from Japan.

I enjoy imagining how it ended up at Goodwill in Wisconsin - an unappreciated gift, perhaps?

I did feel pretty fancy.

Ooh, you look pretty fancy, too!

[iris lily]

I stopped into the middle class Goodwill a few days ago and got two pairs of pants for me and two pairs of pants for DH.

They’ve increased their prices and their pants are now $4.50. I think they used to be $3 or $3.50 for plain vanilla non-fancy pants.

They have really improved their  game, expanding incertain areas, got rid of other areas. They are sorting their men’s pants by small medium large which is better than no sorting at all, so with that change I’m willing to go through racks to find  pants for DH.