We have all stopped into a thrift store at some point in our lives – some of us for our typical shopping needs, others for gag gifts or Halloween costumes. Either way, I used to work for a thrift store and have always been an avid shopper of thrift and want to share some tips for getting the best deals and when to get them.

First of all, if you fear the thrift store or don’t frequent very often, let me tell you what you are missing. You can find books from any and all eras, type, genre and collection. I found an “Alice in Wonderland” old edition with the original illustrations for $8 and have found numerous self-help, sci-fi, children’s books and too many to count. I also found a handwriting analysis book from the 50’s with the original owner’s analysis still tucked between the pages. You are also missing out on fashion and fashion should never be ignored in your life even if you only have $10 to your name. I have found so many different styles and designer name clothes and I never have paid over $8 for any single article of clothing – except for the Chanel sunglasses I found for $10. You can also find collectibles, dishware, linens and electronics.

Some thrift stores are very big and/or unorganized so I want to share some tips to make thrift shopping a breeze. First, you have to find your local thrift stores and just visit them. I won’t lie - there are some pretty bad ones out there but you’ll never know until you try them. There is a great online directory www.thethriftshopper.com that tells you where the thrift stores are located in your area. Next, make your “best of” mental list/category for each store. Some thrift stores always seem to have a better book selection, others have a better clothes selection and so on. This way, when you get a hankering for a good book you know where to go or if you want to freshen up your wardrobe you can stop in the right store so you can get on with your day.

You always want to be informed when thrift shopping. A lot of stores have monthly or even weekly sales. Always make sure you find out when and you can save 50% or more on already reduced merchandise. Also, find out when the stores’ production works and when they are off for the day (usually Sunday) because then you will know that no new merchandise has been put out on the floor that day. A good time to go is mid-way through the day because production has already put out a lot of new product and there haven’t been a lot of shoppers to pick through the stuff you might want.

If you’re a reseller of goods, thrift stores are unsurpassed in good deals, and good deals means more money for you. Also, if your item doesn’t sell, you didn’t spend a lot on it in the first place. Take advantage of the fact that the pricers of these items are usually only accurate half of the time. No one can be an expert in everything, so chances are you will either find something horribly overpriced or if luck prevails, a hidden gem tucked in with the junk.

If you’re a teacher, the thrift store can be such an asset to you. Children’s books (current ones and educational ones included) go for usually 50 cents a piece. You can find rugs, shelving even lesson plans for dollars.

Hope these tips help and happy thrifting!!!