There was a time when there was a stigma about secondhand shopping, but these days you will find people from all walks of life combing through thrift stores for bargains. While the competition to find quality stuff at bargain prices is intense, you can still find gems among the garbage. Although you are not as likely to find a true antique, if you are lucky and spot a 19thcentury cut glass vase in a box of old dishes, you will get it for a song.
If your taste runs more to the odd, interesting bits and pieces for your toy collection, secondhand shopping was designed for you. Let's face it, when it comes to value, age isn't the only factor that is important. Some collectibles and vintage pieces can be more valuable than true antiques. It all depends on the particular items and its popularity.
If you are used to shopping only at places like Macy's or even Wal-Mart, consignment stores, secondhand or resale stores, and thrift shops are a good place to get your feet wet. The merchandise in these places is typically fairly organized, and the prices are basically fixed. Unlike flea markets and tag sales, there isn't that sense of urgency to sift through the merchandise quickly in order to get the best pick.
There are differences, however, between the three types of stores - in prices, in how they obtain their merchandise, and in where the profits from the sale go.
Consignment Shops
There is a growing trend to sell used furniture in consignment shops that specialize in home furnishings. These stores differ from thrift shops because the quality and condition of goods is better than those you find elsewhere. You will also pay somewhat higher prices for consignment goods than you would for thrift store items. That is because the consignment shop pays donors a cut of the selling price.
Certain consignment shops can be a gold mine for the antiques buyer. While most merely provide a way for people to get rid of their discarded merchandise, a growing number handle antique goods such as crystal, sterling silver, and home furnishings at 60 percent or more off retail.
Secondhand and Thrift Stores
Secondhand, or resale, stores buy their merchandise outright and may also sell donated merchandise. Since resale stores operate on a for profit basis, prices are higher than in thrift stores but still at least half off the retail selling price.
Thrift stores are nonprofit and run by charitable organizations. There are 22 national charity organizations that operate thrift stores. Most people are familiar with Goodwill Industries, on of the largest, which operates about 1,400 stores nationwide. Since thrift stores sell strictly donated merchandise, prices are low. You will also find a wider range of merchandise spanning several decades of trends and fashion.
While you are sure to find good deals in these stores, specialized shopping strategies will help you avoid some of the pitfalls of consignment, secondhand, and thrift shopping and maximize your savings.
Shopping Strategies
Check the neighborhood. There is a direct correlation between the affluence of the neighborhood and the merchandise in the store. In transient areas, there tends to be an abundance of good merchandise in thrift stores as people clean house before moving away.
Do some window shopping. Often the most unique items are found in the window displays, where they will attract customers. These display items usually go up for sale the day the display is changes. If you want a window display item, you can come back when the items go up for sale.
Ask about the back room. Before you leave a secondhand store, ask if they have a designer or back room. These boutique sections are not open to the general public without an appointment, but many stores keep their better merchandise there.
Dig for buried treasure. Look where no one else wants to look. Head for the dirty box in the corner with junk piled on top. Chances are, you will get first crack at the contents.
Tag and Garage Sales
If you are ready for some down and dirty shopping, you will find dozens of opportunities every weekend at local tag sales, yard sales, and garage sales. You can find old toys, house wares, and furniture, plus an odd assortment of brick-a-brac, collectibles, and just plain junk. A surprising number of antiques go unrecognized in such places.
Shopping Strategies
Dress down. You will enhance your bargaining power if you dress casually. If you are dressed to excess, flaunting designer duds, sellers will presume that you can afford to pay top dollar.
Always bargain. No matter what the price is, try to bargain down. Always make an offer and remember to be fair.
