It has only been three weeks since school started, and I can officially say that I am a broke college kid. After school supplies, living necessities and insanely expensive textbooks, shopping isn’t exactly in a college student’s tight budget.
But according to rapper Macklemore, you can still pop some tags with only 20 dollars in your pocket.
How, you might ask? Thrift shops.
Second-year psychobiology student Ariel Lee said she prefers thrift stores over retail because she too is a broke college kid. She also said thrift stores offer more of a variety than retail stores.
Some may be put off by the idea of secondhand, and some may find thrift shopping to be a waste of time. But thrift store diving isn’t just looking through racks of clothes. If executed properly, thrift store shopping can be very fruitful and save you a lot of money.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
First things first, in order to be a successful thrifter you need to have an open mind. Thrift shopping won’t always come bearing gifts and you won’t always find what you are looking for. However, if you keep an open mind, you’ll end up finding more items that are interesting and eye-catching.
Secondly, always plan ahead. Know when to go and set aside a full day and know which thrift stores you want to hit and what you are looking for. Thrift shops don’t only sell clothes; you can also find furniture, books and priceless items. It helps to take someone with you to help sort through and pick out items. It’s always best to start early, while stores are still organized and things haven’t been weeded through.
“Thrift store shopping is difficult. You need a lot of patience; not everyone wants to sort through all of the stuff we have. But I think if you’re willing to take the time, you can find something really special,” said Jet Rag store manager Tory Karr.
Jet Rag, a thrift store on North La Brea Avenue, is known for its Sunday sale; piles of clothing, furniture, artwork, books and accessories are dumped in the parking lot in front of the store and everything is sold for a single dollar.
But Jet Rag isn’t the only thrift shop with deals. Many shops, like Goodwill or the Salvation Army actually have sales like the “item of the week” or clearance discounts on their already low priced items. The best way to find out about these deals is to ask the sales representatives. With a little bit of research, your money can go a very long way.
Lee said she often has trouble finding the perfect fitting jeans especially when what you’re buying just isn’t worth the price, and they don’t look right or fit comfortably. She said she turns to thrift stores for help.
When thrifting, be selective; make sure what you’re buying is worth the price. If you think something is overpriced, don’t be afraid to barter. From experience, most of the time sales representatives will barter with you to make a sale.
Keep in mind that if you’re iffy, you don’t have to get it, and most likely shouldn’t. You will most likely find something similar, maybe even better, somewhere else.
Lee said she often finds it easiest to shop when she knows what she is looking for. When she goes in looking for jeans, that’s the first section she is drawn to. But don’t be afraid to stray into the other sections; if you’re a woman looking for a comfy flannel or a pair of “boyfriend” jeans, your best bet is to look in the men’s racks.
“I’m very into the laid back and comfortable look. I get very picky when I shop. If I’m not comfortable and I’m not sure if I’ll wear it then I won’t buy it. Chances are it will just sit in my closet,” said Lee
Thrift shops have a very wide selection of items that range in style. If you find something outlandish but you like it, keep in mind you can always change it up to fit your style and get creative.
“Most people buy something they like and end up tailoring it to fit their style or body. You can take a vest and stud it, or turn an item into a do-it-yourself project. … This makes an already unique item even more special,” said Karr.
When thrift store diving, don’t necessarily shop for the basics like white button ups. Because you’re more likely to wear them more often, it’s better to invest a few more dollars into a quality item that hasn’t been used before.
Lastly, when thrifting, always ask about a store’s return policy. Many would think thrift shops are final sale, but several stores will take back your purchases within a time frame. In fact, some stores may even buy your hand-me-downs from you. Stores like Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads get much of their stock from customers who sell their clothes.
“Thrift store shopping is overwhelming and it’s not easy sorting through all of that stuff. But when you find something you like it’s special because it’s unique to you. It’s like someone is passing it on to you, and the more it’s passed, the rarer it becomes,” said Lee.