Tip 11 - Yes, Virginia, Thrift Stores Have Markdowns

Large thrift stores will go through their merchandise just like any other retail stores, especially antiques and collectibles. Usually the reasons for markdowns on these objects are (1) overpricing, (2) a flaw, or (3) unpopular. Some thrift stores will price merchandise using antique guide books rather than taking into consideration its’ clientele and its’ market. People go to thrift stores rather than an antique shop for a bargain. A case in point, I once found a lovely dish that was priced $25.00. It’s name at that time was not really known to me and I compared what I had bought for the same amount of money in the area and decided to pass on it. Several weeks later, it started to be marked down. After a considerable time lapsed, the piece was no longer in perfect condition, but had suffered a chip. When I finally bought it, and I rarely follow the shabby chic guidelines on matters of condition, I paid $1 for it deciding for that price I could disguise the chip. I have picked up bargains that landed on the markdown table because they simply did not have widespread appeal, but I found them appealing. Be sure to check the bins often, and don’t be afraid to ask for a markdown if you know the item has been in its inventory for awhile. Additionally, one local thrift store frequently will have apparel markdowns and specials on Saturdays.

Tip 12 Special Events

Around October 1st each year, a local thrift store has an Antique and Vintage Clothing Sale. Widely known, this is the time that college students, costumers, sellers of vintage clothing get outfits for Halloween, plays, and their stores. Long before the doors open at 9 a.m. the crowds are lining-up outside the store. People rush in and just pile the clothes into carts. They will try them in the store over their clothes. One year I saw a man strip down to his long johns in the middle of the store to try on clothes! It was a challenge to avert the eyes of my young children who were with me at the time. Fur coats are especially plentiful at this sale and the good ones are quickly grabbed. Keep track of these annual events and look for notices by the store.

Tip 13 Department Store Buy-outs

Many department stores like Target, Kmart, and others sell their overstock items in bulk to local thrift stores. Some of the items may be damaged, so be sure to thoroughly inspect including, if necessary, taking the item out of its box. Most of the items are priced 50% off, but since many of the items were markdowns at their respective stores, the markdown often times is less than at the store. So, the best bet is to watch the department store for the greatest markdown, and if by chance you miss it, check the local thrift store.

Tip 14 Buying Automobiles at a Thrift Store

Some thrift stores have been selling donated automobiles for years. New regulations, however, have limited donations since the donated cars can only qualify for a tax deduction now at the selling price, not the estimated value. Besides individual car owners, local car dealers are donating trade-in cars. As with buying any vehicle, buyer beware. Although a few thrift stores are having a licensed mechanic check out donated vehicles and listing the specs on it, good and bad, other stores are not. In fact, some stores won’t let you test drive it out of the parking lot. If you know of a friend or relative who is a mechanic or mechanically incline, induce them to give you a hand and check out the vehicle before purchasing. Lemon Laws do not apply here!

Tip 15 Buy By The Pound

A number of thrift stores sell by the pound and you weigh your bargains at check-out. This is for the hard-core bargain hunters since clothing is not put on hangers and organized, instead you may have to have a small child jump into the large box containers to pick out items. Usually there is another section for all nonapparel sundry items. Large tables have all manor of items on it except furniture and appliances (which may be in another section), and the truly knowledgeable start at one end of each table and work through to the other end. This is quite a challenge, but the savings are tremendous!

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