Thrift Master Tips!

Thrift stores are diverse and are not for snobs. Some may be very clean and some may not. We are there for the merchandise, not the atmosphere.

Design your thrift routine and visit stores often for a quick sweep to see what's new. Remember, inventory moves fast. Frequent visits, even if only for a few minutes, are key. Don't worry about what day it is, if you're by the store, step in and become a thriftmaster!

• Grab a shopping cart. Don’t worry not if you don’t fill it up. Keep a regular routine and the cart will overflow upon other visits.

• Determine what color tag is on sale that day. Sales are simple; 50% off purple tags, blue tags, etc.

• Many thrift stores have 50% off Saturdays. This can be a mob scene and one might stand in line for 20 minutes to save $5. To avoid crowds, go in the early evening. There will still be plenty of fresh merchandise because, unlike most stores, thrift stores stock all day.

• Seniors, check for additional discounts on the day of your visit. Ask each store what defines a senior. Some start at 55.

• The big boys of thrift are not archaic and gladly take plastic. Many even scan items.

• Cashiers offer prices on unmarked items that sometimes slip through. They are very fair.

• Learn the different pricing structures for each store. For example, one thrift retailer prices all adult women's sweaters at $4.99, no matter if it originated at Target or Nordstrom. Others price by quality.

• Shop with reason, not buy season!

• Scan the glass cases. These items are often not as pricey as one might assume.

• Forage the racks of items packaged in clear plastic bags. Great stuff can be found in them.

Come visit me at The Thrifty Chicks tips for more.

Photo by back_garage

Ms Shopping Golightly is a thriftmaster and saves thousands each year while keeping her family and home in haute couture. She writes for the The Thrifty Chicks. She recently started a new blog,  Mommy Golightly dedicated to enchanted parenting.