Thrifting

[HenHangout]

Thrifting is a great way to not only find things you want or need for cheap, but it prevents functioning goods from going to landfill and for some it can be a profitable side business reselling finds.

Where to go for thrifting options:

• Craigslist: 'Garage Sale' section
• Facebook Marketplace: Search for garage/estate sales
• Google Maps: Search for thrift stores
• CommunityEvents:
  • Local government websites (town/city/borough/county)
  • Local government and community Facebook pages
  • Community and municipal center bulletin boards
• Flea Markets: Often seasonal or on a schedule (ex: 2nd Friday of the month)
• Grocery store bulletin boards
• Local church 'rummage' sales
• Estate Sale Websites: Look up regional estate sale companies or use aggregate sites like estatesales.net

Tips:

• Bring extra cash or checkbook
• Bring a sturdy bag, like foldable reusable grocery bag
• Prices are often negotiable (even at chain stores like Goodwill)
• Use Google Lens to identify items and check potential value
• If an online listing has photos, meticulously examine them
  • Google Lens works here too
• Plan your route ahead of time, taking into consideration the start time and prioritizing your wants/needs
• For estate sales:
  • Check for the home's market value
  • Higher-value homes are more likely to have luxury or collectible items
  • Bigger sales mean longer lines prior to opening, so arrive early

Feel free to share your tips, tricks, and hauls!

 

[casportpony]

Great tips. I've also joined a few local Facebook groups like this one:

For food items, I like to check for items on sale at walmart. Like this:

 

[Debbie292d]

Great tips. I've also joined a few local Facebook groups like this one:
View attachment 4098775

For food items, I like to check for items on sale at walmart. Like this:View attachment 4098776

Ditto this!

 

[Debbie292d]

We are fortunate enough to live where the Amish are populous. Thus, there are two Amish stores. One sells bulk grain better and cheaper than the feed stores.

The other is what we call the Bent and Dent Store. There, just like its nickname, everything is bent or dented. Cereal, for instance, is still sealed, but the box is mostly destroyed. I get loose canned Diet Pepsi for .35/can. Most stuff is around half price.