Here on the site you have the luxury of shopping from the comfort of your own home, but if you are stepping out and about and want to try some Charity shop sourcing then let me prepare you so you can shop like a pro and master the secondhand shopping game.
I joke and call myself a professional thrifter- but in some ways it’s true. There is a knack to getting the thrifting game right. So before you start buying anything, let’s zone in on how to prep.
First of all get comfy
When I'm shopping, I’m a woman on a mission. Not with a particular vision of what I want to accomplish or what I want to buy, but the mission is to focus on the possibilities of these secondhand items. You have to rummage, you have to source. So you need to be comfy in your outfit.
Don’t have expectations
You're never going to find all the latest styles and trends in your local charity shop, so the key is finding timeless pieces that never go out of fashion. While your local Oxfam isn't likely to be full of clothes straight off the catwalk, it is likely to be a treasure trove of vintage items.
Aim to find cheap, unique clothes
Without a doubt, the most exciting part of charity shopping is the thrill of uncovering a unique gem. Finding that perfect item might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack, but you'll get way more satisfaction from working hard for your discovery than you would if you replicated a mannequin's style in Topshop.
Frequently visit charity shops on weekdays
Unlike a lot of high street stores, you'll often find that charity shops will have new stock out every day. Sure, you might find absolutely nothing one day, but who's to say what might be on the rails tomorrow? Weekdays are the best time for charity shopping as there's less competition for the best stuff.
Stay patient and rummage to find the best clothes
A Lot of people shy away from shopping in charity shops because they don’t know where to start. And I get it. While a lot of high street brands will really invest in store layout to make them as easy to navigate as possible, don't expect the same from charity shops.
Most charity shops will simply organise items by colour or size, so be prepared to get rummaging. This works in your favour, too, as it can make some top items harder to find for other shoppers.
Choose charity shops based on locations
You've probably heard that the best shops are in the wealthiest areas of town, as they get donations from people with a fair amount of money (which often includes barely-worn items or ones that still have a price tag!). But, while it's true that you're often more likely to find designer brands in affluent areas, it's also true that charity shops are wising up to the fact that charity clothes shoppers go on pilgrimages to scope them out, and as a result, prices can be pretty steep. If you find you're getting priced out, don't be afraid to go elsewhere – just because it's in a charity shop doesn't mean it's always going to be a bargain!
