Thrifting Tips

[epr25]

A very large number of charity shops won't sell anything they consider to be "too old" or "unfashionable", not to mention if it smells musty or isn't clean. It gives me actual pain to think of the vintage that must be disposed of daily. Not that I know what they do with it, but I imagine it is probably binned/sent to recycling.

I feel the same way. There is an old church based thrift store here that HAS got to get ALLOT of old stuff but there isn't ever any in the store. I got friendly with a guy that worked there he told me that they don't know the difference between good old and bad old (double knit polyester ect.) so the lump it all together and sell it by the semi load to some company. He tried to show them at one time and that was the only time that I found any good vinatage. It kills me to think fo what gets trucked out of there because of sheer lack of knowledge or caring! I have evn volenteered to go in an sort but they weren't interested.

 

[Adelaidey]

I too am convinced that all my local thrift shops (Salvation Army, Goodwill, Village Discount) are either chucking all the older stuff or selling it elsewhere for more money. All they carry is from the 80's or later Most of what I find are basics that could be deemed vintage-esque. I have better luck at a small church-run shop near my Maga's neighborhood, but even then they will price a good vintage garment for ridiculous amounts of money if they can.

I constantly dream of some lovely old lady coming up to me one day and saying "Dear, you look exactly like I did when I was young! I have all of my old dresses and things in the basement.... say, they're just sitting there, would you like to have them?" lol

 

[ShooShooBaby]

thanks for the good wishes on the job ladies...i should find out today!

exquisite bones, since you live in the same area as me, go ahead and pm me. i'm not promisin' nothin', though!!

 

[TheKitschGoth]

I constantly dream of some lovely old lady coming up to me one day and saying "Dear, you look exactly like I did when I was young! I have all of my old dresses and things in the basement.... say, they're just sitting there, would you like to have them?" lol

Haha, don't we all!!

 

[Flora]

Find out when the thrift store gets new shipments, and be exactly on time. Be quick but judgemental. BE LIKE AN EAGLE! haha... okay that came out randomly, but just be quick... and have fun at the same time.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

It gives me actual pain to think of the vintage that must be disposed of daily. Not that I know what they do with it, but I imagine it is probably binned/sent to recycling.

Much of it is sold to rag merchants. The clothes are cut up into rags, or they're sorted into bales and exported to Third World countries, for sale or for charity.

.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I hate the whining and the "Hurry up, this place smells."

But you gotta admit that thrift shops really do have a smell to them! (With time, I've gotten immune to it.)

.

 

[Lady Day]

**moved thread**

Im sure all can give some great tips in this arena.

Who hooo!!

LD

 

[Kimberly]

But you gotta admit that thrift shops really do have a smell to them! (With time, I've gotten immune to it.)

.

I have too. I remember when I first started going to them I was overwhelmed. Now I don't even notice.

 

[ShooShooBaby]

hm. i've never noticed the "smell". i have noticed the sound though - that of small screaming children usually running around!

by the way, I GOT THE JOB!!!! stay tuned for tips as i figure out new ones

 

[koopkooper]

find a store that is out of the way, in an older area and you've got a gem.

Try and avoid one's in alternative areas or trendy areas for that matter.

Also you should go as often as you can as things come and go very quickly.

Finally, get to know the old ladies that work there, you'd be surprised what they will find for you and always, always buy it if you find something and are not sure, chances are your instinct was right and it will be gone tomorrrow.

 

[Elaina]

Way to go ShooShooBaby!

 

[CanadaDoll]

Yay!!!! Shoo Shoo congrats!:eusa_clap when do you start?

 

[ShooShooBaby]

thanks i have to call them tomorrow and see when they want me to start. hopefully not thursday... china-cat has to go to the vet (just a checkup, no problems) that day!

 

[Elaina]

And you know they're going to tell you then because you've got something to do.

 

[Kimberly]

Yay Shooo!!! What fantastic news! :eusa_clap

 

[Cacklewack]

by the way, I GOT THE JOB!!!! stay tuned for tips as i figure out new ones

Congratulations, miss!

Matt

 

[Miss Dottie]

Congrats Shooshoo baby! I can't wait to see some of your finds from the new job.

But someone brought up a good point--going to misc. places can lead to loads of good stuff.

Another thrifting tip--check out thrift stores near large retirement communities. I always get the best stuff when I visit my parents place in Florida.

 

[Snookie]

I don't really like to thrift much, b/c I'm that person who hates the smell/digging through old clothes grime. (I don't even like most vintage clothing stores for the same reason.)

So here's my tip, for what it's worth. Keep a box of baby wipes or wet naps in the car so that you can freshen up immediately! Much nicer than trying to find a public restroom to wash up in.

 

[Elaina]

Snookie, you're not alone, and I tend to wash, line dry and febreze fabric I get from there. Evil stuff, sun and chemicals, but the smell must go.