7 Tips To Find High-Value Items While Thrifting
Written by
Angela Mae
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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According to a 2022 report from CouponFollow, the average thrift store shopper saves around $1,760 a year ($150 per month) on secondhand clothes, shoes and other items. Not only is thrift shopping a practical way to save money, but there’s something exciting about sorting through a seemingly random assortment of goods to find the real treasures.
But not everything you find at the thrift shop is going to be high quality or high value. If you want to score the best deals, here are some tips from experts.
Also see five things you should look out for when thrifting for clothes online.
Educate Yourself
Start by educating yourself about specific categories you’re interested in, whether that’s clothing brands or antique furniture. The more knowledge you have, the better the odds of finding something valuable — either for your own use or for future resale.
“To discover the best pieces, you must know what you’re looking for. Buyers and collectors have a certain responsibility to be knowledgeable about their interests,” said Willow Wright, owner of Urban Redeux, a vintage shop in Virginia.
Not doing your research beforehand can lead to you missing out on some great deals. “For instance, someone familiar with only a few prominent antique styles might overlook other valuable pieces due to a lack of familiarity,” she explained. “Similarly, without knowledge of Danish design, one might miss an incredible mid-century piece of furniture worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.”
If you’re looking for furniture in particular, Wright suggested reading up on the various periods, styles and key features that distinguish genuine articles from knockoffs.
Keep an Open Mind
If you’re on the hunt for something specific, you might not have as much luck. But if you go in with an open mind, you could find something unique.
“It’s completely random what thrift stores will have, so while you might be on the hunt for a new jacket or wide leg pants, be open minded about what color or style because you could miss some great finds if you’re looking too specifically,” said Chelsea Freuck, CEO and founder of MKE Closet Revival.
This goes for nonapparel items as well, such as furniture, lamps and kitchenware.
Focus On the Details
You can find some real treasures at a thrift store or garage sale, but you need to start getting used to looking at each item from every angle — and that means focusing on the details.
“In any conceivable category, there are high-value items to be found in a variety of places, from thrift stores and yard sales to estate sales and auctions,” Wright said. “And for any particular item, there are different ways to determine value — such as looking for a maker’s mark, identifying tell-tale signs of a reproduction or recognizing items made in a particular style.”
Check the Fabric Tags
If you’re buying clothes, look at the fabric tags carefully. That way, you know what you’re getting and that it’s likely to be long-lasting.
“The majority of high-quality clothing is made with natural fabrics — cotton, linen, silk, cashmere, leather — or at least a blend with a natural fabric,” Freuck said. “And sometimes it’s hard to tell. Something that feels really silky can end up being 100% polyester and faux leather can feel a lot like real leather. You’ll quickly learn that not only is it going to feel nicer to wear than something 100% polyester or viscose, it’s going to last you a lot longer too.”
Shop When the Weather Is Bad
It’s not that the selection will automatically be better, but you’ll find yourself with smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere if you go when it’s not busy — like on a rainy day.
“[Every day] is a great day to thrift, but the best tip I have is to go when the weather is bad. On those days when it’s snowing or raining and everyone wants to stay in, that’s when the thrift stores are the least crowded,” Freuck said. “It makes shopping easier, the fitting rooms are open, and the workers aren’t as busy so they have more time to process donations and bring out new racks.”
Check Every Size and Section
Freuck suggested looking at every size and section. Again, this one mainly applies to apparel, but it can work for other secondhand items too.
“Thrift stores carry hundreds of different brands, so sizing can vary significantly from one item to another, so make sure to at least check the size above or below yours,” Freuck said. “And some of my favorite finds have been in the men’s or even the costume section, so don’t stop just at women’s!”
Shop Offseason
Oftentimes, you can find some high-value items simply by shopping during the offseason.
“Keep in mind when people are cleaning out their closets — usually when the weather changes. So once it gets warm, thrift stores will get a lot of sweaters or coats donated to them and when it cools down they get a lot of shorts, sundresses and summer clothing,” Freuck said. “Since your standard thrift shopper won’t be looking for sweaters in the summer or sundresses in the winter, if you keep an open mind and shop off-season, you can find some really great things.”
Sometimes when people donate lightly used items that they simply don’t want, you’ll even find the original tags still on them. This can boost future resale value if that’s the goal. It also makes it that much easier to recognize items of value.
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