I’ve had quite a number of people reading this post and some have pointed out that in some ways it’s come across as though I’m trying to rip off charity-run Op Shops, so I just thought I’d clarify some things 🙂 In the past I have very gratefully received help from various charities (like the Salvos) when I’ve been in quite a spot with my family financially, and I would never ever want take profit away from them. The only time I would barter in a charity-run Op Shop (though I think it’s important to note that not all are charity run) is if the item was damaged (as mentioned above) or is just plain too expensive and that generally only happens if I’m buying something to keep in my home.Â
As for the recycle centre we visited, it is run as a private business. They’re paid by local residents to collect their unwanted items off the side of the road, they then go through the items and sell those that are in good condition. Sometimes they have things donated, but the business is run as that, a business. It’s a helpful way to get rid of excess stuff for some people.Â
If I have caused any disrespect I would like to apologize because I certainly didn’t mean any, and know that those people that volunteer in Op Shops are doing a service to the community.
A couple of days ago I went on an op-shop trip with a friend of mine who absolutely loves re-purposing, refurbishing and recycling old things! She’s an Op Shop Aficionado! Her Facebook page, REED, is full of lovely finds that she’s re-done and given some love so go and check it out, like her page and definitely check out her Ebay for some great buys!
She’s been in the area a lot longer than me and knows of some really great op shops and she took me to 3 while her son was at kinder and it was so much fun! I love where I live because I live in the outer suburbs, so I’m really close to some of the great almost-country towns.
I’ve noticed there’s some really great ways to get a bargain so I figured I’d share my secrets with you! And share some secrets I’ve picked up from others along the way, haha.
Number one! Location, location, location!
If you live anywhere near a country town, or a small town that’s a little out of the way and doesn’t receive a large amount of visitors, sometimes you can find the best stuff in those places! The first two places we went were a little out of the way, and they were treasure troves, especially the first one! It wasn’t specifically an Op Shop, it was a recycled center at a tip of all places, but there was so many amazing things!
Nat got an amazing old school desk that she’s going to do up, and an old ladder that she might turn into a book shelf. I bought a scythe for the fiance, because he loves stuff like that and my goodness he was excited! What was even better, is that it cost me $2! Location affects quality, as well as price.
Number two! Bartering is your friend.
Don’t be shy inquiring about the price. The recycle place we went to didn’t have prices on anything, it was kind of just whatever the guy running the place made it. Which was actually a really great opportunity to barter, and a great opportunity to get a lower price for multiple items.
I’ve found that sometimes, even in small Op Shops in larger towns, that if you ask about the prices sometimes they’ll knock a dollar or two off if you’re buying more than one item.
Number three! Be wise!
Set yourself a limit! Don’t go buying excess. The trick with Op Shopping is getting what you need at a lower price than you would normally, getting something you can’t find in stores (aka antiques) or getting something for a low price that you know you can sell for a profit. Also, set yourself a spending limit. Nat has a wallet that she has specifically for Op Shop trips and I think that’s a great idea. I’m aiming to have one too, that I only put money from selling things into, so I’m only spending profit to make profit. (I’m aiming to do this with craft projects as well. I want to start making some jewellery and other stuff and sell it for something to do and a way to make some extra money!)
Number four! Two is better than one.
Take a friend! It really is so much more fun, and it’s great to have someone to bounce ideas off. It helps make you think about your purchase a little more, and in my case you’ll learn a lot because Nat, as I already said, seriously knows her Op Shopping!
Number five! Friends forever.
Return to your favourite places. Interact with the staff! Make friends! This can also help you with prices in the future, people who are familiar with you are way more likely to give you discounts.
Number six! Venture out.Â
Whenever you get the chance to thrift in a different suburb or place, do so! If you’re on holiday, check out the local thrift stores! You never know what you’ll find. As I said in the first point, location affects product and price.
Number seven! Frequency is key.
Product rotates in and out of these places so fast sometimes, if you’re really wanting to be a serious shopper it’s worth going in every week or so. This also helps with point five, because people everywhere love regulars!
Number eight! Take advantages of discounts.
If you’re in Australia, you can get a discount if you bring a bag of clothes to donate into Savers stores! In Salvos stores they tend to have a certain coloured tag half price each week. I’ve found it’s more often chain Op Shops that have sales, but you shouldn’t disregard the chain stores! Just because they’re a chain doesn’t mean they won’t have anything. It really does go back to location, location, location!
Most importantly though, have fun guys! That’s really what it’s all about. If you’re not passionate about something like this, it’s not worth putting a huge amount of money or effort into it! You don’t want to waste your time when you could have been doing something you love. So don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have to find something great every time. Enjoy your trips!
So tell me, what’s been your best thrift store find? Where’d you find it?
Grace In The Little Things 