Many thrift stores and consignment shops offer more than clothing and accessories including shoes, belts, and purses. Under their roof you may find furniture, Christmas decorations, books, luggage, and so much more.
To live thrifty and obtain items, when you are shopping is this item something you need or want? There is a difference, and knowing this difference can help you live a wonderful economical life. To be financially savvy, it is important to understand the difference. A need is an essential purchase, and a want is a discretionary purchase. We tend to get confused about the two. Often what we think that a need is a want. Those working in advertising tend to help us by confusing us, letting us think we need something that is actually a want.
Part of how we understand needs and wants comes from how we are raised and how the advertising industry displays things in front of our eyes.
One way to explain it is to look at something we have can understand. If you have ever been outside in 90 degree weather for 15 minutes and feel parched because you have not stopped to hydrate, you can say "I am thirsty." That is a need, as our bodies require a certain amount of liquid refreshment to be hydrated. What you chose to drink is the want. If you chose a soda over water, you have chosen what to drink.
Likewise, the choice of how to spend our budget can be dramatically effected by our wants and needs. That is where shopping at a consignment and thrift stores can save money. Last month's blog was about purchasing clothing at these stores.
Both consignment shops and thrift stores may sell glassware, dishes, curtains, small appliances, books, baby merchandise, sporting equipment, collectibles, and furniture. Being a smart shopper involves knowing that what you are buying may not be a bargain because the item is may be overpriced or damaged. Here are some tips for purchasing non-clothing items:
1. Inspection - always examine the item for the condition. Look for brakes, stains, and defects.
2. Repurpose - can you take an item and with a new coat of paint turn it into something else.
3. Condition - check electrical items, ask to plug them in and make sure they work. Does the store allow you to view DVDs or listen to CDs? The outward appearance may be fine, but what is on the inside is unknown.
4. Price - is it a bargain? Knowing the regular retail will help you determine if it is a bargain. Many times thrift stores offer items at specific prices that are a set intervals.
5. Budget - are the items in your stash within your cash flow? Setting a budget and having a list is important to not overspend.
6. Real or knock off - know what to look for in the logo for your favorite brand.
7. Price - look for an original tag or price sticker. If you have immediate access to the Internet on your cellphone, take a minute to look up the item for the retail price and possibly reviews.
8. Before approaching the cash register, take a moment to review your treasures. Are they impulse purchases? Impulse buying is something to always consider in the grand scheme of things. Is it something you can live without?
9. Before finalizing your purchase, understand the store's return and exchange policy.
While shopping you may find a match to something to replace like a broken plate, a memory from your childhood, or a real deal, something that is not priced correctly. Take time and enjoy your adventure.
Next month tips for finding treasures at yard and garage sales.
