Tag: thrift

Thrift stores in Destin, FL can be a wonderful mishmash of trash and treasure. But all thrift shoppers have their own “Moby Dick”-style white whales – the items for which they are always hunting.

Maybe it’s first-edition books by a favorite childhood author. Or those missing pieces of Grandma’s discontinued china pattern.

1. Pyrex

There’s a classic look to vintage Pyrex bowls that modern cooks still love, and the right dish (especially in a matched set) can sell well on eBay, Craigslist or places like Facebook Marketplace.

Fortunately for thrifters, grandchildren cleaning out or downsizing a relative’s home may just want to get rid of Pyrex and send full matched sets off to the thrift store. Study up at a fan site like Pyrex Love and learn how to identify vintage Pyrex. You might be bowled over at what you find.

2. Silver

Much of the flatware dumped at your local thrift is inexpensive and not worth much. But if you’re really into it, you can study up and learn how to identify the occasional real sterling silver piece that slips in among the dross.

It may only be an odd fork or spoon, but find enough and you can melt it down for a tidy sum. As with vintage Pyrex, you want to walk into the store informed as to what is real silver. Study up at eBay’s forums or by watching good YouTube videos by those who thrift and profit from silver, and you’ll soon be shining.

3. Vintage globes

Hey, is that East and West Germany on that cool vintage globe? Persia instead of Iran? Istanbul, or Constantinople? Vintage globes are about the simplest thrift-store find for which you can identify the date – borders are redrawn as the world’s geopolitical order reorganizes itself.

Here’s a neat guide to help you figure out in which year your globe was made. However, watch out for reproductions – if an old-version globe looks too new to be true, it probably is.

4. Books

OK, so you’re not going to retire on the sale of something popular and mass market, like that everybody-and-their-uncle-bought-it paperback version of Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code.” But there are treasures on those shelves, if you know what to look for.

Older hardcover books in great condition, signed first editions and other rare reads are your best bet. If you know a certain author well, you can probably keep his or her rarities in your head. Or, check out a specialty book site such as AbeBooks.com.

5. Textbooks

College textbooks are pricey, and that makes them smart thrift-store scoop-ups. But like any good student, you need to study up. No one’s buying a Biology 101 textbook that’s been supplanted by two newer editions.

Tip: Head to a thrift store near a big college or university and use a website or mobile app like BookScouter to see if the texts you find are still A+ buys.

6. Vintage board games

Vintage board games can be a fun thrift-store find if you’re game for the hunt. Pop-culture and TV-themed games are special hits with certain fandoms. I paid a pretty penny to re-buy a 1970s version of “Mystery Date,” which is full of hilarious stereotypes about dating.

Check a site like BoardGameGeek to see if the game you’ve found is trash or treasure. But be warned: Board games were meant to be played, and played hard. Avoid games with missing pieces, damaged boards and taped-up boxes if you’re hoping for a resale win.

7. Scrabble tiles

Word up! While we’re talking board games, keep a special eye out for old Scrabble games. When you find a copy of the fun word-making game, don’t worry so much about the condition of the box or its board. Instead, check to see if it has the classic wood letter tiles, the cool kind you can imagine being made into earrings, a bracelet or a necklace.

Even if you’re not a natural jewelry-maker, these tiles are pretty simple to turn into jewelry, or you can sell them to someone who’s more craft-centric. (Mahjong tiles work, too, and are even prettier.)

8. Waterford crystal

Waterford crystal has been a part of elegant dining tables since the 1700s (with a century gap when the Irish company closed and reopened). But in this modern era when we’re more likely to drink out of a disposable Starbucks cup, not everyone buys it – or can recognize it on the thrift-store shelves.

The fragile vessels are breakable, so they don’t always make it to your local store intact. But if you find one, snap it up. There are numerous tips on how to identify Waterford. Study, and soon the answer will be crystal clear.

9. Le Creuset cookware

Le Creuset and other enameled cast-iron pots are a cook’s dream. Slow-cook a stew, whip up a stir-fry, even bake yourself a loaf of tasty no-knead bread – in each case, cleanup is a snap. However, these pots are far from cheap. A good-sized Le Creuset or its equivalent can run you hundreds of dollars.

Cruise through the kitchenware aisles at your thrift store and look for these colorful, heavy pans, often clearly marked with Le Creuset’s name. If you can’t resell it, you can almost certainly use it – these pieces last forever.

This cookware ranks among our top picks in “9 Indestructible Products That Are Worth the Price.”

10. Instant Pots

The Instant Pot is a multi-use cooking appliance that does the job of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice steamer and even a yogurt-maker. It’s helped bring back the art of pressure cooking – without that old-days fear of kitchen explosions.

You’ll have to spend a decent amount to pick up a new pot, but here’s a secret: Many of those who were given one for the holidays never quite got over that old pressure-cooker nervousness and didn’t even take it out of the box. If you prowl the small-appliance section of your local thrift store, you may see a lineup of brand-spanking-new Instant Pots in various sizes. Bon appetit!

11. Designer clothes

While most clothing at thrift stores is pretty ordinary, spotting a designer piece can give you a nice item to resell to fashionistas. You may want to start the hunt at a store in an affluent neighborhood. But, really, you can find designer labels almost anywhere.

Check especially the jeans, high-heeled shoes, evening-gown and handbag sections of the store. And watch the calendar – you’ll get the best deals on off-season stuff, like a pricey North Face ski jacket in the middle of summer.

12. Picture frames

Sometimes thrift-store art can leave a lot to be desired, but the frame in which it hangs is often the real deal. It’s not tough to remove and discard Grandma’s paint-by-number clown to get at the fancy vintage frame in which it once lived.

Look for ornate and fancy, and avoid frames that feel cheap and flimsy. Talk about the art of the deal.

1. High-end apparel

Quality has improved at thrift stores. Few try to sell every donation they take in. Instead, teams of volunteers or employees inspect incoming items to determine which are fit for sale. In most instances, the dregs are returned to the donor or passed on to another charitable organization.

You are likely to find used, high-quality clothing items that are going to serve you better and longer than cheap new things. That new bargain blouse might be stunning on the hanger, but one wear and wash will be enough to send it to the nearest trash bin.

An added bonus: You won’t have to worry about pushy salespeople hovering over you, encouraging you to buy items you don’t need just to fatten their commission.

2. Furniture

If you desire to decorate your home in a way that stands out — and doesn’t look like a spread from the furniture store’s weekly circular — here’s your chance. Best of all, you won’t empty your wallet.

3. “Funky fashion” items

Have you ever spotted a spunky item you’d like to try, but you have reservations because of the price? Well, thrift stores offer this option, minus the buyer’s remorse.

If it turns out that the colorful dress, pair of oversized earrings or leather purse no longer tickles your fancy, you won’t be stressed out about it if you only spent a few bucks.

Or, you may discover you just landed a treasure. A former co-worker was in desperate need of collared shirts for work, so he picked up a few from the Salvation Army. One of them happened to stand out because it was extremely bright. Upon further examination, we discovered it was a Lacoste shirt worth $70, and he got it for $1.75!

4. Picture frames

Go to almost any thrift store, and you will see a large heaping section of picture frames — some with pictures, some without — usually located along a wall somewhere.

These frames often go for a song. As Lauren Shaver writes at the Bless’er House Blog:

I hardly ever buy picture frames in a retail store because there are so many beautiful ones already in thrift shops for a couple of bucks each. Spray paint them or distress them with chalk paint and they’re instantly customized for the look you want.

5. Clothes, toys and athletic gear for kids

Children grow way too fast! I wish I’d listened to the countless warnings during my first pregnancy so I wouldn’t have spent so much on items my son didn’t even use.

The second time around, I didn’t let history repeat itself. The bulk of little brother’s apparel is either handed down from big brother or was purchased at the thrift store. We happen to live close to a consignment shop that hosts $1 days twice a month, and it’s not uncommon to spot designer labels — from Calvin Klein to Polo — on the racks. Also included in that promotion are toys, many of which are very gently used.

If you’re searching for cleats or other athletic apparel, be on the lookout for those as well. Or, try secondhand sporting goods stores. I’ve been able to save as much as 75 percent on athletic gear and equipment by buying used.

6. Kitchen items

Thrift stores often sell bins of kitchen utensils — both used and new in the packaging — at bargain prices. On a few occasions, I’ve even purchased Pampered Chef pans for pennies on the dollar.

7. Books

You’ll often find hardcover and soft cover books — from recent best-sellers to vintage classics — for anywhere from 50 cents to $2 at the thrift store. As Chelsea Coulston writes at the Making Home Base blog:

If I don’t find anything at a thrift shop in Destin, FL, I almost always find a book or two. Children’s books are usually my favorite. You can find the sweetest vintage children’s books that are gently used and in great condition. Additionally, I look for books that have uniquely colored covers to use in decorating.

If you’re new to thrifting, it can be very exciting to discover a whole new world of affordable and sustainable goods available at your fingertips. But let me tell you, as a thrifter, there are some things about my shopping style that have changed and evolved over the years. Perhaps they date me, perhaps they show I’ve learned a few things, but they all definitely scream, “She’s been doing this a while!”

Here are a few ways to tell if you might be a seasoned thrifter.

1. You look for comfortable shoes.

You might be a seasoned thrifter if you’re done teetering around in ill-fitting heels for fashion’s sake.

I recently found this pair of leather, nude-colored wedges that looked and felt like a sneaker. Cute shoes with a good arch that add some height but don’t cause back pain or calluses? YES. PLEASE! You can have your plastic leather faux Louboutins to teeter around in. I’ll just be over here dancing in my kitchen to 90s rap in my Naturalizers.

2. You can spot 100% natural fibers – especially wool.

You might be a seasoned thrifter if you noticed how fast fashion has pummeled the selection of secondhand clothes with a dearth of synthetic fibers and scratchy polyester. For us old-schoolers, wearing clothing that holds stink or makes us itch is no longer worth being on-trend. Because the trend that never goes out of style is natural fibers. Leather, wool, cotton, silk, bamboo – the closer it is to nature, the longer it’ll last and FEEL!

I recently found a (VINTAGE!) brand new 100% wool dress shirt for my husband. It still had the creases from the store in it. I had to look twice because the wool fabric was so fine and light, I thought it was certainly synthetic. Lo and behold, it was a button-up shirt made with fine wool suiting material.

3. You buy off-season.

You might be a seasoned thrifter if you look for a great new coat in the sweltering summer heat. That’s right, looking for what you need right now is SO over. Looking ahead in the off-season shows you really know your stuff and is the perfect time to buy it. Christmas decor in July? Sure! When else do you think your neighbors are cleaning their basements out?

Swanky swimwear in December? You betcha. Often the things you don’t need immediately are the exact same racks that get walked past by everyone else too. If you know your stuff, you’ll make the time to swing by the off-season racks to set yourself up for success long before you need it.

Knowing what you’re looking for at a thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL is the perfect strategy at any age. And knowing that all your hard-earned scouting skills are paying off for you and your wallet AND help fund programs in your community make the treasure hunt even more rewarding.

When I learned of preloved culture, it changed the trajectory of my buying and spending habits. Yet, many people do not understand what preloved culture is let alone the concept of preloved on its own. So, let’s take a look at the definition of preloved to understand its importance.

The word preloved, by definition, means the item was loved by someone before being offered for sale. Many resellers often leave out the factor of previously loving the item. Others take pride in the fact that their items have been loved. If a seller does not believe that someone is going to love and deeply respect and get utility out of the item, it should not be sold to said person. “Loved” is the integral portion of preloved items.

As an avid preloved buyer, donor and seller, I seek to make sure that the items I buy and sell are loved thoroughly. Loved further means that the item was well taken care of and was gently used and worn. Loving an item in the preloved community means that the item was used, but it was not misused or damaged.

Those who do not partake in the preloved culture do not typically understand the nuance of the culture. However, when looking for luxury, mid-range, and contemporary clothing and accessories, it is important to understand that the item was taken care of and it was not damaged.

When interacting with others who sell preloved items and those who participate in preloved culture, the need for proper and thorough communication is vital. Communication helps individuals understand the items that they are interacting with in the preloved market. Preloved helps individuals make and bridge community with others.

So, the next time you want to buy an item of clothing or an accessory secondhand from a thrift shop in Lebanon, TN take the time to think about it in a preloved context. When you start buying preloved items, it is important to understand the context surrounding the concept and practice. Moreover, it is important to understand that there is more than what meets the eye when the concept is espoused.

I’ll freely admit it: I’m a big fan of thrift shops in Lebanon, TN. They take discarded clothing, accessories, furniture, books and housewares; and they use the funds from their thrift stores to provide job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people who are difficult to employ. It’s a rare occasion when I buy a piece of clothing new.

I’ve also made it known among my friends that I will always accept discarded clothing. If it doesn’t fit me, or it’s not my style, I’ll take it to thrift shops. Everybody wins, and nothing ends up in a landfill.

Also, when pieces of clothing you own are no longer wanted, don’t throw them away. Donate! It might just be the perfect thing for someone else. It’s not unusual to find pieces that never have been worn and still have their original price tags attached. Below are more tips for shopping secondhand clothing:

Have a plan. Go into a thrift store with a list of specific items you need to look for: pants, tops, shoes, work clothes, seasonal clothes. Avoid impulse purchases. Do you really need those four-inch high strappy slingback sandals? Or are you more likely to never wear them?

Secondhand shops are killer cheap, but it’s still a good idea to set a budget for your shopping trip.

Wear clothes that are quick and easy to take off and put back on because you’ll be going into the changing room at least once. Think t-shirts, comfy jeans, and slip-on shoes. Avoid fancy underwear that you wouldn’t normally wear.

Do a quick scan of the entire store, then circle back to scour through the most likely racks. Most thrift stores do not organize their racks by size. You’ll find different sections for men’s pants, men’s shirts, women’s pants / skirts / dresses, women’s tops, and children’s clothes. Within those sections, you’ll usually find clothes sorted by color.

Find the section you want, go to your fave colors, and then take some time to systematically flip through all the options, checking for size and style. Pull out likely candidates to try on. Remember not to take more items than the store allows into the dressing room at once. Don’t rush.

Size isn’t everything. Clothing sizes, especially in women’s clothing, can vary wildly from one brand to the next. Vintage clothing sizes can be even more archaic. Your best bet is to eyeball anything that looks promising. Hold it up to your body. If it fits, that’s all that matters. Don’t get something just because it’s inexpensive or a cool designer label or something you might fit into some day when you’ve lost weight.

Need an honest opinion? Take a couple selfies in the dressing room and text a trusted friend who will tell you if it’s awful.

If you find a winner, walk around in it outside the dressing room for a few minutes. Make sure it doesn’t ride up, pinch sensitive areas, or have a label that feels like a cactus in your collar. Does it hang and flow comfortably on your body?

Check the label for washing instructions. Is it dry-clean only? Hand-wash only? Gentle cycle only? No iron, no bleach, etc.? Make sure the item isn’t more trouble to care for than it’s worth.

Can you coordinate the item with other pieces of clothing in your closet? You should be able to mix and match it with at least one other outfit, preferably more.

Finally, if you just can’t find anything that works for you, don’t feel as though you MUST get something. Walk out and come back another day. Thrift stores are constantly changing their inventory to accommodate new acquisitions and dress the store for seasonal favorites. (October is the BEST time to check thrift stores for awesome costumes.) Check back in a week or two and see what’s new.

Fashion and clothes have a huge impact on the planet, from pesticides used to grow theraw materials for fabrics to the chemicals used to color them. And then, how many garments end up in landfills at some point?

It’s time for us consumers to understand we have a responsibility to be conscientious about our purchases, and make more eco-friendly choices. Luckily, there are many great manufacturers dedicated to providing green and ethical clothes and who care about the planet.

Naturally these brands tend to cost a little more; so, yes, they tend to be more expensive than Target or Forever 21. But I look at it this way: I would rather buy fewer, let’s say, sweaters (for example) this fall and winter, and spend the money on an ethical brand.

Here are some of my favorite eco-friendly winter fashion brands:

People Tree-This UK-based company has partnered with Fair Trade producers, garment workers, artisans and farmers in the developing world to produce ethical and eco-fashion collections for over 25 years.

Ellen Fisher-Their goal as a business is to make stuff the responsible way, so they design clothes to last, and they take them back to resell. They also take the clothes they don’t sell to reuse as raw material, to be reborn as new textiles or to be refashioned as new clothes.

Synergy Organic Clothing-This Company is committed to using the highest quality organic materials, which protects the farmers who grow the organic cotton, the people who knit and create the fabrics, everyone who works on cutting and sewing and packing our clothing – all of whom are paid fair living wages and work in healthy work environments.

Also I suggest that if you wish for eco friendly fashion then visit the thrift stores in Lebanon, TN. You can buy second hand clothes and contribute towards the community and the environment.

In this crazy times and economic challenges many of us are looking to saving money and living as frugal as possible.  So to keep living green and healthy and still save money, we have been making some small changes. Some ideas I listed below might seem so small that you’ll wonder how they can make a difference, but everything counts and adds up.

Leave the car at home and walk:

Bike or take public transportation when possible. Instead of using the car, save money by biking or walking to your destinations. We have baby seats and a trailer to bring the younger kids along, and our oldest rides her own bike.

It’s great because kids love the bike ride, you save the environment and money, and you get exercise at the same time. If public transportation is not possible and you have to take the car, combine errands into a single trip, and take along others who are going to the same destination.

Brew. Don’t Buy: Skip the daily visit to the coffee shop:

I know that on some days you feel as if a strong cup of coffee is the only thing that will help you survive. It might not seem like a lot of money, but since one latte can cost about $5, just multiply that by 7 and see how much that is in one week.

By making your own coffee at home and having a reusable coffee mug on the go, you will save around $100 per month. If you’re not ready to give up Starbucks, then choose regular coffee because that’s cheaper. And bring your own reusable cup since lots of coffee places will give a discount if you bring your own cup.

Unplug all electronics if not using them:

Anything plugged into an electrical outlet uses energy even when not in use, so make sure electronics are plugged in only when being used. Or invest in a smart strip that automatically turns off power when not in use.

Don’t eat out so much, and skip the booze if you do:

Invest in a used cookbook, start following some inspiring home chefs and become your own master chef. Trust me, you can make it fun having dinner parties with home cooked food  instead take-out from  a restaurant, which is so much more expensive and not really that good for the waistline. If you still want to treat yourself to a meal out, skip the alcohol since that makes it more expensive. 

Bake your own bread: 

It only requires flour, water, salt and yeast or baking powder to bake so quarantine time is a great time start baking.

Lower heat and water heater:

Here on Zerowastefamily.com, I have already posted an article about how to keep your home warm the green and cheap way, so check it out.

Use recycled items for kids crafts:

Save print paper, old cardboard boxes, old toilet paper rolls, newspaper and textiles to use for kids’ crafts. It’s amazing what you can do with all this stuff. We have made a Barbie house and clothes, bird feeders and pirate hats from lots of recycled stuff. Our kids will look at a box and ask, “So, what can we do with this?”

Use cloth diapers and wipes:

Cloth diapers and wipes might be expensive but they’re a one time purchase. It will reduce trash that stays in the landfill for 100 years and save you money in the long run because the cost of diapers and wipes for about 2 years per child is pricy.

Do free online and or workout outside:

The best thing I ever did was to skip my gym and paid for online classes and head outside for my workout. These days, I hike, bike, power walk or run for exercise; and it’s completely free.

Buy used clothes:

The very best is to buy second hand clothes from thrift stores in Lebanon, TN.

Don’t throw food away:

According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council’s food and agriculture program (NRDC ), the average American family throws away 40 percent of its food, adding up to $2,275 annually. I have to admit that we used to throw out food, too. However, these days I try to use up everything by freezing leftover cheese, onions, etc.

I even make bread crumbs from end pieces of bread or stale bread, and make soups and stews from the veggies about to go downhill. At the end of the week, I take inventory of what we have left and write it down so I can see what we have, then I make up dishes from it. We also have leftover Monday before our CSA box arrives, when we try to eat up all leftovers and create from what is available.

Make a menu and stick to it:

Having a menu posted on the fridge makes planning ahead easier, and we have fewer “uh-ohs,” when it would be easy to call for pizza because the kids are starved and no food is cooked. 

Write a shopping list and stick to it:

Once you decide on a menu, write a shopping list so you know exactly what you need. You will have less chance of coming home with things that you had not planned to buy.

Buy organic food from local farmers:

Some farmers markets are still open despite quarantine but some you can still order food from and have it delivered. The bottom line is that It’s local, which means less carbon dioxide, and it’s cheaper. If you don’t have access to a farmers market, subscribe to a CSA box from a local farm.

Don’t go shopping while hungry or tired: Duh, guess what? Shopping while hungry or tired is your best chance of coming home with highly processed food and snacks that are expensive but will not fill you up.

If you enjoy stopping into a thrift or consignment store to browse or buy every now and again, you’re not alone. More than 25,000 resale stores currently operate in the US, according to the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, and the number of open stores has increased by seven percent a year over the past two years. Shopping at a thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL can be a great way to save money on the things you need to buy, such as clothing for yourself and your family.

It’s easy to get excited by the low prices and spend more than you planned, however. Don’t let the low prices convince you to bust your budget. Set a spending limit and learn to make the most out of thrift store shopping so that you get the most bang for your buck.

1. Make a List of What You Need

One way to make the most of your local thrift store or consignment store is to always go in armed with a list. For example, when back-to-school time rolls around, you may need to purchase khakis and button-down shirts for your kids. Just as bringing a list to the grocery store helps cut down on impulse buys, sticking to your list when thrift store shopping will help you avoid purchasing an item just because it was super cheap.

2. Be a Bit Flexible

You can’t always get what you want when you want it at thrift stores or consignment stores. Thrifting takes planning. If you need a specific item, such as a pair of dress pants in size 32/30, you may have to make a few trips to your local thrift store or visit a few stores to find them. You may need to start the hunt for a particular garment weeks, not days, in advance.

3. Find Out the Store’s Sale Days

Save the most by shopping the sales at your local thrift store. Some stores use a color-coded tagging system and will mark items labeled with a particular color 50 percent off one day, in an attempt to clear those items from the floor. Other stores may offer special discounts on slower days of the week or offer discounts to certain groups, such as seniors or students.

4. Try Before You Buy

Unless your favorite resale store offers a generous return policy, you’ll want to try on any garments before you buy them. Make sure the item really fits. If it doesn’t, be sure it’s something you can easily alter before you commit to buying it. Also check out the quality of item. Look it over for stains or tears. Also look to see if the item is dry clean only or washable. If it’s dry clean only, any savings you get will be eaten up by your cleaning bill.

5. Compare and Contrast

Make sure you’re actually saving money at the thrift store by having a general idea of what an item would cost new. For example, some designer garments cost hundreds of dollars, but a dress from a discount store can cost $20 new. Twenty dollars is a great deal on a dress that originally cost $200, but not so much on a dress that originally cost $30.

It’s also important to remember that just because something is super cheap compared to its original price, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can afford it. Along with a list of items you need, set a maximum price you can pay for each item, so that you stay within the limits of your budget.

Every entrepreneur knows the value of research, just as every entrepreneur appreciates the value of a strong gut instinct. If you want to launch a new small business, it’s no wonder that both forces are pulling at you to open a consignment store. As you discuss the idea with people – and especially bankers or investors – it’s important that you be specific about your intentions and careful with your word choices. Other people may use “consignment store” and its word cousins interchangeably, but you may wish to set people straight – and set the best example.

See Through ‘The Heap’

Encourage your audience to be patient because the following delineation remains thorny for only a short time: If you were viewing the nomenclature of this retail segment as a tall heap of clothing, “secondhand” would be at the top. As the Leo Hamel Boutique says, “all second-hand stores have something in common: they make it possible for buyers to save money.” Next in the heap would be “resale shops,” followed by “consignment shops” and “thrift stores.”

You still may see a random sign in front of a “secondhand” or “resale” store, but the terms have largely fallen out of favor. This leaves two distinguishable categories: consignment and thrift shops.

Old habits die hard, so expect to hear some people invoke all four terms as if they mean the same thing. But you won’t, especially after you’re clear on the differences in how these two entities operate and what they sell.

The Meaning of ‘Thrift Shop’

Thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL are usually operated by non profit organizations for charity purposes. 

Thrift stores depend on donations to raise money and are most likely to accept clothing, furniture, home décor items, small kitchen appliances, plates, glasses and dishes, electronics, books, movies, baby products and toys to stock their shelves. Thrift stores aren’t known for being choosy and usually accept every donation offered to them since ultimately, the tagged price is meant to reflect the condition of the merchandise.

Thrift stores aim to turn over their stock quickly and so are known to offer bargains: Men’s dress shirts for, say, $3.99 each and four hardcover books or two DVDs for $1, Pocket Sense says.

For shoppers, the thrift store dynamic can be a literal mixed bag and almost entirely a matter of luck and good timing: You can leave with a shopping cart filled with dazzling products boasting designer labels – or nothing but the water bottle you came with.

Consignment Shops Are No Thrift Shop Synonym

In truth, the same scenario could unfold at a consignment shop. But if you’re leaning toward opening a business, a consignment shop is probably what you have in mind. Unlike thrift stores, consignment shops usually have high selection standards, meaning that an item must be in nearly perfect condition and manufactured by a top company.

Or as Leo Hamel puts it, the shops will accept only “pre-owned luxury goods that are in mint condition.” If they’re not, the items are politely declined. If they’re accepted, and they sell, the person who brought the item to the shop shares in a percentage of the sale.

Consignment shops tend to emphasize women’s clothing, shoes and jewelry – a niche that is growing and may look particularly appealing against the sad backdrop of the many retail giants that are filing for bankruptcy or closing.