Alone or not alone?

With our thrifty tips #1 and #2 we’ve done our homework to know what kind of thrifty places are available to us and we’ve made a plan to know when is the best time for us to go.

So, for tip #3 we have one more thing to talk about that will help us finish our preparations.
Then for thrifty tip #4 we will actually enter the store and talk in detail about HOW to find our treasured items…
Here is the question for tip #3:
to go alone or not alone?

I don’t find myself alone very often.
You can usually find me with a small army of strapping young boys…
who don’t really like shopping but
are usually VERY good for me when we go.

So when it comes to hitting the thrift stores to snatch up great deals
I’ve had to figure out how to squeeze it all in…
if you know what I mean.

I’m guessing most of you are wondering how to do the same thing
so let me share with you what works for us…

1. Take drinks and snacks.
The night before my planned trip to the thrift store or resale shop I
stock my bag full of some of these…and for my men, some of these!

2. Don’t be embarrassed to entertain:
It is not inconceivable to see or hear me singing songs to my boys, cracking jokes or zooming through the store like my cart is a race car to get through the last 10-15 minutes of my shopping trip.
The trick is multitasking.
While entertaining, I’m simultaneously scanning the racks.
(we will be learning how to practice the art of scanning in the next few thrifty tips)

Here are the last few things to think about…

3. Don’t be afraid to leave empty handed:
Sometimes you won’t find anything worth bringing home and that’s really okay.
Don’t buy something you won’t actually wear in real life.
It’s easy to get excited about something that is made well, fits, and is on sale for 99 cents.
But if you aren’t REALLY going to wear it, it is still 99 cents wasted.

5. Make Friends with the Sales Associate:
Ask sales staff when they put their new stuff out and/or the best day to shop. The early bird really does get the worm when it comes to shopping a thrift store.

6. Set a budget:
Make sure you know how much you are willing to spend for what… it is also really easy to get carried away – well, it is for me – and it’s helpful to set a number for yourself so you don’t end up spending more than you meant to.

Now, you all should know that I don’t always take my boys with me on thrifting trips.
There are many times that I don’t.

For instance:
Saturdays when everything is 50% off at the community thrift store,
the “grab bag” sale held every 6 months at the resale shop,
and the damages/defectives outlet.

These are the trips I try to go alone.
These trips are better for everyone if we are apart.
You will have to choose what works best for you, but the things I share with you are what works for me and my crew.

Okay you thrifty people, I’ve got some tips coming that delve into how to scan those racks full to the brim with ‘junk’ to find treasures.
We will go over things like fabric, pattern, cut, style, etc. so be ready!