Careful thrift store shopping when you’re not in the mood.
Posted on 07. Mar, 2010 by Brigitte in Uncategorized
I’ve been thrifting like crazy these last few weeks. And, although it doesn’t happen too often, I do indeed burn myself out sometimes. When I thrift shop I’m usually in each store for about 2 hours. Sometimes I got to 2 or 3 in one day, for several days so no wonder huh?
Today I drove by one and it just did nothing for me. I’m too pooped! The reason I bring this up is because you will probably pass things up for the mere sake of just being tired. Now, I personally like to go whether I find something or not. But if any of you are going to find some goldmines then it may discourage you thinking why bother? And this is definitely something you need energy for. When you have energy you don’t mind digging a bit. You’re more alert so your eyes will focus a bit better and things will pop out at you.
Not too long I did just that. I thrifted while I was a bit tired and by the time I got to the last section in the store I was like, “Oh who cares, I’m ready to go.” There could very well have been a treasure in that area waiting for me to snatch up and make some serious money on but I was just not into it at all. I don’t like when I do that so I try to remind myself to spread out my shopping trips and least be energized.
It’s really exiciting when you find a treasure. Being too tired to enjoy it will spoil the fun. So grab a cup of coffee, take a nap or wait until another day. You definitely want to enjoy yourself!
Lois Dupre
07. Mar, 2010
Oh My too tired to thrift store I didn’t know there was such a thing!!
We live in a small town in AZ and there are only 2 thrift stores here, luckily, so we do mostly garage sales. I was getting tired of not finding anything Friday when I found a sale with lots of costume jewelry. I bought most of it quickly and when I came home found 4 14k gold necklaces……yipee……….
You have to just keep on keeping on no matter what!
Deena
08. Mar, 2010
Brigitte, I totally agree! I was feeling burned out – I hit 8 thrift shops every Wednesday – and 3 more if I wind it up early, and sometimes it’s just too much. I take a day off and the next week I’m back at it. Thanks for an inspiring post!
bigpine29
08. Mar, 2010
Amen. I try to start earlier in the day when I’m fresher and more alert. I’ve also grabbed some things later in the day that I later regretted!
Strayfinds
08. Mar, 2010
Brigitte, I agree completely. I like going after work as a stress reliever and I have great luck. Weekends, if I try to squeeze too many in a day it can really drain me. You previously posted about checking other areas of each store and I agree with that too, people tend to leave things when they change their minds or new employees put things in the wrong area and a lot of my “unusual” treasures have been found that way.
With the economy being what it is have you seen a large up swing in prices? It seems to me that my regular stores have taken some hefty increases on items which makes me rethink my profit margin before I even consider putting it in my cart. Any thoughts on what you are seeing?
Keep it up I really appreciate hearing about other sellers and any issues they are having.
Strayfinds
Brigitte
08. Mar, 2010
Yes, I’ve seen some TS increase those prices. Lucky for me it’s usually on new stuff or things they “think” is valuable. The stuff they think is junk is usually a treasure!
Ilene
08. Mar, 2010
Strayfinds is absolutely right. I’ve noticed the increase in prices myself. Sometimes I pass up a good item because the potential profit is negligible. I think part of it is that thrift owners are becoming more educated and aware of what they have.
I’ve got a question for you, Bridgett. Do you have any pointers,. suggestions, or whatever on dinnerware? I find myself with several pieces. I check Replacements.com, then list on ebay for a few dollars less. Any thoughts?
Ilene
Brigitte
08. Mar, 2010
Oh Ilene, your timing couldn’t be more perfect! Lynn Dralle from “the Queen of Auctions” who makes over $10K a month selling mostly dishes, just released an ebook about what dishware to look for. You can find her book’s site here. (I don’t get paid anything for this.)
Lisa
08. Mar, 2010
I experience the same occasional burnout which I attribute to “information overload.” There is SO MUCH to look at, every day I learn about something new I should be searching for and there’s just no way to take it all in. And the stockers are adding new things to the shelves constantly — it’s tempting to want to follow them around but then I’d be in the stores all day!
Brigitte
08. Mar, 2010
Gosh, you’re so right Lisa. I always tells people do NOT get discouraged if you don’t find anything. Stuff is going out all the time. If I find stuff, then that means the people before me didn’t and so on.
Kristi at Spend Less and Save More
09. Mar, 2010
Oh my goodness, I couldn’t imagine hitting more than one a day. It takes me forever to go through one! I try to hit it once a week. How often do you go?
Brigitte
09. Mar, 2010
Hi Kristi, my goodness, well it can range from daily to about 3 times a week. Sometimes 2 or 3 different shops in one day!
Susan
17. Mar, 2010
I just got Lynne’s new ebook on selling dinnerware etc…boy is it a lot to take in! She is good. I cant handle more than one visit in a thrift store any given day….takes me hours…and often times I have a hard time knowing a deal etc! Learning though…
Brigitte
17. Mar, 2010
Yes, it sure is a lot to take in. I see dinnerware all the time and can never remember. I’m definitely am going to make notes for myself.
Marla
25. May, 2010
I am so curious about Lynne’s dinnerware ebook! What do you think of it? I’m tempted to get it but don’t know if it’s worth the price. I’m trying to find reviews that are separate from her site. Thanks
Brigitte
25. May, 2010
Hello Marla, yes I have it and yes it’s worth it. A lot of info so be ready to take notes!