Have you ever been called thrifty or frugal? Are you always on the lookout for something unique to add to your home or wardrobe? There’s nothing wrong with being a savvy shopper. In fact, many people wish they knew more about bargain hunting. Whether you are a veteran shopper or a novice, we have some tips to help you pick up affordable goodies you’d be proud to show off to family and friends.
Flea Markets
If you are searching for one-of-a-kind merchandise, look no further than the local flea markets. Because street markets host an abundance of vendors you are likely to find a wide variety of uncommon items, from handcrafted knickknacks to time-honored furniture.
Local flea markets cultivate a community of shoppers who are eager to find the best deals. Arriving early will give you first dibs on everything the market has to offer. Pro tip: Practice haggling before visiting local flea markets to save even more.
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are perfect for smart shoppers. In fact, thrift shops have become more popular in recent years. Following the recession, many families looking to stretch their budgets preferred buying gently used clothing over dropping dollars at retail stores.
Additionally, hipster and boho fashion has become increasingly popular as teens and twenty-somethings explore retro styles to create something totally unique. Pricey retailers like Urban Outfitters followed suit, but the best place to find something bold is still at your local thrift store.
Garage Sales
We’ve all seen yard sales on the weekend while we drive around town. But it can be a little daunting digging through a stranger’s old stuff. If you are looking for something small, just walk through until something catches your eye. Be sure to inspect it for damage. Minor flaws aren’t a big deal, but it could help you negotiate for a lower price.
If you are hoping to pick up several items, we recommend grouping your finds into a collection. For example, asking the price of a single chair will seem silly if you are looking to buy a whole set. Approaching the seller in this manner will likely get you a better deal.
Estate Sales
Estate sales are basically the big leagues for bargain shoppers. An estate sale liquidates the belongings of a family or estate following a death, move, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
Since the proprietors are basically trying to unload as much as they can, savvy shoppers are able to pick up the best deals on expensive items such as furniture, silverware, dishware and jewelry. Focus on the items you can’t find anywhere else. It is likely that the previous owners spent a lifetime building this collection, so take the opportunity to buy it all at once.
Storage Unit Auctions
Popularized by the television series Storage Wars, auctioneers can sell the contents of units with delinquent payments to bidders as part of a single lot purchase. Storage units often store a trove of merchandise ranging from home furnishings to used vehicles (and sometimes just musty old boxes).
Since storage auctions are less about buying a single object and more about taking over a whole unit, much of the stuff you buy could be sold online through ecommerce sites.
Pro tip: Remember to always bring cash! Auctioneers prefer bidders who come prepared.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops are a staple of any city since they provide people an opportunity to get quick cash. Best things to buy from a pawn shop? Tools (including power tools), jewelry and musical instruments are fairly reliable purchases from any pawn shop. However, it is probably best to avoid old computers and televisions since it’s much harder to tell if these are working just by seeing them on the showroom floor.
Shopping Spree
Now that you have an introduction to a variety of bargain spots, it’s time to get hunting. One final tip: Remember the Latin credo “caveat emptor,” meaning “let the buyer beware.” While most the deals you find can feel like a steal, it’s up to you, the buyer, to inspect the item to make sure you are getting what you pay for.
Happy hunting!
