On the Hunt

A Field Guide to Thrifting like a Pro…

There is an art to second-hand shopping. It’s a delicate balance between instinct and skill, but the right combination can yield a valuable, stylish haul. Whether you’re on the hunt for a wardrobe refresh, styling your home or office, or planning to make some cash reselling items, there are diamonds to be found in the rough. Follow along to learn how to thrift like a pro. 

1 Know where to go. Much like discovering gold has a lot to do with knowing where to look, the same holds true for finding buried treasure at a second-hand store. Thrifting in high-end areas can yield high-quality castoffs at rock bottom prices, but don’t be afraid to look in shops off the beaten path in small towns. As thrifting has become more mainstream, prices at big box thrift stores have often outpaced their Mom & Pop counterparts. Flea markets, yard sales and Facebook Marketplace are great options for finding second-hand treasures.

2 Keep an open mind. While a working shopping list is a great way to stay focused in a supermarket, it doesn’t work in quite the same way in a second-hand shop. Obsessing too much about finding the exact thing you have in mind can ruin the fun of the hunt. There is magic in the unexpected: that beautiful old, framed art piece you weren’t exactly looking for but now can’t imagine living without; the vintage handbag that would be the perfect match for a pair of shoes you already have; that sweet piece of garden decor that will bring the right touch of whimsy to your outdoor space. How will you find those treasures if you are set on solely what’s on your list? 

3 Have a little patience. Thrifting isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. Plan to spend some time sifting through the rows of clothing racks, bookshelves and home decor displays. Meander the aisles and watch for colors, textures and designs that speak to you. Even if the piece isn’t what you’d normally go for or isn’t in your size, consider it anyway. A thrift store can nurture your sense of adventure and creativity if you let it. If it’s a touch too big, consider cinching it with a belt. If the surface of that stunning piece of furniture isn’t quite perfect, perhaps it’s time to try your hand at upcycling with a can of paint or stain. 

4 Time is of the essence. If you find something you love, put it in your cart. If you don’t, someone else most certainly will. Many a heartbreak has occurred in a second-hand store under the assumption a piece “will be there” for you another day — or even another minute! Great items move quickly. Finding that treasure again may be impossible. 

5 Research on the fly. The Internet can help you quickly discern a hard rock from a gem. Familiarize yourself with tools like Google, Etsy, eBay and Poshmark. These sites can give you an idea of what an item is worth or what it could sell for. Not sure what an item is? Try Google Lens. If you feel like you’ve got something special on your hands, put it in your cart and look it up online. Let the web help you make the final call. 

6 Scan departments wisely. As much as there is treasure to be found in secondhand shops, there are plenty of wooden nickels, too. Don’t fall for those. Skip the modern reproductions — the mass-produced ones you’ll find on shelves of craft stores. Truly valuable items are often ones that qualify as vintage (at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old) or antique (at least 100 years old). Yes, sometimes you’ll come across a new treasure (beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all), but genuine vintage and antique items tend to hold their value, whether you plan to keep them or resell them. 

7 Trust your gut. Have a hunch about a particular item? Go with it. Whether it’s an old book, an article of vintage clothing without a discernible tag, or a piece of furniture with good bones and a less-than-stellar finish, see the potential even in pieces that don’t come perfectly polished. It could become your new favorite — and it could be worth a small fortune. 

8 Be realistic. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. That high-end designer bag for $10? It could be authentic, but chances are, it’s a knock off. Most secondhand shops are patently aware of the value of their pieces and have priced the item to sell, even if it’s below the price you’ll find online. A genuine Louis Vuitton bag for $20? If you find one, your next stop should be to purchase a lottery ticket because luck is clearly on your side. •