The savings are great for both the back pocket and the environment, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its downsides. There are some things you should never buy at an op store (we’re looking at you, tagless underwear), but there are also a number of not-so-obvious mistakes bargain hunters make. That’s why we’ve put together this list of common thrift shopping mistakes to avoid:
Buy old pots and pans
Quality pots and pans can be expensive, but the best place to buy cookware sets isn’t your local run-of-the-mill store. When you find a top brand at a thrift store, it can feel like Christmas. However, you must remember that whoever left them at the thrift store did so for a reason.
Unfortunately, cookware can lose its coating over time, making it ineffective at best and a health hazard at worst. Because of this, we recommend buying new pots and pans, even if they take a little longer to pay for themselves. If you’re looking for a quality set, you can often find great deals at online stores.
Don’t try things
When it comes to thrift store shopping, taking your sizes lightly is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Not all brands have a standard sizing guarantee when you buy new stuff, but when items are in an op store, sizing is essentially free for everyone.
Many people cut the tags off their garments and replace them. While staff and volunteers do their best to make sure clothing items are labelled correctly, it’s easy to lose things in translation. Therefore, it is important that you try on any fabric you choose before making your purchase.
Buy electronics without trying
While many areas require op shops to test and tag equipment before selling it, it’s still possible to discover an item that hasn’t gone through this process. You may be unlucky enough to live in an area where it is not needed.
While you may be lucky and still get your hands on a fully functional device, faulty ones can be a potentially dangerous waste of money. This is especially true for devices that require fluids to function (think aromatherapy diffusers or fish tank filters), as we all know that water and electricity don’t mix. Because of this, we suggest that you buy only new appliances unless you are certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are safe.
In search of the things you need tomorrow
If you need something right away, finding it at a thrift store will probably only lead to disappointment. Always go to the right retail store for things you urgently need. That way, you can be sure you’ll be able to go home with the things you need.
Buy a lot of things that need fixing
Finally, while you can find inspiration for many DIY projects at your local thrift store and restore that designer piece that looks fabulous for just $10 thanks to a few rips in the materials, buy plenty of repair items. a hole in your budget and nothing to show for it. Pay attention to selecting quality items, and they should be repaired to a manageable level if you want to get the most out of your shopping experience.
Now that you know how to avoid these common mistakes, your next thrift shopping adventure should be much more fruitful. happy shopping!
Also Read: Leggings are the wear of winter- here is where to buy Leggings with pockets for women
