Top Tips for Finding Hidden Treasures
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Whether you consider yourself an expert or novice in the world of antiques, there’s always something new to learn with these expert tips for antiquing.
If you’ve been with me for a short minute, you know how much Mr. G and I love to thrift. Every time we are in a new area, we look for thrifting stores. We have learned a lot over the years and I thought I would share a few tips to help you become a savvy thrifter and uncover hidden gems without breaking the bank.
Thrifting, once seen as a niche hobby, has now become a mainstream trend embraced by many. Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just dipping your toes into the world of second-hand shopping, there are plenty of treasures waiting to be discovered in thrift stores, consignment shops, and flea markets.
But it can also be overwhelming – halls of old goods, multiple dealers and sellers vying for your attention, price tags that can be downright shocking at times…where do you even begin?
Mastering the art of thrifting requires more than just luck. It takes patience, a keen eye, and a strategic approach. And you can save money to decorate your home with quality items.
Research the area
Before diving into the world of thrifting, take some time to research the best thrift stores in your area. Not all thrift stores are created equal, and some may have better selections or prices than others. You can also look for consignment shops, vintage boutiques, or flea markets that specialize in the type of items you’re interested in. We have several stores we prefer to go to because of the selection of items and pricing.
Additionally, consider exploring thrift stores in different neighborhoods or towns, as each location may offer a unique selection of items based on the local community.
do your homework
If you are looking for a particular item, do your due diligence when it comes to price. You don’t want to be taken advantage of by a seller, so take the time to research and be informed before committing to any purchase. Make a list of what you are looking for with researched pricing. In today’s world, you have the best way to research an item you find on your phone. I like to go to eBay the most to see what an item is selling for or has sold for. I have also found some really unique items on eBay to purchase too.
Keep an Open Mind
One of the keys to successful thrifting is to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different sections of the store. You never know what treasures you might find tucked away in the racks or shelves. Even if something doesn’t catch your eye right away, take a closer look—you might be surprised by what you discover. Remember, the beauty of thrifting lies in the thrill of the hunt and the excitement of finding unexpected gems
Read how I took this vintage pharmacy cabinet above and updated it for less than $25.
Inspect Carefully
When shopping for second-hand items, it’s important to inspect them carefully for any signs of wear or damage. Check clothing for stains, tears, or missing buttons, and inspect electronics to make sure they’re in working condition. Never be afraid to ask store staff if you can test out an item before making a purchase. While minor flaws can often be fixed or overlooked, it’s best to avoid items that are heavily damaged or beyond repair.
And in some cases, wear and tear will make the items look wonderful! I’ve picked several items where there were minor flaws that really didn’t matter.
The chair above was my parents and now this 70’s gold velour armless chair is in style and sits proudly in my dining room. I recently found the perfect pillow for it.
Look for Quality
While thrift stores are known for their affordable prices, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. Keep an eye out for well-made items that are built to last, such as solid wood furniture, leather goods, or designer clothing brands. By investing in quality pieces, you can save money in the long run and build a wardrobe or home decor collection that stands the test of time.
Remember, items made years ago were made with more quality materials. Furniture was made with all wood that can be refinished easily to make it your own and pass down to future generations.
I will sometimes find an item with a little crack or chip. If you don’t care if the items aren’t perfect, grab the not-so-perfect items. The prices on them are usually lower too.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price
Most stores will work with you on price. In most cases, ask for a better price and some dealers will automatically knock off 10%. This isn’t always the case, but antique shops with multiple vendors usually have systems in place, so they don’t have to reach out to the booth owner every time someone asks if they can do better on the price.
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but you’ll always be glad you asked. I can assure you it also gets easier once you become accustomed to saying: “Is that the lowest you can go?”
Read more about how we saved this beautiful 1940s radio/record player that belonged to Mr. G’s grandparents back to all its glory. We love to play our vintage vinyl records on it now.
Get Creative
Thrifting is not just about finding cheap deals—it’s also an opportunity to express your creativity and individuality. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and reimagine how you can repurpose or upcycle thrifted items. Whether it’s turning an old sweater into a vintage pillow or transforming a vintage suitcase into a unique storage ottoman, the possibilities are endless. Embrace your inner DIY spirit and let your imagination run wild!
Read how I took some vintage glassware and made it into a beautiful thrifted glassware window to hang up.
Timing is Key
Like any other shopping experience, timing is key when it comes to thrifting. Try to visit thrift stores during off-peak hours, such as weekdays or early mornings, to avoid crowds and have first dibs on new arrivals. My favorite time to thrift.
Keep an eye out for special sales or discount days, when thrift stores may offer even deeper discounts on their already low prices. And don’t forget to follow thrift stores on social media or sign up for their email newsletters to stay informed about upcoming promotions or events. Check the booths you visit carefully because many of them will be having sales on their own and discount signs will be displayed.
When asking questions about a certain item with the store owner, be sure to look for the booth number for reference.
One important thing to note: When an item is marked “FIRM,” negotiation is usually out of the question.
Whenever possible, give yourself time to thoroughly explore a store. Typically, I like to walk through the area once, quickly looking for anything on my list. Then I walk through again, a little more slowly, taking it all in and being open to all the possibilities.
Bring the right form of payment
Most brick-and-mortar stores use credit cards, but if you are going to yard sales or mainly outdoor events, cash is king. Make sure you have a lot of smaller bills because you will find $1 and $5 items galore.
I have noticed more and more stores won’t allow you to carry a large purse or bag throughout the store and will have you store your bag in a locker. So grab that small crossbody purse and hit the thrift stores—it’s time to embark on your next thrifting adventure!!
Thrifting is not just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle that celebrates sustainability, creativity, and the thrill of discovery. By following these top tips, you can navigate the world of thrift shopping with confidence and uncover hidden treasures that reflect your unique style and personality.
frequently asked questions
Antiquing is the practice of buying vintage or antique items. Thrifting is a term used to describe the act of shopping at thrift stores, which sell second-hand items such as clothes, books, and furniture.
Thrift stores consist mainly of donated items, while antiques are more likely high-value heirlooms.
People love antiquing or thrifting because it’s a great way to find unique items that you just can’t find anywhere else. And you learn a lot about items from the past and appreciate how they were made. Handing down vintage heirlooms is also a wonderful thing.
The number one thing I look for are vintage Christmas ornament balls. I also look for vintage pots (McCoy especially), seasonal and garden-related. I haven’t yet purchased any vintage art, but I am learning more and more about that. I do love stitched art. Mr. G loves to collect vintage records of all kinds. He has a record player that will play several different sizes of records.
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I’m just a country girl loving my geeky life with my wonderful husband, always taking pictures, getting my hands dirty in the garden, being crafty, exploring with travels and enjoying all this on a budget. But above all, living my faith as a child of God!
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These are sooooo soo cool…I would love to lose myself in a place like that, I would spend hours there, exploring…
I love spending an afternoon at thrift and antique stores. Some great advice here to keep in mind! Love what you did with the cabinet.
I love thrift shops and antique stores. Everything there always has some kind of story that I like to imagine, and you never know what kind of amazing things you’ll find!
I have never even thought of haggling when thrifting! You find so many cool thrifts, thank you for your advice.
Thank you for your top tips! In the UK we call them charity shops – in my town he have six of them within walking distance and I love to go and have a good rummage, I have picked up so many bargains!
I love spending weekends and looking for estate and yard sales, or vintage shops. It’s so much fun. Great tips for finding little treasures!
I do look out for unique decorative items at thrift stores. And do find hidden treasures sometimes.
I likę thrift shops and antique stores. Sometimes i just get so involved there and then realise suddenly that I was there for hours.
I absolutely loved reading your blog post! Thrifting has always been a favorite pastime of mine, and it’s inspiring to see how much joy it brings to you and Mr. G as well. Your tips are spot-on—especially about having patience and a strategic approach. It’s amazing how thrifting not only helps us save money but also allows us to find unique, quality items that add character to our homes. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and passion for second-hand shopping!
I think it’s fun to look around for deals. I don’t get to indulge often but I make sure i have actual real time to do it when I do. 🙂
Great tips listed in this blog- I agree that creativity should guide you. Also, amazing photos!