Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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Thrift Shop Etiquette

29 Mar 2011 By: Diane Gottsman

Thrift Shop Etiquette

  • Just because you touched it doesn’t mean it’s yours – If you picked the item up, admired it, then put it back down, it’s officially fair game for the next person.
  • If you won’t use it, it’s not a bargain – How many times have you left a store and said, “I need another lamp like I need a hole in my head”? Avoid the urge to impulse purchase.
  • Don’t expect further deep discounts – Thrift shop prices are already low but it doesn’t hurt to ask for an additional discount. Don’t get your feelings hurt if the answer is a firm “No”.
  • Bring cash – Some stores will give an additional percent off if you are using cash.
  • Check out the sales first – If you don’t have an agenda, take a look at the sale racks and table to find the deepest discounts.
  • Frequent thrift shops that donate to a good cause – It feels good to make a purchase when you know that a portion or the entire amount will go towards helping a charitable organization.
  • Check the return policy – Find out if the store will stand behind an item if there is a problem, but don’t hold your breath. Generally you buy it at your own risk.
  • Try it on before you leave – You can’t always go by the size on the garment.  Some pieces of clothing may have been altered and the thrift shop owner may not have been informed.
  • Don’t underestimate a damaged item – If you are creative you can turn a bench into a coffee table or a teapot into a lamp.  A broken stool can easily be repaired and a unique ashtray can be used as a candy dish.
  • Layaway is not always a “No” – Some stores will offer to hold an item if you leave a deposit.
  • Shop in a trendy area – A thrift shop located in an upper end area will have upper end items.  The prices will be higher but, generally, so will the quality of the item.
  • Be persistent – You may not find the perfect piece on your first venture into the thrift shop but merchandise changes daily and you never know what you will find on your next visit.

 

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.