Have you ever known someone who has that special knack at finding bargains? The kind of score that gives you a twinge of envy and a slightly sick stomach?
“Oh, gee. I can’t believe I just found this brand new Coach purse for $3.50. Ah-mazing.”
Yeah, well that is not me. I would be the person who was standing next to the person who found the ridiculously priced Coach purse while holding the Gloria Vanderbilt purse priced at $10.50. Yep. That’s my kind of bargain luck.
So, I will never profess to be a “bargain shopper,” although it is not from lack of trying. I just don’t have the gift, and I do believe it is a gift.
And, although I don’t possess the “gift” it does not hinder me from getting the occasional motivation to hit the local St. Vincent de Paul’s for my own attempt at bargain shopping.
It was during one of these recent trips that I discovered some truths about thrift shopping and would like to share them with you.
1) Only people with very small feet donate really good shoes. My inability to find a shoe in a size 8 1/2 that did not feature pirate-sized buckles or 4 inch platform heels could be due in part to my bad bargain mojo. But it become apparent to me that if I wanted some decent kicks I would need to research foot binding.
2) Shoppers are very territorial over their place at the half-price bin. I thought there was going to be a bit of a throw-down when I accidentally stepped in front of a very serious woman in curlers and crocs. “Oh, I apologize. Is this your bin?” I asked her, albeit a bit sarcastically. My attempt at humor only managed to infuriate the lady to a point that lead me to shop with one eye on the her at all times.
3) Shoppers are eager to share their recent bargains with you. I heard no less than three different shopping stories from as many people during my stint at the thrift store. At first, I was flattered that these ladies wanted to share their finds with me. And then, as the stories of “bargains” grew much like that of a fisherman’s “big catch” story, I realized that I was being subjected to more of a brag fest than anything else, which only heightened my own shopping insecurities. I toyed with the idea of spinning a bit of my own yarn but decided to wait until my next trip out to give me some time to work out a really good one. I know. I’m not proud of it.
4) Nobody likes a critic. To be quite honest, this one stumped me a little bit. I noticed that if I spent an extra minute scrutinizing a specific item I was met with a few derisive looks and, at times, open contempt from my fellow thrift shoppers. “There ain’t a thing wrong with that there shirt,” I was told at one point while perusing what appeared to be a stain on a Jack-sized tee. “Oh, I think there might be a grease stain here,” I answered the onlooker. “Nothing that a little Shout won’t fix,” I was reminded with a sneer which held an undertone of “get over yourself…it’s a thrift shop.” I’ll be needing a little thicker skin if I plan to make a habit out of this bargain hunting.
5) The bargains are really there…if you look hard enough. I spent a good forty-five minutes attempting to find an especially “thrifty” item or two to no avail. I had about given up the hunt when I suddenly came upon a specially-marked rack offering 50% off toddler clothing. Huzzah! Gap, Old Navy, Osh Kosh and the like for…get ready for it…fifty cents a piece! Anybody who has spent a small fortune outfitting a three year-old who’s very character seems to be hellbent on destruction can appreciate the idea of a half-dollar shirt! Black marker graffiti art and spilled mustard hurts a tiny bit less when adorning a cheap t-shirt.
I’m a believer now. With a little resilience and some heady determination bargain shopping can not only be a successful venture but kind of fun at the same time. Although, my next trip out I’ll be ready for the curler-headed Croc-wearing professional thrift shopper and reserve my place at the bargain bin before she has a chance to elbow me out of the way.
Mindy
I hate thrift store shopping. I also lack the gift of bargain finding and so I just hope for hand me downs.
Been lacking in the ‘hand-me-down’ department, thus the venture out into thrift stores. I think I’m going to be a professional at it here real soon. 🙂
Mindy
I admit, if I can’t get it on sale, I seldom will buy it…except for food! I do like getting bargains, but I am not THAT great at it. I just don’t like shopping much at all. I know if I ran into the curler croc lady, I’d really hate shopping!
I used to live for shopping and now could care less about the process. It might have something to do with the extra body weight and smaller checking account. Hmm…food for thought. 🙂
Mindy
Related to this gene is the “find things at garage sales or flea markets” gene whereby you discover a Louis XIV desk under a paint tarp with a tag on it for $11.95 that turns out to be worth roughly one house.
Nope. I got neither.
Yep…I’m with you. I have no skill when it comes to shopping garage sales. Zero. Zip. Zilch. I’m so horrible at it I’m usually trying to offer the seller more than they even asked. Sad, really. 🙂
Mindy
You are not kidding. I don’t even like looking at TJ Maxx for clothes because I never find the good ones. I need a small shop with only a few things in it or it overwhelms me.
Unfortunately, the small shops with the few offerings are usually “boutiques” and they practically charge for entering the place. 🙂
Mindy
I never find anything good EXCEPT once. I lost 65 lbs about 8 years ago and I always wanted a pair of black leather pants. I found an awesome pair that was $135 bucks marked down half price. When I got to the register THEY RANG UP FOR $5 DOLLARS. 5 bucks 5 bucks 5 bucks! The saleswoman never even blinked an eye. I ran out of there with those pants like my butt was on fire. I still take them out and admire them. I have only wore them once but who cares? They were 5 bucks.
I think you got yourself a bonafide super-bargain. The kind of which I’ve only heard of in myths and fables. I’m in awe. And I really wish I could see those $5 leather pants. You lucky, lucky lady. 🙂
Mindy
the lady in the crocs sounds dangerous and c’mon you should know better than to cross any woman wearing curlers in broad daylight!!!
sadly i suffer from the same “will never get a $75 shirt for $3 ” type of bargain shopping you do. but it kind of makes my skin crawl – too much clutter for my OCD tastes……but it sounds like you’re having fun!!!
enjoy and happy hunting!
Trust me…the curler lady shook me to my core. I have a few minor panic moments in those thrift stores, what with all the trash mixed in with the treasures but I am having a little bit of fun with the whole thing. 🙂
Mindy
Ooh! I do need to remind you Mindy of your one real score at a bargin type store! That adorable Turkey Thanksgiving pillow you got super cheap and stole right out of your bff’s hands!! =O) Too funny!! Good times!!
My best retail moment. Ever. 🙂
Mindy
I can’t do it very often – I am not a digger by nature. Plus, the people freak me out, as you have mentioned here.
Yep. There’s some freaky peeps out there. You just gotta be prepared for the craziness. 🙂
Mindy
You have my full permission to take out curler headed croc lady the next time she even looks at you weird. I’ve got a special look for those people that tends to scare them off. lol
Well you know me, I love the thrift stores! I have also come across the die hard shoppers and at times they can be very scary. They don’t care what they get..stained, torn or just plain ugly, just as long as it is cheap. Me, never. I look, investigate and mull it over.
I guess I am one of those braggers, I might need to work on that.
So glad you finally found the deal you was looking for.