Thrift store and resale shop prices aren’t always great deals.
Here are some examples of prices:
- Yarn purchased new at craft store on sale for 16 ounces of acrylic yarn – $5. Recently seen at a thrift store a semi-tangled, used skein of similar yarn - $4. Not a bargain.
- A bargain is a bag of yarn with four 3 ounce skeins for just under two dollars. (On half price day, this was 95 cents so it was a real steal!)
- Stainless steel cream and sugar set with small tray – $5. Bargain. Plus being stainless steel this offers the added benefit of not needing polishing as with silver.
- When thrifting, books are a bargain if they are under a dollar for a paperback and two dollars for a hardcover.
- A ladies lined rain coat with removable lining in very good condition – $12. Good price.
Thrift store prices are often lower than resale shops or consignment stores because they are less selective about their merchandise and basically want things to go. Even if some of the items are new, religious or veteran affiliated stores receive many donations and need people to buy so that they can restock the shelves.
Knowing the true cost of an item is important also when going to garage and estate sales. Also when you are on the other end of a sale, as the seller. If you don’t want to have too many items left over at the end of a sale, then you should definitely price your items to sell.
Taking a trip to a regular store will give you an idea of the quality of items and what the prices are. This does not mean that you like the prices, but will give you an understanding of the quality. One drawback from thrift stores and garage sales is that larger items need to be moved from a place. I saw a large round marble table priced at $250 which would need to have professional movers come in and move it for you, but paying the movers plus the cost of the table would definitely be a great deal for the table.
Bargain hunting can be hit or miss. If you know prices, then you can avoid the misses.
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