My rules for thrifting

I am a thrift store addict. I don't say that flippantly. Whenever I drive by a thrift store, I feel an almost undeniable urge to stop. Just for ten minutes or so... right.

So I've had to set some firm rules for myself. Which I follow most of the time;)

Rule #1 Don't go unless I have the money budgeted for the trip. That's right. The thrift store is my worst place for impulsive buying; this and that is just so cheap compared to the regular store. But just so cheap still takes money to buy; I've never seen them giving stuff away yet (although I occasionally see items that they really should give away rather than sell because they're in such bad condition; on second thought, they really should just pitch them).

Rule#2 Ask myself "Do I absolutely need it now?" followed by "Could I wait until I come across another one of these?" It's true that there is the occasional item that I've never seen before, but for the most part I come across most items from time to time. And sometimes if I wait, I get it cheaper somewhere else, or maybe even a nicer version of the same thing.

Rule#3 I adhere to a new-to-used ratio. I figure that if I pay approximately 25% of what an item (in definite good condition) would originally cost, I've gotten a good deal. No, that doesn't mean that I'd be willing to pay $25 for a leather jacket that originally cost $100; I'm too cheap for that:) But when I came across a dollhouse shelf (still in it's box) that originally sold at Target for $80. , I was willing to pay $20 for it. I also am willing to pay $5 for a good pair of jeans (no stains or wear) for my boys; I admit I balked at this at first, until I found out a pair of new LEE jeans cost around $25! That GoodWill price tag looked pretty reasonable after that;)

One of the areas that I struggle with prices the most is books. I love books! Children's books, homeschooling books, how-to books, cookbooks; I suppose I could just say books in general:) All of these have gotten quite spendy at our local thrift stores. A cookbook regularly will run you $5. Some children's books as much a $3 (yes, used). I still buy some of them, but the higher price definitely has put the breaks on any high-volume book buying. One thing I do try to keep in mind is that they are still usually way below original price, and books hold up very well. And if you're getting a large Taste of Home cookbook in like-new condition (I have gotten 5 that way) $4. is a pretty good deal!

Some tricks for supporting my habit;)

Tip #1 I buy items to resell on Ebay or Craigslist; this allows me to pay for the things that I want to keep for myself. An example of this would be the kids pirate ship play structure I paid $10 for, then sold for $25 on Craigslist. The turnover was fast and easy. Collectibles such as Precious Moments and some Collectors plates do well also, if you can find them cheap enough.

Tip#2 I take on little side jobs that may not do much as far as paying the household bills, but it does give me a little money for thrifting. I've baked cookies for other people's office parties, done bulk mailing, babysat, ect.

Tip#3 I resell later. This doesn't apply to all clothes, but it does apply to most of our nice church/holiday clothing. I often spend $5 on a very nice dressy dress for my daughter, have her wear it for a season (be sure to wash in a lingerie bag and hang dry), then turn around and sell it in the next years garage sale for $3-$5. And yes, people are willing to pay that for them. Otherwise, they'd be paying $40 at the department store;)

Between two part-time babysitting jobs this summer, I had accumulated a nice little sum for thrift-shopping. This was only a percentage of what I made, the rest went to pay miscellaneous small bills. Anyway, my hubby and oldest son were in desperate need of pants/jeans; as in on their last pair (my son anyway). This past weekend,between the two of them, I was able to pick up about 12 pair of pants/jeans for $45. All without stains in good condition, including 4 pairs that still had the price tag attached! Honestly, I could of looked 6 months and not found that many of the right size. Such is the way of thrifting.

I also came across something that made me glad I follow rule#2. I have been longing for one of those large family-sized picnic baskets. I know most people seem to pull the cooler-on-wheels to picnics anymore, but I love the old-fashioned pretty baskets. A few months ago I came across such a basket. Just a plain basket with a lid, and I was tempted to get it. But I really wanted a lined one with accessories (picky aren't I?). So I talked myself out of getting it, although that was one of those items I rarely come across while thrifting.

Well, last week I came across my dream basket. The price was $13. But it just so happened to be half-price that day... which made it $6.50! To top that, it's made by Eddie Bauer. No, I don't have to have a certain brand name on items I buy, but even I will admit it often means better quality. This is one heavy duty (albeit pretty) picnic basket.

I'm thinking I kept within my ratio on this one; odds are that it cost atleast $27. at the department store.

I am thankful that I have this outlet to get things that my family needs at more reasonable prices; I truly believe there are so many thrift stores in my area because the cost of living is so high here. Which means even the thrift stores can charge higher prices than many others would.

Don't forget to post your new recipe this Friday for Recipe Fun Friday. My recipes (yes, I have more than one) are all ready to go, complete with pictures. I'm feeling rather smug right now;) LoL. If you'd like to join in, just post your recipe this Friday and stop by Nikki's Notes and link up. I thought I would mention it a little early for those who need reminded (which usually means me;).

Have a wonderful Wednesday~

EDIT: please excuse the messy look of this post. I seem to be having a problem with getting things to space and line up. It could be blogger or my computer.