Today is International Thrift Shop day and what better way to celebrate than by sharing some great thrifting tips that will save you £/$.

Thrift stores are the perfect place to find great bargains. You can pick up almost anything from clothing and accessories to homeware and books at a super sweet price too! The great thing about thrifting is that you never know what treasures you might find.

If you’re familiar with thrifting then you probably already know some of these, but if not here are a few of the great reasons why you should thrift. Firstly, who doesn’t love getting something for half price? Thrifting allows you to get a lot more value for your money and not just in terms of quantity but also quality. A lot of items are usually high quality so they’ll last a while.

The majority of items in thrift stores are sold as one-offs so you won’t come across anyone else that has the same thing. No need to worry about bumping into someone with the same shift or pants as you! This also means that you can find really cool and quirky items to suit your individual personality and expression.

Lastly, most thrift stores are run by charities, which means that not only are you getting a bargain and saving money but you’re also helping to support a good cause by doing so. If you were to spend money that is a great way to do it.

So now that you know the benefits of thrifting here are some tips on how to thrift like a pro…

Go in with a general idea of what you’re looking for…

As previously mentioned you can find anything and everything in a thrift store. This might sound like heaven to some, but it can turn to hell quite fast if you’re roaming around aimless. Having an open mind is essential, but also knowing what you’ve come for can save a lot of time and energy. If you’re looking for kids clothing or homeware then avoid all the noise and head to those sections.

Visit more than one store…

You might not find what you want in the first store you enter but don’t let that discourage you from trying others. Sometimes it can take a couple of visits before you find something that’s right for you. Each store will have a different selection of items so it’s worth looking around first before you buy anything.

Go thrifting when you have plenty of time…

Thrifting requires some level of patience and time – so definitely don’t go on your lunch break. Rather schedule in a day that you know you’ll have a few hours to visit different stores and browse through things. Take your time and look over items carefully before you make any purchases.

Find out when new stocks arrive…

You can ask your local thrift store to inform you when they receive new donations. This will allow you to take advantage of any new items at record speed. You’ll also know when and where to go thrifting.

Check online thrift stores…

Online marketplaces like eBay and Preloved are a great way to grab some bargains! Sit at home, browse and take time to find the best deals. You could even grab a few things for FREE!  Remember that Qmee works with eBay too so you may even earn some cash rewards whilst searching for a new outfit or find some great discount codes and offers.

Lastly don’t forget to have fun…