5 quick tips when shopping at thrift stores

Are you getting overwhelmed when shopping at thrift stores? We all know that there's tons of stuff inside of thrift stores and it can be both confusing and overwhelming. I want to share with you 5 tips I use when shopping at thrift stores that will help you with getting the things you need and the route you need to take for a quick and efficient trip.

1. Know where you're going - When you first walk through the doors of any thrift store you will see tons of stuff from jewelry to leather biker boots. The first step is to know what you are shopping for if you came in for shoes then go immediately to the shoe section. Once you find the shoe section find a good starting point. Start there, take your time and browse all the aisles until you get to the end of the section. 
2. Pick and Load - My pick and load concept is key and it works like a charm. If  you see anything that appeals to you while you are shopping simply put it in your cart. This will allow you to have it in your possession to decide if you want to purchase it or not.
3. Do a double take- Start the process all over by finding your starting point once again and browsing all aisles. I am a stickler to this method because you may have missed something the first time or someone could have placed an unwanted item back on the shelf. Believe me, this happens a lot.
4. Find a safe quiet aisle - Once you have completed the first 3 tips find a place to examine the items you have placed in your cart. I like to find a traffic-free quiet aisle usually in the sheet and blanket section. After you find the perfect spot, inspect for any holes, tears, stains or defects. Also, this is where you decide if the items are worth purchasing.
5. Be discount prepared - Make sure you have your discount card or phone app open (if you use an app like FLOK) at your fingertips before entering the line for a smooth check-out process. 

Using these tips can help you with your trips to the thrift store. Make sure you are visiting the thrift store frequently to become more familiar their processes, discount days and how items are stocked.

**Bonus tip It's always a good idea to take a look around the entire store because you never know where someone may have placed an item.
ie. I found a nice pair of Kate Spade sandals in with glassware, they may have been hidden or stuck in the wrong place by another customer. So remember to go above and beyond when searching.
Happy shopping!!