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Do you miss the good old days of quality-made goods when brands took greater pride in the unique style and character of their products? If so, you’re probably no stranger to your local thrift and consignment shops.
Though demand for these second-hand items is growing, there are still a few tried-and-true tips that can help you spot bargains. But where do you find these bargains? How do you know they’re bargains when you see them? These are great questions we’ll attempt to help answer.
We’ve compiled a list of 20 simple and easy-to-follow ways to score vintage finds without breaking the bank. Read on to see which ones you can adopt in your search.
1. Start Online
From websites that focus on the best vintage tips to private sellers offering great deals, you can get a lot of mileage out of looking online. Even if you’re just window shopping and dreaming, sites like Etsy and eBay often link back to resellers. Instagram hashtags let you stay up-to-date with other people buying and selling what you’re after.
2. Save What You See
When you’re searching online, you’ll see hundreds of items. You’ll forget or lose track of most of them without some care. Bookmark specific sites, make accounts on sites like Etsy and eBay to save particular items, and keep track of what search terms you use.
3. Do Research
When looking for something specific, do a deep dive into what you seek. Keep that phone handy and look things up on the go, even when browsing.
4. Connect With the Vintage Community
Learning the ins and outs of the local vintage community can be as easy as going on Facebook and searching for vintage groups in your area. Instagram is also a great place to start, where you can use the tag #vintagecommunity.
5. Buy In-Person
Online shopping can yield some great finds, but it’s impossible to verify the fit of clothes or ensure that decorative items don’t have hidden damage.
When starting, buy in person until you know what you’re looking at and for. Always buy vintage clothes in person.
6. Quality Check
Inspect every item thoroughly. Some things, like scuffed leather, small holes, or tarnish, can be easily repaired or left for that well-worn look.
Even if you’re willing to buy damaged items, ensure you know the extent of the damage before you purchase.
7. Be Careful Buying Damaged Items
Buying project items – items you must repair – can be a lot of fun, but be sure you thoroughly understand what you’re doing and how to do it before committing to a project.
There’s nothing worse than getting a great deal on a damaged item only to spend far more money trying to repair it and possibly failing or making it worse.
8. Thrift Stores
The classics, such as Goodwill and Savers, are well-known to everyone, but take the time to scope out independent thrift stores. Independents may have a smaller selection but often harbor hidden gems that bigger stores will mark up in price.
9. Antique Stores
Finding local antique stores is always worth the time. Antique markets, which house many stores, can be a great place to locate that perfect item without running all over the place.
10. Flea Markets
Flea markets can be a hit or miss, but many have small – or large – thrift stores inside. Flea markets often have stores that sell vintage flatware, house furnishings, and even clothes in dedicated booths.
11. Garage and Estate Sales
These are arguably the two pillars of vintage shopping. Estate sales may be the pricier of the two, but they are a great place to browse on a budget.
On the other hand, a dedicated shopper can hit several garage sales in a day and discover several great finds with less investment.
12. Consignment Stores
Consignment stores sell items brought in by individuals or resellers. The collection and items can be of higher quality, and the store is more selective than a thrift store, flea market, or even an antique store. However, the prices will be higher to match. You can still make good, affordable finds, so don’t ignore consignment stores.
13. Watch for Sales
Thrift stores run weekly and daily sales; antique stores and markets might hold sales for holidays and special events. Keep an eye on those sales and mark your calendar to avoid missing them.
14. Make a Shopping List
Finding what you want when you go vintage shopping can be tricky. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when surrounded by hundreds of fantastic items, so even something as simple as noting down ‘cookbooks’ or ‘coordinated outfits’ on your list can keep you focused.
15. Set a Budget
The worst thing is to walk into a store with no budget. Everything looks good, and it’s easy to nickel-and-dime until you get to the register and find out you’ve way overspent. Plan how much you can spend and then stick to it.
16. Prepare to Be Surprised
Sometimes, you can go in with a budget, a shopping list, and all the research in the world and still find something stunning that catches you off guard.
If you’ve found something unique, feel free to set your list aside, go a little over budget, and grab that unique find.
17. Bring a Friend
Someone who knows your style, budget, and shopping list can help keep you on track.
It can also help prevent you from buying something that you think will look great but is totally out of the ordinary.
18. Repurpose Items
Some vintage items aren’t useful in the modern world but look fantastic. Don’t be afraid to buy them and give them a new purpose! Think outside the box; if all else fails, some things are unique enough to simply display.
19. If You’re Not Sure, Don’t Buy
Is the item damaged beyond repair? Out of your budget? Not sure how you’d repurpose it? You may not even know what you’re looking at. Don’t be afraid to walk away.
Despite what you see online, not every trip ends in a triumphant, exciting find. Heading home empty-handed is better than going home with something you don’t want.
20. Give as You Buy
Even the most maximalist style can become overcrowded. You also want to avoid a closet of fabulous clothes you never wear.
Go through your items regularly and resell or donate them to give them a chance to be found by other vintage lovers and to be sure you can keep buying those marvelous items you love.
Practice Makes Perfect
Getting into vintage life takes time and patience. Feel free to make mistakes, resell or donate things that don’t fit your aesthetic, or repurpose things to see them differently.
Keep looking, keep shopping, and give yourself time to learn the ropes.
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