Buying NEW at the Thrift Store

Hey everyone!

For awhile now I've wanted to post about buying new items at the thrift store.

Thrift stores are known mainly for selling "new to you" items.

While I'm ok with used clothes as long as they're clean, I understand that not everyone feels the same way.

(Though if you think about it, tons of people could try on an item at a department store before you buy it, making it "used")

Even if you squirm at the thought of wearing someone else's used things, you can still save big by buying at thrift stores.

I'm sure over time you've bought things and never worn them, or received the occasional gift that went untouched. Those items have to end up somewhere, and often that place is a thrift store.

One thrift chain in particular known for selling brand new items is Goodwill!

Goodwill often carries salvage items from Target that are seasonal, slightly damaged, or have damaged packaging, at a much lower cost than you would pay at Target!

Though the damaged ones may not be so appealing, damaged packaging? No problem!

I've found tons of great bargains at Goodwill, as well as other stores on brand new items-no damage or use to them!

Here are a few great examples of Target and other cheap finds I've snagged at thrift stores:

This great Xhilaration Dress cost me $5, and it's still available on the Target site for $24!

Why was it there? Apparently because that tag is ripped. Score!

These bikini bottoms are still at Target on clearance.

I paid $3.50, the lowest price they have is $7.00.

The hygienic liner is still in place, but the tag was missing so they were quite a steal!

This Nike baseball tee still has its' tag on.

Retail price? $24.99

My price? $2.00 at Salvation Army

I bought four of these sweatshirts at Salvation Army for less than $2.00 each!

They're a rare combination of vintage AND new with tags.

They still had the tags and stickers attached, and based on the aging of the paper I'm guessing they are over a decade old. 

According to the tags, they once retailed $19.99 each

 

These are just a handful of the items that I've purchased brand new at the thrift store, so as you can see, even if you're not into used things, it's still worth a trip to the store to see what you can find. 

Based on a recent experience though, I do have to say BEWARE: all that glitters may not be thrifting gold!

This week, I bought a Brita water dispenser, which as you may know is a water filtration system that sits in your fridge.

 Goodwill often carries these brand new with slightly damaged packaging. 

The going rate for Brita systems is $21 at my local Goodwill, and this unit costs $44.00 new, so I thought I was getting a great deal.

I even asked at the register to be sure that it was new and the packaging was the only damage that it had, but  to my dismay once I opened it at home, I found it was used. with a pretty gross looking filter. 

Since the previous owner had saved the box, the sales girl had assumed that the dispenser was new without checking.

If I had been smarter about this purchase, I would have asked to open the box and double check to make sure the unit was new, however knowing that GW often carries them brand new, I didn't question the cashier. 

Unfortunately, due to the fact that GW does not accept returns or do price adjustments after a purchase is made, I'm unable to return the unit. 

A really simple way to avoid this? Open the box! Most GW employees will be happy to oblige your request.

Even though the filter is gross, I do have coupons for a box of new ones and the unit is otherwise undamaged, so I'll still have saved about $15 when all is said and done. 
Just make sure you check your appliances before you pay!

Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Twotip: The easiest way to share the love? Share your knowledge of savings, of course! If you know a friend or family member who is on a budget, turn them in the direction of GW or other stores that sell new at cheaper prices! Or you could always just steer them in the direction of my blog!;)