DECIDE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR The first step in buying second-hand is to decide what you’re looking for. If you know what you need, it’s much easier to find! For example, if you know that you need a winter coat, but don’t know the size or style, it makes it more difficult to find something. You should also have an idea of your budget before going shopping. There are tons of great deals out there when it comes to second-hand shopping, but they will vary in price depending on condition and your budget. It’s also important to remember that not every store has clothes in every size. For example, some stores may only carry clothing up to a certain size or they may only carry clothing in certain styles. So make sure that you take into account the store (and its inventory) before deciding where to go shopping! BRING A LIST Before you head to the consignment store, make a list of what you need. If your goal is to shop for a specific item, bring a picture of it or search for it online to see what it looks like. If you’re looking for something that’s not available on the internet, bring an example of what you want to find with you. This will help you more quickly find what you’re looking for. Try also making a list of items that are simply in your price range and that would be good additions to your wardrobe. The key thing is to have some idea of what you’re shopping for before going in so that when you see something that fits your requirements, you can grab it! DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP A lot of people are hesitant to shop second-hand because they don’t know what they’re looking for. Although it can be intimidating, one of the best ways to get comfortable with second-hand shopping is to ask for help. If you find a great piece of clothing but don’t know if it will fit you, or if you like the style, just ask the seller for help! They can let you know if it’s worth bringing home and will most likely be happy to assist you in any way possible. DECIDE HOW MUCH YOU’RE WILLING TO SPEND When you walk into a thrift store, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a great find. However, it’s important that you know your budget going in. If you go in with a set spending limit, then you can decide the quality of the clothing based on your budget. For example, if your budget is $10, then stay away from high-end clothes. Instead, look for items that range from $5-10 because they are more likely to be in good condition and have a variety of garment types.