Head out. You'll need your cash, your map, any old clothes you have, and your car (or other
form of transportation). Where should you go? Check the phone book. But it may be up to
you to find them:
Where to go? The yellow pages usually have listings under Clothing-secondhand, thrift
shops, or clothing-used. Call up the places to see when they're open and where they are,
and plan your route. Also find out how much they offer per piece of old clothes. They might
only take certain brands or clothes of a certain quality.
Trade in. Make sure you bring in old clothes of your own because many small and big thrift
stores offer, for example, $1 for each piece you bring in or they might offer a one-to-one
trade. That way you can just trade in your junk for something you really like.
Check out the clothes. Be willing to go through all the racks to find what you like. Don't miss
the stuff in the back, in little piles or somehow fallen on the floor. Check for any stains,
holes, or any flaws whatsoever. You won't wear it with them, most likely.
Try it on. Some places have fitting rooms but not all do. Ask if you can try it on somewhere -
if not, see if it can be exchanged. If you can do neither, it's not a good bet unless it's
something like a cardigan or shoes which you can try right there.
Pay in cash. Most places don't take credit cards or checks. Be prepared with cash and exact
change.
Upstairs? Some stores have multiple levels. Check upstairs, you might find what you like.
Don't be afraid to ask if there's anything more.
Broaden your style. Go for classics if you can, but be willing to try other stuff. You never
wear vests because they look cheap? Buy a neutral-colored one you can wear over black.
Experiment with colors and stuff that's not just trendy.
Use these tips and learn how to shop secondhand firsthand!
Copyright � 2001 rani. All rights reserved.