14 Insider Tips for Scoring Big at Thrift Stores, According to Experts

There’s a thrill in picking up a beautifully made blazer at a thrift store, only to look at the tag and realize this isn’t just any blazer—it’s vintage Dior. And it’s $40. Or you pick up inexpensive glass candlesticks, then turn them over to find they’re Tiffany crystal. 

Finding that unexpected treasure is one of the best parts of thrifting, and when you know what to look for, it seems more once-in-a-lifetime finds start to head your way. Ready to start channeling your luck at the thrift shop? Here are 14 expert-approved tips for scoring big while shopping secondhand. 

Always Pull Over

Natalie Wong, decorator and owner of Ktown Château, never turns down the chance to make an impromptu thrifting stop. "Yard sales, garage sales, or church rummage sales. Always stop and pull over. These are hit or miss, but when they're a hit, you could score that mid-century modern lamp for $10 that would have cost $1,000 in a vintage store," says Wong. 

Try to Negotiate 

While haggling with a cashier who can't change the price won't work, you can always try to negotiate with a shop owner or independent seller. "If you don't ask, you don't get," says Wong. "Want it at a lower price? Ask. Want to know if that sconce on the wall is for sale? Ask." It never hurts to throw a number out there. The worst they can say is no. This works even better when you’re buying multiple items. Try the, "If I buy both, can you do better on the price?" tactic. Moving more inventory is always a plus for them, even when at a discount. 

Go Early and Often

"'Professional' thrifters like to get to secondhand shops before they open so they can be the first one in the door and the first to get their hands on any items that were put out overnight," says Marielle Conlon of That Table Lady. Early arrival and frequency will boost your chances of finding the treasures before other shoppers do.

Try on Anything and Everything

For clothing, you might find that sizing is completely different from what you expect when thrifting. Older items will run small, while unfamiliar brands might have skewed sizing compared to what you’re used to. Plus, there’s always that one J. Crew sweater that ran incredibly big, and the buyer waited too long to return—now it’s at a thrift store waiting for you.

Look for Name Brands

"It goes without saying to check for holes and any other defects, but if you find a quality name brand, those just factor into the cost of the piece. I have bought designer pieces for a few bucks but spent much more repairing moth holes. It's worth it to me to get a special item of clothing," says Anna Weaver, a vintage home and decor seller who also has a penchant for thrifted clothes. And if you find a brand you know and love? Be ready to try it on quickly and make snap decisions. "Wear a tight-fitting shirt so you can quickly try tops on in the aisle. I've also been known to wear a skirt with tights to try on pants—much to the horror of my children," says Weaver.

Check the Racks Near the Dressing Rooms

"If you're really short on time, do a quick loop and check the racks near the dressing rooms. Many times, someone else has gone through and found the good stuff. Then, if it doesn't fit them, that’s where it will end up," says Weaver.

Become Friendly With the Staff

Have your eye on something specific? Or are you starting a collection of Wedgewood? The way to get the best items as soon as they arrive at the thrift store is to become friendly with the staff and let them know what’s on your wishlist. "I have met a lot of great people through consistent thrifting and formed relationships with employees and thrift store owners or managers. They will send me a message if they see something that they know I’d want to buy," says DIYer and furniture flipper Lilly Skjoldahl.

Visit a Variety of Stores

"Explore different stores outside of your area. Go to stores in affluent areas where the donations are sometimes more valuable," says Skjoldahl. There’s a wide range of what you’ll find based on whether you visit a roadside thrift store versus a charity-run thrift store. If you go to a thrift shop in Georgetown in Washington, D.C., it may look different than one in a rural area. But the prices will also look different.

Look for Structural Integrity

Willow Wright, owner of Urban Redeux, advises looking at structural integrity when deciding whether a piece is a hidden gem. "Are the legs wobbly? Is the seat in good condition? Is it functional?" says Wright. Then, she recommends looking at the surface. Look at the condition of the wood, whether there are deep gauges or scrapes, and assess whether there is water damage, including veneer lifting or swollen wood. Lastly, check for signs of mold, which can appear as speckles of white spattered on the wood.

Know Brand Marks

"I have scored numerous Waterford crystal lamps in the thrift store," says Wright. "I had an idea that they were, but they were unmarked at first glance. However, if you know that Waterford etches either their name or a small seahorse in their crystal, you’re often able to find that marker." She suggests doing your research and finding out where and how brands mark their items. It’ll make it easier to recognize a deal and authenticate a high-end piece.

Pick Up Everything

Don’t just look with your eyes, feel with your hands. "Pick up everything, this can tell you a lot about a piece. Crystal is heavier than glass, and the same goes for metal and wood. A quality item will generally have an appropriate weight for its size and shape," says Wright.

Look High and Low

"Look everywhere in the whole store. Every rack and shelf. In the women's and men's departments, even in the pajama section, and in those glass cases. People often put back things in strange places in thrift stores, or things won't work out for them, and then they stack items on the endcaps of rows," says Kelly-Lynne Russell, founder of The Low Low Style. 

"People tend to just browse the shelves at eye level. Give your legs a workout and do some squats to see what is on that bottom shelf," says Conlon.

Go in With a Plan

If you’re open to finding anything, you often end up finding everything or nothing. Russell suggests going in with a specific plan for what you’re hunting for. "This season, I've been searching high and low for the perfect neutral moto-style leather jacket—no simple task," says Russell. "I also have a running list of top-tier 'dream items' I'd love to thrift, as well as about five items I'm looking to add to my closet this season." However, she’s also open to spotting the item she didn’t know she needed and springing for it. The last thing you want is the dreaded "thrifter's remorse" because you didn’t have that lime green ballgown on your list.  

Use Google Lens

"Google Lens allows you to take a picture of an item and reverse image search it, bringing up exact or similar matches. This is a great way to quickly identify valuable items," says Skjoldahl. Easily determining if you’re getting a deal or overpaying for an item can help you decide if you're wavering.