criagslist vs. thrift shop

 

I just love the thrift store, maybe more then target.  OK, that was  a bold statement but its pretty close.

I have been doing a lot of thrifting and craigslist shopping for a upcoming project,  event  (I’ll tell you more about that hopefully next week) I have been getting a lot of questions on Instagram asking for shopping tips so I thought I would share a few with you today.

 

THRIFT STORE  

It’s all about luck. Some days I go home with an amazing find, other days I can leave empty handed.

From my experience, the more you go the more you will find.  Thrift stores put out new product all day long. I have gone back to pick up items that I purchased from the morning and have found a whole new selection of furniture that had been brought out all within a few hours. I have been told that as soon as the pickings are slim new items get brought out.

If I am looking for something more specific, like a dresser,  I will often ask an employee if they have dressers in the back that have not been brought out. Only once has it worked, and when my eyes saw the little French dresser sitting there  I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Tip: Know where your local thrift stores are.

Depending on my day, I might stop into a couple stores that are close to each other or do a full loop around which includes 10+ stores. I don’t do a full round very often, when I do, I usually end up spending a full half day.

You can find local thrift stores near you using this awesome website.

 

CRAIGSLIST ( CL):

I love craigslist. It’s like a big garage sale on your computer screen.

Most people selling on CL are usually selling their personal items they no longer want or need. I have found a wide variety of prices rages on items. If the seller just wants that vintage couch out of their house, or they have no idea the value of the item can depend on the price they set.

I have never bought a item off CL for its asking price. It never hurts to ask. If a seller is firm on their price more then likely you will see it noted in their listing.

 

When searching for that perfect vintage couch try using keywords that might be more specific to the piece  like “tufted” or ” Victorian”  or “cane back”

I also like to use words like old chair or wood spindle chair or even try adding in color. Don’t be afraid to try a variety of key words. Usually you will find each new search will come up with a new list of items.

And remember, Item’s on CL are listed by date, so the newer the listing the further it will be to the top of the page.

 

Lastly, you never know when a seller might have something hid away waiting to get posted.

We recently bought a new couch for our studio sitting area. After making connections with the seller for pick up date I received a email asking if I would be interested in a small couch they had that they hadn’t listed yet. Attached to the email was a beautiful pink loveseat ( pictured above). The seller offered to sell the love seat for a bundle deal if we were interested.  Um, yes !!! I couldn’t write her back fast enough.

Shopping at the Thrift store or Craigslist, there are treasures to be found . You just never know what it might be!!!