Wait, wait, wait, let me preface this by saying that what I actually mean is, here are a few things to think about when you first start thrifting. I know nothing about proper antiquing, where you're worried about when it was made and if there's a chip and how that affects the value – no, no, no, my friends. Non, non, non, mes amis! I do not frequent those types of antique shops. This is all about those local antique shops and thrift stores, where you search for inexpensive but amazing finds for your home … or to sell. Not only can you put together a gorgeous home, piece by piece, on a shoestring budget, but you can also make a lot of money if you have a keen eye.
Because it's way too easy to end up with a house full of furniture, accent pieces, and doodads, with nowhere to put them all. After your first trip. To your first store. Seriously, this happens.
Seriously, if you're ambivalent about something, forget it. Leave it. You don't need it, you won't want to do anything with it, and it will moulder away in your house.
You never know what cool things you might find, and the neatest things sometimes hide in the strangest places. Don't discount a store just because it looks a little ragged, and don't ignore a booth, a nook, or a cranny at first glance.
Even though you shop with a list of items you'd like, try to have an open mind. Look at an item's potential sometimes. Consider odd things, especially if you've never seen them before.
When you first start out, start local. Look for thrift shops, Good Will stores, and antique spots in and around your town. Branch out to neighboring towns as you go. Keep a list of places that always have great finds.
For several reasons, the first being that the employees will get to know your face. You might even get friendly, which can lead not just to real friendships but also the occasional deal. The second reason is because you can get some insider info and even make requests for particular items.
Now, isn't that a great rule for a hobby? Seriously, though, new items come in and out of antiques malls and stores every day. You may not buy something every time you shop, but you should make the rounds pretty often.
Always. Every buying trip. Don't just wing it. That never works out. At some point, you will accidentally spend a fortune.
Now, no, there's not a separate budget for each. This is just practical, especially when you're visiting new shops – some of them only accept cash, so it's always better to have it on hand. That being said, one trick Heather and I use to stay on budget is to take out our budget in cash and leave the cards at home. Can't overspend when you don't have the money!
I know one store that randomly has deals throughout the week. Another offers them every other Sunday. Even if it means coming back another day, the sales are usually worth it.
Not just because some shops announce deals on their social media pages, too, but also because you can sometimes get coupon codes, learn about upcoming auctions, or hear about future estate sales.
If you don't find something you love, don't feel like you have to buy something. It's okay to walk away empty-handed sometimes.
It happens to everyone. You fall in love with a piece of furniture or clothing that's falling apart. You're handy, but you know you're not that handy, and it's not even worth the price – so don't get it. It's tempting, I know, but it's not worth it.
That is, it never hurts to ask, and you never know – you might find a hidden talent for it! It's especially okay to haggle over damaged items.
In addition to not purchasing anything too rickety or hopeless, don't take on a piece that's going to take too much time, money, or effort. Well, if it's going into your home and it's a pet project, okay, but if you're selling, be smart. Your time is money.
Sets of tea cups or china. Sets of tables, books, or chairs. It's entirely possible that a buyer may want to separate pieces, but that's at your discretion. I just know that if I'm looking for night tables or end tables, I love a matching pair.
Above all, always remember this. Most antiques places and thrift stores have a no-returns policy. Buyer beware.
Are you into thrifty antiquing? What do you do with your wonderful finds?