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Thrift Store Shopping TipsBelow are links to web pages that offer thrift store shopping tips. In addition to these links, there is also an area at the bottom of the page which offers additional tips.
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Shopping at Thrift Stores
Thrift Shop & Yard Sale Guide Ultimate Guide to Thrift Store Shopping |||||||||||||||||||| Dave's Thrift Store Shopping Tips. These are additional thrift store shopping tips that you'll find useful. Above all else: Remember this one thing: if you come across something in a thrift store you want, and it works, buy it on the spot. If you leave the store to think about buying it, and then return later, chances are the item will be gone. Appliances and Electronics: Thrift stores will often sell appliances and electronics. Some work, and some don't, so check out the item before you buy it. Bicycles: Sometimes, thrift stores sell adult bicycles, often between $10 to $30 depending on condition. An older bicycle is good for times when you don't want to take your good bike out, and an older bike will do just as well. Check out the bike in question. If it's in good condition, with maybe just the tires and/or tubes needing replacing, consider it. If the bike is falling apart, with missing parts or parts that are on their last legs, pass it up as it will most likely nickle and dime you to death. Computers: Once every so often you'll find a used computer in a thrift store. In my experience, a used computer selling for $10 or less usually has something wrong with it; a used computer with a $15 to $20 price tag is usually a bit better, but check it out before you buy it just to be safe. Often, everything between $10 to $20 will simply be a computer case without the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Check to see that no parts are missing from the case, and also check out where the keyboard plugs in - a large plugin usually means an older computer that needs a keyboard with a larger plug (and such keyboards are hard to find), while a smaller plugin means the computer will take a modern-day keyboard. Sometimes, you'll find an entire computer (case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for sale at a thrift store. These usually go for anywhere from $45 on up, depending on how good the computer is. In my experience, an entire computer being sold that way is usually pretty good, and is worth a look. Computer-Related Items: Computer CDs: Many thrift stores sell some used computer CDs, usually children's learning programs and encyclopedias. Sometimes, you'll run across CDs with clip art, and speciality programs such as Microsoft Greetings. If you find a computer CD that interests you, check to see if it has any heavy scratching on it (if it's in very good condition with no scratches, consider it; if it's badly scratched, pass it up). Also see if what's on the CD is compatible with your computer system (if it is, consider it; if it isn't, pass it up). In addition, if the CD has software that requires a password or key in order to install it, make sure that the CD comes with the password or key (if it does, consider it; if it dosen't, pass it up). Keyboards and Mouses: Every so often you'll find keyboards and mouses for sale at thrift stores. For keyboards, check for damage such as missing keys, and also check what kind of plug it has (a large plug means it's for an older computer, a smaller plug means it's for a modern-day computer, and a USB plug means it will plug into a USB port but may require some software to make it work). If the keyboard looks good, and is compatible with your computer, consider buying it (afterall, it's nice to have a backup). As for a mouse, most available through thrift stores are those designed for modern-day computers. As long as it's in one piece, consider buying it (again, it's nice having a backup). Monitors: You'll often find computer monitors for sale at thrift stores, often between $10 and $15. Some work, and some don't, so check out the monitor before you buy it. Printers and Scanners: You'll often find printers and scanners for sale at thrift stores, at various prices. The important thing to remember with printers and scanners is that they need software in order to work. If the printer or scanner comes with the software (usually on a CD), at least give it a second look (and be sure it's compatible with your computer system). If the printer or scanner dosen't come with the software (and, sadly, most don't), pass it up. Holiday Sales: Some thrift stores will have 50% off everything in the store on certain holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. If a thrift store in your area offers such a sale, I'd say check the place out - you might find something you need or want, and at 50% off. Music CDs: Often, thrift stores will sell used music CDs. If you find a music CD that interests you, check to see if it has any heavy scratching on it (if it's in very good condition with no scratches, consider it; if it's badly scratched, pass it up). Most used music CDs run between $1 and $4 depending on the store. VHS Movies: Often, thrift stores will sell used commercial copies of VHS movies. Usually, these VHS movies are in good condition, and if you find a title you like, I'd say buy it. Most used VHS movies run between $1 and $4 depending on the store. |||||||||||||||||||| |