Shopping For A Clothing Bargain
by Roxanna Ward
People are amazed when they find out that most of my families clothing comes from thrift stores or
other second hand shops. It is true, we don't look like we just stepped out of a "junk shop". With
three growing kids, I've found it necessary to learn how to find good quality, name brand second
hand clothing. I've been fine tuning bargain shopping for years. Friends are always asking me how
I do it, so naturally I decided to write about it.
There are several different resources for used clothing. You have to do your research and find out
which one you like best. It also depends on the availability you have in your area. After all, if
you
have to drive too far out of your way, you're not saving anything on your deals. The shop with the
greatest selection is often the most expensive shop also. Consignment shops are a little more
selective
about the clothing that they have in their stores. Therefore, their clothing tends to be on the
more expensive side of the spectrum. You can still expect to pay half of the retail price or less
for their
items. Get to know the people at the shop and they will sometimes contact you as an item in your
size comes in stock. You can also take your clothing in to sale, or trade for other pieces of
clothing. Next you have the basic thrift shop. Their selection may be a little limited since they
usually work on donations only. But their prices are worth the digging you may have to do to find
just the right article. Ask the sales associates if they have a half off day or run any other
specials. And the least expensive place to find good quality name brand second hand clothing is at
yard sales. However, you may have to travel all over town all morning long before you find a deal
worth buying.
Now before you start your actual shopping, you have to do a little more research. You have to
change your way of thinking and shopping. Toss away all those previous thoughts. You will never
shop the same way again. Keep a journal of your families members sizes and measurements.
Measurements will come in more handy than actual sizes. Because clothing tends to shrink or could
have the tags removed. Record in your journal your favorite brands and colors. It is also handy to
keep an ongoing list of items needed. Keep in mind that everybody may need a winter coat, and
although it is the head of summer, you could run across the perfect coat for the perfect price.
Make sure you shop with knowledge and not just shop.
Look the items over good. Check for missing buttons. Does the zipper work? If the seam is out or
it does have a missing button, consider the price. It is worth a few minutes of your time to
repair it.
Keep in mind that there are great bargains out there. Don't let societies ideas turn you away from
finding the best deal out there for your family. You'll be astounded at how great it feels to get
more for your money, and nobody will ever be the wiser!
Roxanna Ward, Community leader and staff writer for BabyUniversity.com, lives in Georgia with her husband and
her three children. As a published freelance writer the focus of her writing is concentrated on
sharing household tips, her experience with her frugal lifestyle as well as the phenomenal process
of breastfeeding, child rearing related issues and romantic relationships. She is also currently
the Editor of three newsletters: What's New at BabyU?, Intimate Encounters and At Home with Baby
University. Roxanna can be contacted at Roxanna30135@aol.com