My Charity Shopping Tips

I’ve recently shared a few outfit posts that have included some of my favourite charity shop bargains. I’ve had a few requests for a post on my charity shopping tips. I really hope these tips help you uncover some absolute bargains! These tips will be focussed on clothing, but they can be translated to most things that you’d find in a charity shop.

If you want to see some of my favourite charity shop pieces, check out my styling a grey shirt dress post, styling grey shorts post and second hand chic post.

Charity Shopping Tips: Don’t Go In Looking For Specific Things

Chances are, if you go into a charity shop looking for something specific, you won’t find it. That’s just the way it goes. Charity shops get things in when people want to get rid of them, so the best time to update your summer wardrobe is the beginning or autumn, ready for the next summer.

Charity Shopping Tips: Check Items Carefully

Shopping for clothes in a charity shop isn’t the same as shopping in a high street store. It’s rare that you buy an item on the high street only to find out that it’s got a stain on it. And when this does happen, it’s usually a foundation mark on the collar of a top that washes out. The vasty majority of charity shop clothes have been pre worn. You’ll occasionally come across an item with a label in it, but don’t let this make you complacent. You still need to check the item thoroughly. Remember, charity shop clothes are there because their owner no longer wanted them. This could be because they no longer like the style, the item no longer fits or they’ve spilt something on the item, couldn’t get the stain out and no longer want to wear it.

As shop lighting can be difficult, I’d suggest taking the item that you’re interested in over to a window where possible to check for stains, rips and pulls in natural light. As well as stains and rips, make sure you check that all zips work and buttons aren’t missing. If you love the item, a missing button or two may not be an issue. Just be aware that you’ll need to replace all the buttons before the item is wearable, so make sure you factor the cost of new buttons in when deciding whether to buy.

Charity Shopping Tips: ALWAYS Try Clothes On

There are two main reasons for trying clothes on in a charity shop. The obvious one is to make sure they fit you. Some charity shops will now allow you to take an item back for a refund, but do you really want to be that person who takes something back, asking a charity for your money back? Probably not. To avoid this uncomfortable experience, make sure you try on any clothing items that you’re considering buying.

The other reason to try clothes on before buying from a charity shop is to check the quality. I’ve had a couple of experiences where I’ve thought I’ve checked a garment carefully, only to try it on and spot a stain. So trying clothes on in a charity shop is a good way to double check the quality of the item. I found a lovely Monsoon dress but didn’t spot the stain on the skirt until I tried it on.

Charity Shopping Tips: Go To Your Local Charity Shops Often

Charity shops have a fast turn around, so in order to get the best bargains it’s advisable to pop into your local stores regularly. Not only this, but if you’re on the hunt for something specific (say for a fancy dress costume) if the staff know you they’re more likely to keep an eye out for what you want and put it to one side for you.

Charity Shopping Tips: Think Critically

Would you buy an item if it were full price? If the answer to this is no, then you may be buying it because it’s a ‘bargain’ rather than because you love the piece. Is it really a bargain though if you spend £2 on it and it sits in your wardrobe never worn? No.

However, there is an exception to this way of thinking. If you see a style, cut or fashion that you’re loved the look of but haven’t been sure if you’d wear it or not, picking these items up from a charity shop is your best bet. If you never end up wearing what you’ve bought, you’ve only spent £2 finding out that it’s not for you, rather than £20 new.

Charity Shopping Tips: Location, Location, Location

You might be surprised to learn (or you might not) that the location of your charity shop can have a big impact on the type and quality of products that you can pick up. Charity shops in affluent areas often have big name brands, but as a result the prices are usually higher. If you visit charity shops in less affluent areas, you’re more likely to see lots of Primark clothes. Not that there’s anything wrong with Primark, it’s just that these items can be overpriced if the charity shop volunteers aren’t aware of Primark’s price point.

Want to come charity shopping with me? I’ve filmed a vlog doing just this! Unfortunately I wasn’t able to put all of these tips into practice because of inaccessible changing rooms, but you’ll get the idea.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRCswFNJZ_o[/embedyt]

What are your charity shopping tips?

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