Sentry Page Protection
The Cheapskates Guide to Getting the Best from Op Shopping
Every dedicated Cheapskater knows the value of their local op shop, and they make sure they get their fair share of that value.
Once considered the department store of the poor and downtrodden, op shops have moved to the forefront of the shopping experience in the last decade. No longer filled with useless rubbish that no one else wants, they are now treasure troves of bargains and great finds.
Actually, they've always been treasure troves of amazing bargains, it just wasn't trendy to op shop for a long time.
These days you'll find op shops are filled with old, new, used and recycled clothing, furniture, household items, books, records, shoes, electrical goods, vintage anything, plants and even grocery items - and all at rock bottom prices - if you know your op shop!
Knowing your op shop is the key to getting the best value for your op shop dollar because not all op shops are equal. Some are definite charity shops (and these are where you'll usually find the best bargains); others are franchises of the charity stores (and these are run as businesses to make the franchisee lots and lots of money and the prices are usually way too high).
It would be easy to say that the franchise stores have better stock but that's not necessarily true. My local charity op shop has the best stock and the lowest prices around (and wonderful staff who are always willing to help find something if I'm after a particular item).
My second favourite is a huge franchise store and the prices are reasonable. The quality of the furniture is better, but the clothing and household items are donated and so it varies just as it does at my charity store.
With those points in mind, and knowing that all Cheapskaters love a bargain, here are my top 10 tips for getting the best from your favourite op shop.
1. Shopping is shopping - make a list and stick to it.
2. Keep your eyes open for those unexpected finds - you know the 50c school shorts or the $2 brand name jeans, new with tags.
3. Only choose to purchase quality items. Look for brand names you recognise as quality and make sure the items you purchase are of a good and usable quality.
4. Always try things on. It may well be a brand name but if it doesn't fit then it doesn't fit and will be a waste of money if you buy it.
5. Leave the kids at home. Again, shopping is shopping and the same rules apply to op shopping as to grocery shopping. Try to do your shopping alone so you're not distracted or tempted to buy things that are not on your list.
6. Know your op shop's sale days. Ask when they have their 50% off days, which day is $2 a bag day etc. and plan your shopping around them.
7. Keep an open mind. You may have candlesticks on your list but not see any in the store. Is there a small wine glass or a pretty plate you can re-purpose as a candle holder? Look around you and find ways to re-purpose things to fit your requirements. Master this one technique and you'll never have to pay retail for anything ever again.
8. Visit your op shop regularly. New stock comes in every day and goes out just as fast. If you are looking for something in particular let the staff know and ask them to give you a call if it comes in.
9. Shop with cash. If you only take cash you can't go over your allocated shopping amount and you won't be tempted to just spend that extra $2 because you simply don't have it.
10. Lastly, as your op shop supports you, you can support it. As you declutter, sort the items into piles to toss, recycle or donate. Take the donations to your op shop immediately, if you let them sit around you'll change your mind.
Once considered the department store of the poor and downtrodden, op shops have moved to the forefront of the shopping experience in the last decade. No longer filled with useless rubbish that no one else wants, they are now treasure troves of bargains and great finds.
Actually, they've always been treasure troves of amazing bargains, it just wasn't trendy to op shop for a long time.
These days you'll find op shops are filled with old, new, used and recycled clothing, furniture, household items, books, records, shoes, electrical goods, vintage anything, plants and even grocery items - and all at rock bottom prices - if you know your op shop!
Knowing your op shop is the key to getting the best value for your op shop dollar because not all op shops are equal. Some are definite charity shops (and these are where you'll usually find the best bargains); others are franchises of the charity stores (and these are run as businesses to make the franchisee lots and lots of money and the prices are usually way too high).
It would be easy to say that the franchise stores have better stock but that's not necessarily true. My local charity op shop has the best stock and the lowest prices around (and wonderful staff who are always willing to help find something if I'm after a particular item).
My second favourite is a huge franchise store and the prices are reasonable. The quality of the furniture is better, but the clothing and household items are donated and so it varies just as it does at my charity store.
With those points in mind, and knowing that all Cheapskaters love a bargain, here are my top 10 tips for getting the best from your favourite op shop.
1. Shopping is shopping - make a list and stick to it.
2. Keep your eyes open for those unexpected finds - you know the 50c school shorts or the $2 brand name jeans, new with tags.
3. Only choose to purchase quality items. Look for brand names you recognise as quality and make sure the items you purchase are of a good and usable quality.
4. Always try things on. It may well be a brand name but if it doesn't fit then it doesn't fit and will be a waste of money if you buy it.
5. Leave the kids at home. Again, shopping is shopping and the same rules apply to op shopping as to grocery shopping. Try to do your shopping alone so you're not distracted or tempted to buy things that are not on your list.
6. Know your op shop's sale days. Ask when they have their 50% off days, which day is $2 a bag day etc. and plan your shopping around them.
7. Keep an open mind. You may have candlesticks on your list but not see any in the store. Is there a small wine glass or a pretty plate you can re-purpose as a candle holder? Look around you and find ways to re-purpose things to fit your requirements. Master this one technique and you'll never have to pay retail for anything ever again.
8. Visit your op shop regularly. New stock comes in every day and goes out just as fast. If you are looking for something in particular let the staff know and ask them to give you a call if it comes in.
9. Shop with cash. If you only take cash you can't go over your allocated shopping amount and you won't be tempted to just spend that extra $2 because you simply don't have it.
10. Lastly, as your op shop supports you, you can support it. As you declutter, sort the items into piles to toss, recycle or donate. Take the donations to your op shop immediately, if you let them sit around you'll change your mind.