Play me in, Macklemore!
Guys, opshopping is awesome. It's cheap, good for the world in general, excellent for your street cred, everything. However, it is a little intimidating. There is so much junk to sift through, and there's always the huge risk of buying something faulty.
But it's actually a really good way to buy practical and novelty items. If you've never really had a good thrift before, then you need to start ASAP! As a seasoned opshopper, here are my top tips for thrift shop glory:
-Haggle. I've been known to haggle down from $40 to $20, so take my word for it when I say that it's fine. Give it a shot! If you've noticed something wrong with the object, or can just make it sound like you're more of an expert than the seller, then point it out. Opshops have to have a high turnover rate, so they really want to get rid of their stock. I've never haggled at charity shops, because it feels like a douche move, but at fairs and for-profit vintage/secondhand stores, go for your life!
-Look at EVERYTHING! You never know. I didn't go to opshops seeking pattern pieces, and I barely noticed them. When I did, I found an absolute treasure trove for the hobby sewer. You'll be surprised what people get rid of. I've gotten into an obsessive habit where I can't leave an opshop without looking through all of their cds, which is a hefty task. Maybe don't look at absolutely everything, then.... especially if you're on a time frame!
-Have a really good look before you buy. As these items are second hand, they're far more likely to be faulty. Look for stains, rips and missing buttons on clothes. Look for cracks in mugs, plates, records, etc. Look for missing disks in dvd and cd cases. Don't get overexcited, things may be super cheap for a good reason!
-Don't donate your goods to your local opshop. My mum once dropped off a stack of books to a nearby Vinnies, only for my dad to accidently purchase one of the books back, because he thought my mum might like it. Good one, parents. Do donate goods, that's a nice thing to do, but maybe not to a shop you frequent.
-Avoid those musty old antique shops. I was dragged through every antique shop in New Zealand as a child, due to my dad being a record collector, and I've never quite forgiven them. They're almost always overpriced and a little unfriendly. Sure, there are some real treasures to be found for a good price, but you're far better off searching through a not-for-profit. I do have a hilarious "Society For The Prevention Of Mixing Peas And Carrots" membership card from an excellent antique store in Nelson, but that's as far as my luck has gone.
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| Seriously, opshops are the BEST for pattern pieces. |
Contributor: Kate, @Springerfield
NB: The store in the photos is a really great vintage shop in Martinborough called Gertrude Snyder Vintage Treasure. It's an old house converted into a shop, such a cool idea! I bonded with the owner over our shared appreciation of buttons, Etsy and her lovely wheaten terrier, Bella, so thought I should give her a plug! They also have an online store, if you're not planning to be in the area.
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