Free and Nearly Free Thrifting: How to Find Deals Without Spending a Dime

Thrifting is already a budget-friendly way to shop, but there are ways to find even better deals. Here are some tips for free and nearly free thrifting:

1. Check for Free Days:

• Thrift store promotions: Many thrift stores offer free days or special discounts throughout the year. For example, Goodwill often has "Free Bag Days" where you can fill a bag with items for free.
• Local events: Check your local community calendar for thrift store events or fundraisers that may offer free admission or discounts. Many thrift stores participate in local events and may offer special deals to attract customers.

2. Volunteer at Thrift Stores:

• Employee discounts: Many thrift stores offer discounts to volunteers. For example, Salvation Army may offer a discount to volunteers on items they purchase.
• First dibs on new donations: Volunteers often have the opportunity to shop new donations before they hit the sales floor. This can be a great way to find unique and high-quality items.

3. Join Thrift Store Loyalty Programs:

• Rewards and discounts: Loyalty programs can offer points, rewards, or discounts for frequent shoppers. For example, Goodwill's Donate Rewards program allows you to earn points for donations that can be redeemed for discounts.
• Exclusive offers: Some thrift stores may offer exclusive deals or promotions to members of their loyalty programs. These deals may include free items, discounts, or early access to sales.

4. Follow Thrifting Blogs and Social Media:

• Deal alerts: Thrifting bloggers and social media influencers often share information about free or discounted items at local thrift stores. Follow your favorite thrifting blogs and social media accounts to stay up-to-date on the latest deals.
• Thrifting communities: Connect with other thrifters online to learn about hidden gems and insider tips. Join thrifting groups on social media to connect with other people who share your passion for thrifting.

5. Attend Thrift Store Auctions:

• Unique finds: Thrift store auctions can offer a wide variety of items, including antiques, collectibles, and vintage clothing. Auctions can be a great way to find unique and one-of-a-kind items.
• Competitive bidding: Auctions can be competitive, so set a budget and be prepared to walk away if the price gets too high.

6. Check for Free Items in the Community:

• Online marketplaces: Websites like Kwibal, Freecycle and Craigslist often have people giving away items for free.  Kwibal will even help arrange a delivery service incase you don't want to do it yourself. These websites are a great resource for finding free items in your community.
• Neighborhood groups: Join local neighborhood groups to see if anyone is offering items for free. Neighborhood groups can be a great way to connect with people in your area and find out about free items.
• Local events: Check for community events that may have free giveaways or raffles. Many community events offer free items as prizes or giveaways.

7. Offer to Help with Donations:

• Free items: Some thrift stores may offer free items to people who help unload donations. This is a great way to get free items while also helping out your local thrift store.
• First dibs: You may also have the opportunity to select items before they hit the sales floor. If you help out with donations, you may be able to get first dibs on new items.

8. Shop at Thrift Store Outlets:

• Discounted items: Thrift store outlets often sell items at a fraction of their original price. Outlets are a great place to find deeply discounted items that may not be available at the main store.
• Unique finds: Outlets may have a wider variety of items than the main store. You may find unique and hard-to-find items at thrift store outlets.

By following these tips, you can find amazing deals without spending a dime. Remember, patience and persistence are key to successful free thrifting. Happy hunting!

Stay tuned for our first post, "Thrifting Hacks for Beginners: Simple tricks to maximize your savings."