RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Not everything in thrift stores is hopelessly junky and dirty, like many believe. However, one has to be observant and look carefully so they can sort out the junk from the good stuff. And yes, there are some really good treasures to be found at one of these stores. For example, comic collectors just may find the right magazine to complete a particular collection. There are also tools, trinkets, knick-knacks, vintage music, and all kinds of things.

I myself have found a few things that I had a heck of a time finding at regular stores. Sometimes I am really unimpressed with many of the clothes that are the "hottest" on the market, and it doesn't matter to me to get a clothing item that was in style, say, 5 to 10 years ago. I just have to see that it's in good shape and will fit me right. If not, I will not spend money on it.

I have a good friend who is affluent, yet she is not too good to go into thrift stores. She is a regular customer of them, and is a real pro at finding the right things. Anyone who was to be in her plush home and casually look around would not be able to tell it is adorned with items from a thrift store. Her home is so neat and clean -- there is not a thing out of place.

Now there are some things I WILL NOT TOUCH at a thrift store, no matter what: underwear, brushes, and hosiery. Those have to be brand new. I don't even know why they even carry them.

Yes, despite some obvious drawbacks, there are some just as obvious advantages of browsing in this mysterious place known as a thrift store. People should give them a fair chance; they will never know what they'll find.

Occasionally, I go to a thrift store just to look around, it's very interesting. But certain things I would prefer to buy new, as at least you get a warranty on these items.

We go to a thrift store on occasion. sometimes if we really look we can find something we could use. I used to go to this one thrift store and buy their used books.they used to have really good deals on them. {not anymore} Once we needed a jacket for my husband to use at a funeral at the very last minute, we found one in very good shape quite reasonable. We donate to them too hope they can use them.