How Do I Know I Am Getting a Great Deal at a Thrift Store

When I talk about thrift store shopping I'm often asked: "How do I know I'm getting a good deal?"

My answer to that is if you love it and you're happy with the price it is a good deal.

Recently my daughter and me were at a thrift store. When we left she was walking on air because she had "really scored!"

What to know what she "scored?"

A Pocahontas coloring book for 50 cents, a make-up bag for 25 cents and her favorite: a stuffed giraffe that stood about as tall as she is for 4.91.

That's right, a coloring book, make up bag and stuffed giraffe, all things I would never have even looked at much less bought and she was on cloud 9.

I've bought things that seemed to other people at the time a waste of money. I once scored a jewelry case with hinged lid, pull out drawers and three layers that telescoped outward. It looked like some kind of old fashion travel case for jewelry. I don't wear jewelry, so why was I buying it? I had recently broken a plastic hinge to yet another sewing box and was looking to replace it. So I turned a jewelry case into a sewing box and it has worked out beautifully.

I collect Santa jewelry, pin in particular. Nearly ever pin I own has come from a thrift store, even the display case they are in came from there. Of course it didn't look anything like it does now. A coat of paint can do wonders.

The point is all of that looked like useless junk to someone else.

That brings me to my latest score: A maroon fake velvet jacket that is 3 sizes too small for me plus a little worn around the edges. All for only 2.99!

Ugly you say? Waste of money maybe?

All you have to do is take a look at the buttons. They are crystal cut, glass rhinestone buttons. There is one large rhinestone in the center surrounded by 10 smaller ones. There are four large buttons on the jacket's front and 3 smaller buttons on each sleeve and none of the stones are missing. That's 2.99 for 10 rhinestone buttons. That's 29 cents for each button! You can't come close to that at a fabric store.

I've also made a purse with the jackets fabric and lining. Double Score!

Summing things up: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

If something deep inside you skips a beat when you look at what ever it is you're thinking of buying and you love the price, then you are getting a great deal! And don't let anyone tell you otherwise!