Second-Hand Stores: Treasures or Trash?

Hundreds of people shop at charitable thrifts and second-hand stores. In most cases, the donations were given to the store free of charge for a tax write-off, while every penny that you spend at the store goes directly to serve the charitable organizations outreach such as St. Vincent D'Paul or Goodwill Industries. The Bible tells us "the poor you will always have with you" and with this in mind, it is nice to know that there are stores which sell basic necessities such as clothing, furniture and appliances at the absolute rock bottom prices. The homeless, teens, and young unmarried mothers and the elderly often get vouchers so that poor can furnish their homes for free. Then there are the experienced antique collectors who actually make a living by perusing the various isles for hidden treasures such as collectibles, jewelry, art, furs, leather goods, designer shoes, glassware, athletic and health equipment including bicycles and wheelchairs as well as one-of-kind furniture and tools straight from grandpa's attic.

Unfortunately, times have changed and along with this a dire warning needs to be given to those who shop at second-hand stores. First, savvy shoppers know a fake from the real thing, but buyer beware. I have seen many fake figurines and pottery which were overpriced. Just because an item is kept under a glass counter does not mean it is the real thing. Take a magnifing glass along with you, if necessary, to check labels and see if there are any imperfections or crack repairs. Unless you are an expert on jewelry appraisal, or just simply love the piece, do not pay too much for what may look like diamonds or gemstones - most likely they are not.

Clothing should always be brand-name label, well made and roomy enough to fit properly. Make sure the pants have zippers that work, that shirts have all the buttons, that seams and cuffs are held together and that the item is not (heaven forbid) dry-clean only. Keep the clothing away from you (it may be unclean and literally a health risk), put it in a basket, tie your shopping bags closed tight at purchase and wash/bleach the items immediately upon return to your home. The same is true of shoes, any kind of bedding, and in particular toys of any kind. Here is just a short list of the diseases you can get from not cleaning something properly: fleas, lice, scabbies, influenza and other communicable diseases, dust mites, silverfish, ticks and ringworm.

The worst offenders are furniture. You will gain the greatest value from paying practically nothing for that sofa set, mahogany bookshelf, or antique desk, but realize that the previous owners may have been lousy housekeepers, have died from some awful disease, stored these items in attics or barns for a long time, or worst of all, were college party frats. Considering the lifestyle of some people today such as drugs and alcohol abuse, you need to be extra cautious about what you are buying. Check the upholstery over thoroughly and clean figurously when you get the item home - outside your home preferably. I have found that simple products such as paint or Old English Furniture Polish can turn a dryed-out coffee table looking like new. If the item has a provinance (identifying tag attached, gift card, price tag, place of origin) save it with the piece.

Remember, if you are someone who donates regularly to these charities, have a heart and clean up the item before donation and make sure it is useable, wearable, has all the wheels, parts, game pieces, batteries and/or adaptor included. Often times the workers at these charitable thrifts are unskilled, minimum wage or disabled which means they may not have the wherewithall (like sight) to do the job as well as you could before bringing the item in. The delivery or pick-up truck, if there is one, should always be given clear directions at the store along with your phone number and do offer to tip the drivers or at least make an extra donation at the place of business for the charity's food bank, rehab center, homeless shelter or the like. You can feel better knowing all the proceeds go directly to the charity, but at least get a treasure and not trash for your benevolence.