Thrifting for Travel Gear: How to Save Money by Shopping Secondhand (2024)

FAQs

How does shopping second hand save money? ›

One of the most obvious and well-known benefits of buying secondhand is the cost savings. You can often find secondhand goods up to 50% cheaper than you could if you were buying new. When you consider that Americans spend over a trillion dollars annually on nonessential goods, those savings can add up.

Thrift store shoppers save an average of nearly $150 per month, amounting to approximately $1,760 annually. These savings can add up substantially over time, allowing you to allocate your funds for other essential expenses or savings goals.

Thrifting promotes sustainability by diverting clothing from landfills for reuse. You can participate in thrifting by donating unwanted clothing and purchasing used clothing instead of buying new.

1. Save Money. The clothes that you acquire at a thrift store are much cheaper than when they're brand-new with tags. Some items in the thrift store may even have tags on them, signifying that they've never been worn.

Generally , it is recommended to ask for 30 - 50 % of the original retail price for gently used items in good condition . For items that are in excellent condition or are in high demand , you may be able to ask for a higher percentage , up to 80 % of the original retail price .

While there's no “perfect” day to shop second hand stores, many regulars swear by shopping early on Monday and Tuesday. Homeowners tend to drop off garage sale leftovers on Sunday nights, making for new finds. Plus, the weekends are more crowded shopping days, so employees look to restock early in the week.

Thrifting promotes the reuse of these pieces, keeping more of these materials out of landfills for a longer period of time. In addition to reducing the amount of waste we create from manufacturing clothing, thrifting also decreases the amount of energy we use to make these clothing items.

“Firstly, the cost of operations — including rent, utilities and wages — has increased over time. Secondly, the quality and brand of donated items can also influence pricing. High-end brands or items in excellent condition may be priced higher.

First and foremost, thrifting is a sustainable choice in a world that's becoming more and more aware of the contribution of the fashion industry to climate concerns. But it's not just about saving the planet; it's also about scoring unique and high-quality items.

Thrift store prices are low, but that doesn't mean they can't go lower. If you think something is priced too high for what is, ask if they're willing to take less for it. Just be polite in doing so and don't be discouraged if they're not open to bargaining.

How much money do people save by thrifting? ›

I am saving so much and him growing out of the clothes so fast, every outfit he wears an item is thrifted," said DiMeo. According to Coupon Follow, thrift store shoppers save nearly $1,800 each year by shopping secondhand. 62% of Gen-Z and millennials prefer shopping secondhand over buying new.

Secondhand shopping is a way to reduce the waste in the landfills. These are eco-friendly ways to recycle clothes and benefit the environment. Secondhand clothing stores are also a way to support your community. Most thrift stores are non-profit and creates jobs for people to have.

From online sellers to physical thrift stores, the industry provides employment for people at various levels. Savings for Consumers: The second-hand market allows consumers to access products at a fraction of their original prices.