Don't sleep on Facebook Marketplace
Lori Bohner is a freelance production designer and art director based in Chicago. He works primarily on national commercials, including this one featuring Chicago Bulls player Zach LaVine. For this ad, "we needed a freestanding full-length mirror with an 'old English' look," he said. "We didn't have time to build or order one, but I found exactly what we needed on Facebook Marketplace. No wonder I'm still a big fan of this site.
Be a lone wolf.
Like Alderton, she prefers to work alone. "I buy for a living and I act pretty quickly."
Maintain laser focus.
"Don't get distracted. I'm usually looking for a specific item. So when I go into a store, I remember what I was looking for. I stand in one spot and scan from left to right as if I were reading a book.
Wait for the good things.
"Be patient and wait until you fall so deeply in love with something that you feel like you can't live without it. Otherwise, you'll find something in your house that you wish you hadn't bought. If your gut tells you to succeed, listen to it.
Calculate the time correctly.
While Alderton emphasized the value of coming to an estate sale as it comes to an end, Bohner said things work differently in a thrift store. "The pressure to find something good is too much when the lights go out. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to shop."
Negotiate well.
Like Schroeder, Bohner is a fan of the fine art of talking nonsense, but she follows this guideline: "Especially when you're on Facebook Marketplace, don't ask for a discount before you see the item, because that's the seller. They will likely see you as someone who is not serious about purchasing and may move on to the next inquiry. Wondering how much discount you can apply for? "Wait until you see the seller in person and then ask for about 20 percent less than asking," he suggests. "If it's a $100 table, ask them if they take $80 and not $20."
Turn trash into treasure
Reyne Hirsch is a 20th century decorative art dealer and collector who appeared on PBS's Antiques Roadshow for 13 seasons. One day he found a set of lithographs at a thrift store in Arkansas, bought them for $80, and eventually sold what turned out to be the real Picasso for $18,000. So, yes, his "seek and find" ambition is top notch, but his attitude is still down to earth. "I rummage through the trash at an auction or in a store," is how he described his thrifty style. "I found some amazing things in a box."
Geography is important.
"Over the years, I've learned that some cities are more suited to used finds. Long-established places with big stores and lots of wealthy citizens tend to be more of a "destination-rich environment" than, say, Texas, where I live. That's not to say things don't pop up here, because they do, but we don't often see the great finds on the East Coast.
Mark your calendar.
"If you visit certain thrift stores regularly, ask the manager what day new merchandise is released. Stores typically have a schedule for sorting, cleaning, pricing and stocking. This is important because if they have supplies on Tuesday and you still come on Saturday, all the good stuff will be gone before you get there.
Measure twice (or more).
"You should always have a tape measure with you. If you're looking for an item that will fit in a specific space, measure it before you go. And then measure all the items you want to buy.
Bring a black light.
"Buy a small portable black light and take it with you every time you go shopping. You can use it to determine whether a work of art has been repainted, for example whether the signature "Monet" was added last week instead of last century. Black light can also be used to detect repairs on furniture and ceramics.
Be skeptical.
"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you see something described as a Tiffany lamp selling for $500, run away and don't go far from that store. There are many fakes aimed at deceiving someone who has watched an episode of Antiques Roadshow . So don't spend a lot of money just for a hope.
More ways to save
It turns out you can increase your savings even further, says savings expert Andrea Woroch : "Some thrift and consignment stores will purchase items from you. Receive cash or store credit for new in-store or on-site purchases, some of which may have a higher value. And to save even more, consider coupons. "Check out sites like CouponCabin.com where you can find deals like 25% off + free shipping at Thredup.com , $25 off + 2.5% cash back at TheRealReal.com , and 3.6% cash back at Chairish with delivery "says he said. proverb.
Online resources
Another person who is serious about thrifting is Margaret Wilds , vice president of the Vintage Fashion Guild . "Just looking at a row of clothes from a thrift store with all its variety is much more exciting than looking at a dreary row of new clothes," she said. Her advice for beginners: "I can only warmly recommend the tips you will find on our website. You can also use the label resource while shopping to get a sense of a brand's era and fame, and when you get home there's a lot more to see, like the resource on fabrics and their care and cleaning . Guide. There are active public forums where you can ask questions and VFG members can help you.
He concluded by saying, "Don't buy something because you like it and because it's a good deal." Buy it because it makes your heart sing and ask yourself if you would regret leaving it behind.
Originally published on HuffPost .
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