Look. We were young.

Mistakes were made.

My husband and I married young and promptly started Ph.D. programs. 

We’re both now safely working in spaces mostly unrelated to the degrees into which we poured seven years of our youth, thousands of dollars in opportunity cost, and hours of agony over the parsing of French verbs. 

But one of the great gifts of those seven years below the poverty line was that I mastered the art of consignment shopping.

Frugal then by necessity, today I remain frugal by choice. 

I am a consignment hawk. I furnish my home with dumpster dives, Buy Nothing, and Facebook marketplace. I feed my family with salvage groceries. I clothe my seven children in second-hand steals. 

And we look good doing it. 

Ready to join me? Here are the consignment secrets of a master. 

Rule #1: Early and often.

Consignment stores are seasonal and have a high inventory turnover. If you know you’re in the market for a winter ski jacket this year, start looking in the stores in early October. True, the best quality deals aren’t there for very long. Chances are also high that if you don’t find what you need on the first trip, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the second or third try. 

Rule #2: Set clear goals.

With that in mind, consignment stores are notoriously distracting. Before you go, list exactly what you’re looking for and what you’re willing (or able) to pay for it. Don’t let the displays deter you from your mission! 

Rule #3: Set high standards.

Remember that most clothes in the store are pre-owned. Check your items thoroughly. Try the zippers, check for missing buttons, assess fabric pilling, look for stains. The store may only accept clothing in “excellent condition,” but it’s still worth a look before you buy.

Rule #4: Know your brands.

Make a list of your favorite brands, both the best in quality and your style. Go for the highest quality fabrics, stitching, and craftsmanship when you need a piece that will last you for years. Looking for your favorite brands first can save a lot of time on the racks!

Rule #5: Try everything on.

Sizes vary widely from brand to brand (and year to year). Make sure you can “try before you buy,” and if you don’t love it, don’t buy it. Never buy an item that is a “little too small,” assuming you’ll lose weight. Remember, if you do change sizes and need to replace something… you already saved by buying second-hand!

BONUS Hack: Need something special? Drive to the deals.

I live in a decidedly middle-class neighborhood. We have a nice Goodwill and several other thrift stores nearby. But I also live about 25 miles from coastal Connecticut, with its multi-million dollar summer homes. By driving an extra 20 minutes, I can shop at a consignment store where some of New England’s wealthiest consign their high-quality seasonal wear and Gucci bags. For specific items or special occasions, the trip is worth the time. 

I could wax lyrical on the virtues of thrift, sustainability, and simplicity.

I could extol the almost wicked pleasure in knowing you’re wearing a $600 peacoat for which you paid $60. 

But now you can find out all that for yourself. Enjoy the consignment shopper lifestyle!

Join the conversation and inspire us: leave a comment sharing your best consignment steal ever!