With lockdown restrictions easing across the country, charity shops are reopening. These shops -known for selling donated or second-hand goods to raise funds for charities- are a great place to find some bargains.
There are multiple perks to paying a visit to a charity shop. You can find unspotted gems you won’t find anywhere else at reduced prices, you are avoiding the fast fashion trend that is causing so much environmental impact and you can purchase items knowing you are contributing to a fair cause that might change people’s lives.
Savoo has conducted a study to determine where are the highest rated charity shops across the nation and which tips we can follow when it comes to bargain hunting and charity shopping.
Top tips for charity shopping success
Tip 1: Plan ahead
It’s useful to have an idea of what you are trying to find on your charity shopping journey. If you want to buy a specific item, it could be worth going to a specialised charity shop instead of a generic one. It will save you some time and you’ll have more chances of finding what you’re looking for.
If you are up for buying clothes and accessories, keep in mind if that vintage item you fancy will match with the rest of your wardrobe.
Tip 2: Do a little research
Before going to a charity shop it’s useful to do some research online to find out the initial price of the item you want to buy. Thanks to websites like Amazon and eBay you have access to this information at your fingertips, which will help you to realise if the price is reasonable once you are at the charity shop.
Bonus tip: Since most items are second-hand donations, the price should be lower than in the regular market. If this is not the case, based on your research, you can try to persuade the seller to offer you a new price.
Tip 3: Spend time researching the area you are shopping in
It’s a common practice in bargain hunting to go to charity shops located in affluent or central zones as there are more chances to find luxurious items or clothes that may have been donated by the residents in those areas. It’s also true that charity shops might be more expensive in these areas. If you decide to go to less fancy neighbourhoods, you might be able to find a mix of pieces with different quality and origins, and probably at a cheaper price.
Tip 4: Time of the day is really important for finding the right bargain
Weekday mornings tend to be less packed when it comes to bargain hunting in charity shops. The amount of customers is reduced compared to the weekends, and as a consequence, there are better chances of finding good-quality items. Also, if you go on a regular basis, you will probably find items that have just arrived.
Going in the late afternoon, however, also has its perks, since many sellers tend to lower their prices in order to get rid of stuff before closing time.
It’s a good idea to become friends with members of the staff as they might be able to get to know your tastes and save some pieces for you in advance.
Tip 5: Keep an open mind to find the best deal
It’s true that preparation and focus are important, but also, it’s key to allow yourself to get surprised by things you weren’t expecting to find. Charity shops are a great way to obtain timeless pieces that are difficult to find in high street stores. You can get vintage clothes at a fair price that you can reuse or repurpose in multiple ways, according to your imagination.
It’s important to examine carefully the quality of the items. Check the fabrics and look for possible stains or smells before getting any unpleasant surprises.
If this is your first time at a charity shop, also keep in mind that these are not always the most luxurious venues. You can find interesting stuff that is not classified in the right area or that may not be presented in the best way. If it’s a clothing item try to imagine how it would look on you after washing it and ironing it.
Tip 6: Be patient
Don’t go to a charity shop if you are in a rush. Since there is not always a clear layout, it might take a little while to find that particular piece you are searching for. Most charity shops organise their items by colour or size, which can be challenging depending on the item you are looking for.
Tip 7: Look for clothing items with cut tags
When you are at a charity shop, pay attention to those items whose tags have been cut.
Some high street fashion companies donate stock they haven’t sold during the season. In most cases they agree that the item will be sold with the condition that the tag is removed to prevent undesired returns.
It’s good to keep this in mind as you might be able to find a new designer piece with cut-off labels at a bargain price.
Tip 8: Follow local charity shops on social media for updates
Many charity shops have websites or social media channels. Following them is a good way to get constant updates about next sales or the arrival of new stock.
With all the explosion of ecommerce, particularly over the last 12 months, you can now buy from charity shops from the comfort of your home. Keep in mind, though, that deliveries have an added cost.
Tip 9: Volunteer at a charity shop
This will be beneficial for you in a variety of ways!
Two key benefits are:
- You will be contributing to a good cause giving some of your time to help raise funds for charities.
- At the same time you will have more exposure to the new arrived items and you might be able to choose those you like. Some charity shops offer special coupons to staff with 10% or 20% discounts.
Tip 10: Donate
Get rid of clothes and other items that you don’t use by donating them to your local charity shop. Not only will you be helping a good cause, you’ll also be making space in your home for new items that you might come across. Try to donate good-quality items, the kind you would like to buy when you are at a charity shop.
Ed Fleming, Managing Director at Savoo comments,
“At Savoo, we predict that charity shops will continue to have a deep impact on retail consumption across the UK – especially after the challenges of the last year. It’s a wonderful way to find interesting items at cheaper prices, save money and help causes we deeply care about.
Our desire is that the quantity and the quality of charity shops across the country will increase and that customers will become more aware of the options they have and how to buy in a smarter and more sustainable way”.
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