I have compile a list for you to read today on what not to buy at thrift stores. Now don’t get me wrong…… I love thrift store shopping! Not only is a better for your pocketbook but it’s fun and very interesting at times. We got a great deal recently at our local thrift store and we scored a beautiful and near new prom dress for my oldest daughter Alicia for only $20!
What NOT to Buy at Thrift Stores
Baby Cribs– At a local chain like Walmart, when a crib is recalled they are pulled from the shelf and sent back from the manufacturer. This cannot be regulated at a thrift shop, as a matter of fact around where I live some thrift shops are no longer accepting this item. When it comes to your new born baby why do you want to even think about saving a couple bucks. If your having problems affording one ask for help. Take up a collection at your local church, among your friends or family or at work to see if anyone can help. Even small amounts add up and I promise your child is worth every penny!
Metal Cookware– Unless you want to eat Teflon or metal for supper or in your glorious cake you just made you might want to shy away from used pans and cookware. Especially when they show major ware and tear on the item. It’s better to stop by your local dollar store and by something cheap than to get an item that is good quality but showing signs of deterioration.
Make-up– All make-up and lotions have an expiration date. Whether they are open or not they will all go sour and expire. If it is used you will be using something that is filled with germs from a previous owner and you could end up making yourself sick from it.
Rain Gear, Rubber boots or work boots– Rain gear and rubber boots is only good if it keeps the water off of you. Over time the water-proofing may fade or quit working at all. Waterproofing can also be washed out of an object if proper care is not taken when cleaning it up.
Helmets– It’s always better to buy knew when it comes to the safety of you family. Upon impact a helmet will lose some if not all of it’s ability to protect you head. When it comes to safety it is always better to be safe than sorry. Anytime a helmet that you own receives a hefty blow you DO need to replace the item.
Undergarments– It is perfectly legal to sell undergarments but let’s think about it…..it’s gross! I think this is actually more of a personal preference of mine than an actual fact. You won’t get sick from the underwear and the only way you could be hurt by it is if you didn’t wash the item before you wore it. <<input wash anything that you by at a thrift store before you wear it<< Anyway, as long as you wash it first you are fine but yuck…. I’m gonna pass.
Mattresses & Bed Frames– Can anyone say bed bugs???!!!! Bed Bugs are microscopic so if you are looking to buy a used mattress and think you are going to check it for bed bugs you can’t! Hard to think about?? Well let me tell you it’s a lot harder to get rid of them then it ever will be just thinking about it. This is definitely a pass on item.
Car Seats– There are way to many recalls on these items and if the seat was ever involved in a car accident it may not work as well as it should or worse yet…not work at all. I wouldn’t even chance this one.
What are some or your favorite things to buy at a thrift shop??
This is a great list. I haven’t purchased anything other than clothing at a thrift shop, but now I know what not to buy if I decide to expand my horizons in the future 🙂
It’s been a while since I’ve shopped at a thrift store. I do love buying clothes for my son at consignment shops, though. It saves so much money! (Now, to do it more frequently…)
ew yes. I thought all of this was common sense, but I have seen some people TRY to buy a mattress or a crib and I’m totally cringing.
I love Thrift Stores. Such great bargains at a great price.
Eww, good point on what not to buy at a thrift store! We stick to clothes, and those get washed before anyone wears anything!
thanks,Mitch
I’ve found tons of tshirts for my son to wear to work. But my daughter has an eye for this stuff. She’ll find designer things in there!
You pretty much said everything I would. I would probably hesitate to get any baby gear because of recalls!
I think it’s gross to wear any used footwear!! People all mold their footwear to the shape of their feet. Chances are they sweat in the shoes and reeked them up. Foot fungus, athletes foot..yuck!!
I didn’t even know thrift stores actually sold under garments. That’s kind of gross. Thanks for sharing the tips. I didn’t even think about rain boots over time not having a great seal. That makes total sense but I just didn’t think of it.
It always sort of weirds me out to see underwear and socks at a thrift store. The Dollar Store has that sort of thing if necessary! I do love looking for clothes at a thrift store, though!
I have purchased in a while from a thrift shop but I am tempted to check them out. Great tips!!
Wow! I can’t imagine purchasing baby items or under garments from a thrift store! I definitely love to browse for fun and unique things though.
I always cringe when I see underthings at a thrift store or garage sale. It’s one thing if the tags are still attached, if not…eww.
I’m not a fan of thrift stores. I’m more of a minimalist and don’t like a lot of stuff from there. Finding something at a thrift store is like a treasure hunt!
Those are good tips. My rule is simple…if it involves safety or goes in your body you buy it new…the potential savings are not worth the risk.
I can’t believe thrift stores even accept some of the things I’ve seen on their shelves. Helmets?! Really?! Hahah That is ridiculous.
I follow most of these rules, but never thought about rubber boots. Now I want to go thrifting! LOL
yes, yes, yes. I nodded all the way through this. Honestly, I shop sales and clearance more than thrift stores, because you can get really good deals in the discount stores that are popping up everywhere. Thrift stores are still great for many items, though, so I totally understand the draw to them. This is a fantastic list for thrifting, online auctions and yard sales.
I am totally grossed out when I see people buying stuffed animals at a thrift store! My rule of thumb is- if you can’t bleach it, don’t buy it!
This is a thoughtful list. We’re just about to donate our car seats though, and now I’m wondering if we should or not. Thinking…
It seriously amazes me that thrift stores actually have an area for undergarments and that people actually consider buying them! I know saving money is fantastic but sometimes you just need to splurge on new underwear and bras!
I love buying jewelry. Since I base my business around buying, selling, and upcycling it, I have quite the accumulation. Lol
I haven’t shopped in a thrift shop in about 30+ years. I agree with many of your points. One exception is bedframe, most are hard and wouldn’t keep bedbugs, which live in materials.
I am a sucker for children’s books and vintage toys! Oooh and unique pieces of art / picture frames. Great list of what not to buy!
I usually just go for the clothing, but this is a great list of what not to buy. While I understand some people want to get a deal on things like cribs and car seats, like you said, with all the recalls, thrift stores aren’t on top of removing those items from the floor before they get sold. Safety first!
I love to buy housewares. I also try to buy things I can repurpose!
I agree with everything but the cookware. I’ve purchased some great quality, lightly used cookware at thrift stops. You can’t beat the prices on their cast iron ware either.
except for cast iron! if you can snag cast iron cheap get it!
I’ve bought a few things at the thrift shop but never anything on your list! Phew!
I’m surprised people even donate these items! Like undergarments! Ewww…
Goodness! I can’t imagine buying second hand undergarments! This is a great list.
I definitely get the heebie jeebies when I see underwear for sale that is used. That is just so gross.
Great list! I would add DVDs, most of the ones we have purchased even cheap are not in good shape and don’t last long. My favorite things to buy are kids clothes!
It’s going to sound weird, but halloween costumes.I can find great deals on that perfect accessory!
Great tips. I love thrift shopping and have found some great things.
Great information and I agree with you on all of this! Buying used cribs is actually pretty dangerous to your baby and the rest might not be fatal but could get you a medical condition besides the product you bought!