Thrift Store Shopping: Dos and Don'ts for Beginners and Tips for More Advanced Shoppers

I wear your granddad's clothes
I look incredible

Those are lines from the rap song "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore and yes, you can look incredible in local thrift store finds — if you're patient, according to the website Coupon Shoebox.

Are you iffy on thrift store shopping? The site offers some dos and don'ts, as thrift stores and consignment shops are becoming more popular as consumers trying to stretch their cash farther. 

Here are the highlights of those dos and don'ts, but you'll need to click here for the details. 

• Check in regularly
• Focus on decor, furniture, books and home goods 
• Question those electronics and appliances 
• Avoid toys for kids 
• Consider the price

Not sure where to shop? Cumming Patch has you covered. Check out these thrift stores and consignment shops listed in the Patch Directory. You will find a list of Thrift stores such as these and many:

• Abba House Thrift Store
• Humane Society Thrift Store
• Family Haven Thrift Stores
• Kids Go Green
• The Place 2 Shop
• Helping Hands Partners

Don't see a thrift store or consignment shop in this list? E-mail liz.kennedy@patch.com to have it added to the directory. 

If you're already sold on thrift store shopping, the site offers some tips to help you shop better. Again, here are the highlights and you can click here for the expanded explanations. 

• Shop on stocking days
• Look for quality 
• Make a shopping list 
• Keep going back until you find what you want 
• Keep a lookout for sales 
• Shop weekdays 
• Inquire about store credit 
• Don't overdo it 
• Plan to shop for a while 
• Donate! 

Do you shop at local thrift stores? What's the best item you have found? What advice do you have for shoppers?