Jewels in the Rough

I bought 35 great books for less than the price of one! I never expected to find those jewels in a Habitat for Humanity Home Store. You just never know what can be found in a thrift or resale store. As an avid bargain shopper a good thrift store draws me like a magnet. If you are one of those people who turn up your nose to thrift store shopping, take heed. The books I purchased were all relative to my business. Had I purchased them new from the bookstore, they would have cost me a few hundred dollars. I bought them all for less than $11. The price listed on the back of just one of those books was $16.95. Knowledge is power and gaining power at this price is truly a great bargain!

All thrift and resale stores are not alike. Some are better than others; some are more organized and cleaner than others. A sure sign that you have found a good one is that it is a busy place and the good items go very quickly. Of the five close to me, I only frequent two. I have found some really great things in those two; not worn out, old, cruddy, used up things; but almost new things with designer labels, and sometimes still sporting original price tags. My thrift store jewels include designer clothes, high end bedding, light fixtures, household items, music CD's and great books. All were purchased at a fraction of what they would have cost in a regular store. It's great to get compliments on a skirt you bought for $2.99.

Let's face it folks, we all buy clothes we do not wear, things we end up not using or using very little, and we change sizes. We do not want to throw out the stuff we paid good money for, so we look for a good place to donate it. One thing to remember when shopping: a bargain is not a bargain at any price unless it is something you truly need and will use. Know what you like; know your style; know what you need and will use.

If a good thrift or resale store does not exist in your area, consider the business opportunity. In one area where I lived, a group of women got together and put on a time limited sale. They received items for consignment under specific criteria, temporarily rented an unused retail space, and hosted the sale to make extra money. The venture was so successful that they continue to host the time limited sale twice yearly, in the Spring and Fall. They are now in their 8th year.

One man's trash is another man's treasure. I pulled brand new, still in the package, never opened, never used patio blinds out of my neighbor's trash can. I waited until she was not looking of course. They are perfect for my back porch. And the 10 gallon fish tank I picked up a few years ago has hosted many a found creature for my two boys.

Don't be shy, take the plunge!

Sandy Davidson, The Debt Coach