Thrift stores
From Steal This Wiki
Contents |
[edit] Thrift Shopping, Stealing, and employment
[edit] Shopping the dump
The most effective way to browse thrift stores is by size, as the quality and brand of the clothing will not matter if you need to invest in a tailor. Be careful! Most thrift stores do not have a refund policy, and may not even return the item for store credit if their flimsy price tag is missing Check zippers, stitches, and for any stains. Disregard any odd smells, but be wary of stains.
On the other hand, if you need an expensive suit or dress the thrift store is also your friend! Many people are willing to donate the expensive clothing of last years trend, or from their parents dead bodies! No one knows which, not even the employees! Anyways, go to the thrift store looking for them in your size or larger. They will probably be asking a lot for these items. Next, bring the suit to a tailor and voila in one week and likely for under $200 you have yourself a $1000+ fancy piece of wear for all those CEO interviews and ironic Olde English parties of your future
[edit] Trading up
You can also effectively swap clothing at thrift stores if you need a quick change in to something slightly cleaner or in better shape than what you are wearing. This is useful for last minute apartment viewings, interviews, or police interrogations. As long as your clothing is not distinct in its wear or color you should be able to find something that looks vaguely similar. Even a distinct swap will often go unnoticed. Simply pick out a few items of various colors, including one that somewhat matches yours, swap for the item in the change room and deposit your worn clothes in the store's donation bin.
[edit] Employment Pros and Cons
If you're moving to a new city a good first job can be at one of the warehouse thrift shops. They don't insist on checking your references since they have no capital to lose employing you, and you can often get huge deals on all you can fit in your buddies car/backpack/arms sales on all their free clothing and furniture. This way you can make something towards rent, although your ARE being degraded sorting through peoples garbage for minimum wage.
Dont feel bad ripping off these charities, as most of the profit from the clothes goes to the upper management. These companies exist on false promises and minimum wage employees, sort of like wal mart!
