Springtime Thrifting: 5 Ways to Shop Smart

Take advantage of spring cleaning season and make buying secondhand your next hobby

By Sheri Legeret

Hello, Franklies! It’s Frank’s Cousin, Sheri. If you are unfamiliar with me, I am an occasional guest on the show. I have really enjoyed visiting the studio for some of the family-related shows over the years, but what I REALLY love is when I get to sit in the co-pilot’s chair and chat about topics that relate to some of the things that I find in my “line of work.” I guess you could call me a “vintage entrepreneur,” meaning that I buy and sell previously owned goods by whatever means necessary.

I am always coming across items that I know the Quite Frankly listeners would love. Sometimes it’s old books about electroculture, hidden history, religion or the conscience. Sometimes I find antiques or nostalgic items related to some of the cultural topics Frank covers. Many of my findings hang on the walls of the Quite Frankly studio today. I’ve had the opportunity to become friends with many Franklies over the years, and quite a few of you have enquired about how to find some of these treasures for yourself. So here goes nothing: It’s my official guide to springtime thrifting!

Ah, Spring, with its blooming flowers and longer days, is a season synonymous with renewal and fresh beginnings. It’s a time when people declutter their homes, organize and seek new ways to refresh their lives. Thrifting—the act of purchasing secondhand items—perfectly complements the spirit of spring. It offers an eco-friendly, budget-conscious, and creative way to shop. In times of economic uncertainty, buying more stuff is irresponsible; you can minimize the damage by secondhand shopping! Also, buying secondhand is recycling - and giving any item a second life is a good thing - ask Woody from Toy Story or Puff the Magic Dragon.

The Art of Thrifting: Different Ways to Shop Secondhand

Thrifting encompasses a variety of methods, each offering distinct experiences and opportunities to uncover hidden gems. Everyone wants to find a gold ring amongst a pile of cheap junk jewelry. Finding undiscovered treasure is harder and harder to do these days and I promise that I will cover that aspect of thrifting in a future article. Let’s begin with the basics:

1. Thrift Stores and Charity Shops
   Traditional thrift stores, such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local charity shops, are the cornerstone of thrifting. These physical stores are treasure troves filled with clothing, housewares, books, and furniture, often donated by community members. In spring, thrift stores are particularly vibrant, as people donate items during their seasonal cleanouts. Shoppers can browse racks and shelves, enjoying the tactile experience of discovering unique pieces. On a recent trip to Goodwill, I found a $50 bill in a coat pocket and my girlfriend found $100 in the pages of a book. Good stuff. The downside: Many of these companies are not as philanthropic as they claim to be.

2. Consignment Stores
   Consignment shops offer a curated thrifting experience, focusing on higher-quality or designer items. Unlike thrift stores, consignment shops work with sellers who consign their gently-used goods, splitting the profits. These stores are ideal for finding upscale clothing, accessories, or furniture at a fraction of retail prices. The downside: If there are treasures to be found, you’ll pay the highest price.

3. Flea Markets and Vintage Markets
   Spring is prime flea market season, with outdoor markets popping up everywhere (check Facebook for local locations). These markets blend thrifting with atmosphere, offering everything from vintage clothing to antique furniture. Shoppers can haggle for deals, connect with vendors, and enjoy the open-air experience. The downside: I hate the whole idea of the “game of haggling”, but I strongly suggest it because most vendors build it into their asking prices.

4. Yard Sales and Estate Sales
   Spring brings a surge in yard sales and estate sales, where individuals sell items directly from their homes. Yard sales are casual, often featuring a mix of clothing, toys, and household goods at low prices. Estate sales, typically held after a homeowner relocates or passes away, offer entire households’ worth of items, including furniture and collectibles. These sales are ideal for thrifters seeking unique or high-value pieces and embody the springtime ethos of clearing out the old to make way for the new. It remains one of the best ways to find the needle in the haystack. Finding a senior that wants to clear out all of their adult children’s toys, games and collectibles for a buck a piece is like a gift from above. The Downside: It took me a long time to feel comfortable going to yard sales. I hated the whole concept of looking at someone’s belongings and trying to lowball them on price.

5. Online Thrifting Platforms
   The digital age has revolutionized thrifting, with platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, and ThredUp making secondhand shopping accessible from anywhere. The online marketplace deserves an article of its own. Online thrifting is particularly useful for finding specific items without the need to visit multiple stores. Social media ‘storefronts,’ like Facebook Marketplace or Instagram vintage shops, also provide opportunities to connect directly with sellers. The downside: You might save money, but most of these platforms will have you paying the highest “secondhand price” for the item you want.

6. The Online Auction

   Online Auctions are what I specialize in and how I sell most of my merchandise. I started with buying lots of things via this method. Right now, wherever you are located (in the USA), there are dozens of local online auctions that are ending tonight! Bid against others for just about any kind of item. I purchased a Honda Civic for $100, a leather couch set for $70, a Sextant that I’ll never use for $10 and a wall-size section of antique post office boxes for $200. Great stuff. The downside: Make sure you check measurements in the item description. I have had quite a few surprises when picking up items. I once bought a picture for my kitchen, not realizing it was the size of the entire wall. Here are some links to my favorite auction sites:  Auction Ninja, Blackrock Galleries (higher-end) and Max Sold (lower-end). 

Yes, I bought a wall full of these. Bet you don’t have one!

The Benefits of Thrifting

I shop secondhand because I am obsessed with high quality stuff that is out of my price range. It has given me the opportunity to own items I simply couldn’t afford to buy any other way. I love good craftsmanship. That’s just me. Here are some other reasons to thrift if you are not yet convinced.

1. Environmental Sustainability
   Thrifting is a powerful way to reduce waste and combat the environmental impact of fast fashion and overconsumption. The fashion industry is a major contributor to pollution, with millions of tons of clothing ending up in landfills annually — also cheaper, newer clothes fall apart faster and just don’t look the same after a couple washes. 

2. Cost Savings
   Thrifting is budget-friendly, allowing shoppers to acquire high-quality items at a fraction of their original cost. 

3. Unique and Authentic Finds
   Thrifting is a treasure hunt, offering access to one-of-a-kind items that can’t be found in mainstream stores. From vintage band tees to retro uranium glassware, secondhand shopping allows individuals to express their personal style and create distinctive spaces.

4. Supporting Local Communities
   Many (but not all) thrift stores and charity shops are tied to nonprofit organizations that fund community programs, such as homeless shelters or youth initiatives. Similarly, flea markets and yard sales keep money within the community, strengthening neighborhood ties. 

5. Encouraging Mindful Consumption
   Thrifting promotes a mindful approach to consumption, encouraging shoppers to consider the value and longevity of their purchases. Unlike fast fashion, which prioritizes trends over durability, thrifted items often have a story and a sense of permanence.

Thrifting is more than just a way to shop—it’s a lifestyle that embodies the renewal and resourcefulness of spring. Through thrift stores, consignment shops, flea markets, online platforms, yard sales, and auctions, you can access a world of unique, affordable goods. As spring invites us to clean up and refresh our lives, thrifting offers a meaningful way to do so, blending practicality, individuality, and a little flare! So this spring, embrace the thrill of the hunt, uncover treasures with stories to tell, and let thrifting be your guide to a season of renewal.