I’m a bargain hunter—a deal finder. I sniff them out like a bloodhound on the trail or one of those truffle-hunting pigs rooting through the dirt for hidden treasures. There’s something so satisfying about uncovering a gem at a fraction of its original price, and my favorite places to do that are consignment shops, Goodwill, and estate sales.
At the risk of giving away all my secrets, here are my favorite tips and tricks for finding great deals and some of the best places to look for them.
Tips and Tricks for Bargain Hunting
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Dig
Some of the best deals are hidden under a pile of less impressive finds. Whether it’s flipping through racks at a consignment store or rummaging through a bin at Goodwill, patience pays off. Take your time, and don’t overlook spots that seem picked over—you never know what someone else missed.
2. New or Like-New Items Are More Common Than You Think
It’s surprising how often brand-new or barely used items can be found at secondhand shops and estate sales. Clothes with tags still attached, barely worn shoes, or kitchen gadgets that were gifted but never opened are frequent finds. Always check for quality and condition before buying, but don’t assume secondhand means second-rate.
3. Timing Is Everything
Knowing when to shop can make all the difference. Consignment shops often have end-of-season sales to clear inventory. Goodwill has weekly color-tag discounts that rotate, and estate sales often drop prices dramatically on the final day. Early birds might snag the best items, but late shoppers often get the best deals.
4. Know Your Brands and Values
It helps to have a good sense of what’s worth grabbing. If you’re shopping for clothes, know which brands hold their value. For home goods, quickly search on your phone to check retail prices. Being informed helps you recognize when something is truly a steal.
5. Be Friendly and Ask Questions
Building a good rapport with staff at consignment shops or the organizers of an estate sale can give you an edge. They might tip you off about upcoming sales, let you know when new inventory arrives, or even cut you a deal on the spot. Don’t be shy—it never hurts to ask.
6. Have a Plan, but Be Open-Minded
Go in with an idea of what you’re looking for, but stay flexible. You might discover something you didn’t know you needed, like a perfectly distressed leather jacket or a set of vintage Pyrex dishes. The joy of bargain hunting is in the surprises.
Places to Score Great Deals
Consignment Shops
These stores are curated goldmines for secondhand finds. Items are typically of higher quality than traditional thrift shops, and you can often find designer brands or unique pieces. Look for stores specializing in categories you love, like fashion, furniture, or kids’ items.
Some amazing consignment stores in Fairfield County include Pemberley Designer Consignments in Monroe, Olive My Stuff and Around the Rosy in Fairfield, and Cloud 9 Consignments in Westport.
Remember online consignment shops like ThredUp, Poshmark, and The RealReal. These platforms allow you to shop from the comfort of your home and offer a wide range of secondhand items, including high-end designer pieces, at significant discounts.
Psst…since my kids were babies, almost all of their clothes have been bought on consignment.
Goodwill and Thrift Stores
Thrift shops like Goodwill are treasure troves of affordable finds. From clothes to books to home décor, you never know what you might stumble upon. Check out stores in more affluent neighborhoods for higher-end items.
Estate Sales
Estate sales are perfect for finding vintage treasures, furniture, and collectibles. My favorite is online estate sales, such as Black Rock Galleries, AuctionNinja, and Modern Day Bids. I can hunt in the comfort of my home, and some offer shipping to you or a local warehouse. In all honesty, 90% of the furniture in my house has come from an estate sale. This way, when the kids inevitably ruin it (as they tend to do), I’m less upset knowing it only costs a fraction of what it would have at a retailer—yet it’s still a high-quality, stylish item.
Online Marketplaces
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and buy/sell/trade groups on social media can be excellent resources for bargain hunting, especially for niche items. For example, many of my daughter’s dance clothes were bought from a dance group on social media. You need to search regularly and be ready to act fast when a good deal pops up.