How do I find a deal in a New York City thrift store?

NYC is loaded with thrift shops, and you can definitely track down some great deals... if you play your cards right.

One great thing about New York is that it is packed full of wealthy people with very little space, making for a steady stream of donated goods. Unfortunately, this also means that some of these items (used or not) can cost you a pretty penny. Adding to this dilemma is the fact that in NY thrift stores, unlike many shops in more rural areas, the sellers know what they've got on their hands. Goods are often displayed in a fairly organized way, and it is more difficult to find a valuable piece for dirt cheap. Don't let this keep you from sniffing out a bargain, though -- with dozens of shops spread across the city, you can certainly find your steal.

To get started, check out our list of NY thrift stores. And, as you're walking around, make note of any store that has the words "thrift," "resale," "vintage" or "consignment" in the name or posted on the window. Once you have an idea of where to go, try these deal-hunting tips:

STRATEGIZING

Evaluate the Neighborhood - Beware which ‘hood you are shopping in, and know what sort of deal you are looking for. For example, the fancy designer resale shops on the Upper East Side are very, very different from the Salvation Army in Hell's Kitchen, and prices can differ by hundreds of dollars.

Map your Shops - This one's for those hard-core thrifters: If you plan to spend a full day digging, make a game plan. You can maximize your time by knowing which stores are in the vicinity of a specific subway shop, exactly where they are, and in what order you'll visit them.

Know your Charities- The purpose of most thrift stores is not to collect used goods for the poor or sick, but rather to raise money for a particular charity. Goodwill, for example, uses profits to provide education, training and career services for the disadvantaged, and Housing Works thrift stores supply housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. Different charities attract different donations, which helps give NY thrift stores their incredible diversity.

Don't Carry A Purse- For safety reasons, it's best to leave your purse at home when you head to NYC's Canal Street. (You may find yourself toting a few of them on the way home, though!) If you just can't leave home without your handbag, keep it zipped up and snug under your arm.


Thrift Store in New York City

FINDING THE DEALS

Know Why You're There- Come armed with an open mind, but an idea of something you need, and how much you'd be willing to pay for it.

Be Logical- Can you use it? Right now? Be sure. A $12 kitchen table isn't a deal if you have nowhere to put it. (And if you live in NYC yourself, space is probably not your biggest commodity.)

Consider Alternative Uses- If something eclectic catches your eye, think about out-of-the-ordinary ways that you could work it into your décor. A suitcase or old door could be used as a coffee table, or a cool vase could be made into a lamp.

Know What it's Worth- If you see an item that you like, don't just stand there. Hold it, feel the lining, check out the seams, test the clasps and try the zippers. Also make sure that any labels are properly spelled and well attached. If you don't see anything you like, it's fine to say, "No thanks." Canal Street merchants are generally not offended if you don't make a purchase.

Look for Rummage Tables- Many NY thrift shops will have a table or two of, well, unorganized junk. You do have to rummage, but this is often a great place to find unusual items for cheap.

Play Detective- Make sure you thoroughly inspect the item that you are considering, especially furniture. You don't want to get home and find out that your new chair smells like a dog, or that the drawers on your dresser all have broken tracks. Even if you are fine with a few defects or enjoy making repairs, its best to know what you're getting before you pay.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Make Friends- If you plan to frequent a particular store, try to buddy up with the workers. Once they learn what sort of goods you go for, they may start holding items for you when new shipments come in.

Ask About Sales- Even in the more upscale NY thrift stores, you can often catch a break on sale items. Housing Works, for example, sometimes has blowout sales at their Long Island City warehouse (a 10 minute subway ride from Midtown). You can get incredible deals, like $20 all-you-can-stuff bags of clothing. Other shops sometimes have "sale tables" or "sale bins," where everything in a specific area is discounted drastically.

Stalk the New Arrivals- Most NY thrift stores receive shipment of new items on a regular schedule. Clearly, if you know when the goods roll in, you can get first pick.

Thrifting in New York City is always an adventure. Just keep your head and you're sure to trek home with a taxi full of goods to brag about.

- Erin Walters for allny.com

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