10 secrets to charity shop success

Steve Cain

27 February 2013

I get most of my clothes second hand, and a lot of these are from charity shops. I love the feeling of finding unusual items and supporting a good cause. Even better, research shows there's plenty of environmental benefits to buying from charity shops.

I have more than 50 suits and 27 jackets ranging from vintage to the latest designs, and have only ever bought three from new.

When my friends comment on my outfit, I always make a point of telling them where I bought it, as  part of my personal mission to spread the word charity shops are fun, fun, fun!

So after spending countless hours in charity shops, I thought it was time to share my top tips for success:

1. Check and check again

If you like the look of an item of clothing, double check the label on the garment rather than the hanger.  I found a Versace suit labelled up as the European size so was probably overlooked by many thinking it wasn't their size (it was £19-99 by the way, job done).

2. Easy alterations

If something is slightly too big, find someone who's good at alterations. Try your local dry cleaners, or check ads in shop window. For next to nothing you can have a made to measure outfit. If you're nifty with a sewing machine, even better.

3. Make it fun

Check where charity shops are - near home or work - and organise 'charity shop runs' with friends to see who can find the best buys for a £10. Find your local charity shops.

4. Picture frames

Old picture frames have so much more character than new shop bought ones, a wipe with vinegar and you get a great vintage item that enhances any treasure you wish to capture.

5. Bag a bargain

Serious about bargain hunting? Go shopping at lunchtime on a Monday. Most people donate at the weekend, so by Monday afternoon, donations start to appear in the shop.

6. Electrical goods

Got loads of videos still but the player no longer works? Before selling any electrical goods any registered seller has to test them and mark this has been done. I picked up a top of the range video player for £5 and videos can go for 10p each in some places.

7. Get to know the staff

Remember be nice to staff, they are mostly volunteers. You're more likely to get helpful tips and advice from staff if you're friendly.

8. Become a regular

You won't always find what you want, when you want it. The secret is to pop in regularly to drop off your donations, and browse. Plan ahead - think about outfits (weddings, parties, interviews etc) or gifts you might need later in the year. Set aside a drawer at home for things you buy that will be useful for birthdays, Christmas, Mothers Day etc.

9. Specialist stores

Some chains specialise - in books, bridalwear, electricals, furniture, vintage & retro. These tend to be really well organised. I bought my three piece suite, dining room cabinet, chest of drawers, and oak sideboard from a charity shop. This saved me a fortune, and I've now got fanastic solid wood furniture which will last a lifetime. Search for specialists stores here. 

10. Ask!

Looking for wellies in June? Need shorts in January? Ask if there's any 'out the back'. They might not be on display, especially if they're seasonal, but you might just get lucky...

My best buy - ever

If I had to choose what my favourite all time find was? A pair of almost new Crockett and Jones handmade shoes from the PDSA shop in Hitchin, Herts. The original selling price was probably over £300. I bought them for £8.

But I also have to give a mention to two special items I got for a combined price of a £10 - a Fat Melting Jiggle Machine, and a boxed Six Million dollar Man [below]. Whenever anyone new visits my flat, they're a guaranteed conversation starter.

Steve Cain, Supporter Information Team

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