5 Unspoken Thrift Store Rules You Might Be Breaking—and What to Do Instead

There's nothing like the thrill of finding treasure on thrift store shelves. If you're new to thrifting, you should know that it's different from shopping at a regular retail store and comes with some unspoken etiquette rules. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

To help you navigate the thrifting arena, we chatted with experts to find out exactly what the big no-nos to avoid are. "Treat thrifting like a treasure hunt, not a to-do list: go in with an open mind, follow your eye, and enjoy the surprises." says Kelly Handley, the founder and author of Ultimate Thrifting.

Before you venture out on your thrifting adventure, here are five things the pros want you to know, as well as their best tips for secondhand shopping.

1. Don't Automatically Expect a Discount

Not all thrift stores are alike, so Handley says negotiating prices depends on the type of store and the policies they have in place. "At independent vintage and consignment stores, it is more normal to negotiate a small discount or to bundle several items together for a better price," she explains. She adds that if you make an offer and it is accepted, you should be ready to pay immediately.

When it comes to chain thrift stores and non-profits, the prices are typically firm and haggling is a no-no. However, if the item is damaged or it's missing a piece, it's ok to ask about a price reduction. "If you believe an item is overpriced based on its condition and brand, it doesn’t hurt to politely ask for a discount," says Stacy Taylor, a marketing specialist at Goodwill Industries. Taylor shares that their staff process all donations, but an item's value can change over time.

The thrifting pros say the key is to respect the store policies, as every store has different rules for returns, refunds, and pricing.

2. Don’t Open Sealed Bags or Test Electronics without Permission

While the experts absolutely recommend that you inspect used items before purchasing them, they say you should never open sealed bags or test electronics without permission from store staff. "If something is sealed and in obviously new condition, you should not open it or test it before purchase," Handley says.

3. Don't Ask for Duplicates or Specific Products

"The cycle of secondhand shopping is not scheduled and seasonally supplied," Taylor says. Instead, it's made possible by generous donations. What Taylor says this means is that the treasures on the thrift store shelf are most likely the only ones the store has in stock. "While we would love to assist shoppers when they ask us to search in the back for a specific product, the nature of thrifting means many items are one of a kind," she says.

4. Don’t Hog Space or Take Items From Another Shopping Cart

Thrifting blunders aren't limited to demanding discounts or opening items without permission. The pros say how you interact with other shoppers matters, too. "Don’t block aisles, hog fitting rooms, or leave reject piles around the store," Handley says. Additionally, the expert says you should never take items from another cart, even if it seems abandoned. "If it’s in a cart, it’s off the market," she says.

5. Don't Be Impatient or Confrontational with Other Shoppers

Thrifting requires patience as you inspect items, research them on your phone, try them on, and make decisions. It's important to remember others in the store are going through the same process. "Our donors expect us to treat their goods with care and we take that seriously and we appreciate it when people show the same level of respect when searching through our stores," Taylor points out.

She says that gratitude extends to shoppers who are patient with those who may need more time to evaluate whether the item they found is "a unicorn or a catch-and-release". By avoiding impatience and confrontation, Taylor says everyone can enjoy the treasure hunt.

Best Tips for First-Time Thrifters

• For thrifting clothing, Handley recommends carefully checking seams, zippers, underarms, and care labels. Additionally, she says you should look out for odors, pilling, and any other elements that could affect the quality and condition of the clothing item.
• Thoroughly inspect all home goods by checking for visible damage, odors, missing pieces, and signs of pests. Taylor says you should feel free and empowered to carefully inspect items, especially since thrift store sales are often final.
• Taylor says you should always go into a thrift store without expectations. "You’ll leave both excited and with a treasure to take home," she says.
• After you have inspected an item, make sure to put it back on the same shelf you found it on or re-hang it neatly, leaving no trace.
• Common courtesy goes a long way. "Do greet staff and volunteers as you enter and leave the store," Handley says.