My favourite thing in the world is to go secondhand shopping. I especially love cheap crappy stores, cause when you find that special item for a super low price, the joy is ten times as big. It’s like going treasure hunting. These are the biggest kicks I get.

Over the years I have developed some tricks for getting the stuff I like at extra low prices, and I will share some of these with you.

The first thing you need to do is look at the garment closely. Stains and holes can be a problem, but I often find that it can be fixed quite easily. A stain can be covered with a flower pin if it won’t come off, and holes can be sewed without much damage. If this is the case; complain. Always make the seller aware of problems with the garment, no matter how little it is or how easy it can be fixed. Usually they give you a better price without making a big deal out of it.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to similar things in the store. Often the items are priced quite randomly, and the shoes you love can cost twice as much as similar shoes that you don’t like. If this is the case, there are two solutions: One is to complain about the price, and make them aware of what similar things cost. The other is to remove the price tag, and when the seller is wondering what price to set on it, point to the similar item and let them know what it costs.

Something else I have noticed is that different people give different prices. In stores where some or all items are without price tags, hang out for a while and pay attention to who gives the better prices. It can be that some people haven’t got a clue about designer items, or that they just are nicer people. When you have the different people under control, turn to the better seller to pay for you item. This can make a huge difference!

Some stores you go to again and again cause you love it so much or cause it’s close to your home. Use this. Chat a bit with the sellers, make sure they remember you from time to time. After a while it’s quite possible that they will give you good prices just cause they like you.

And last; remember that it’s always allowed to give it a shot. I seldom come across sellers that aren’t willing to give better prices, even if the garment is in perfect shape. Don’t be afraid of being cheap.