1. Plan your itinerary…especially if you’re shopping on a Saturday when most op shop volunteers like to have an early mark. Start with the ones that close first and go from there. Click here to find the op shops around you.
2. Have a vision of the look you want to create before hitting the opshops. It helps to flick a fashion mag before you go so you know what’s on trend and you stay on track! I keep an opshop wish list in the notes section of my phone!
3. Dress code…wear something easy to get changed in and out of to save on time. Avoid buttons at all costs! I usually wear a dress and slip on shoes for a ninja shopping experience.
4. Find a thrifty wingwoman to drag along…it’s not as fun with one.
5. Look at everything…leave no stone unturned! I often find opshop gold in the kids and men’s clothing racks and even some incredible vintage pieces in the plus size section, as sizes have changed a lot over the years.
6. Use your imagination…a lot of the garments just need a little TLC, a good clean and a few stitches here and there and they’re good to go again, so keep a look out for those rough diamonds. Or try a DIY project, like converting a men’s shirt into an off the shoulder top or dress…the sky is the limit!
7. Always have coffee beforehand…even if you don’t drink it…it’s the best legal drug and it’ll give you an adrenalin kick.
8. Follow your favourite opshops on Instagram so you can keep your finger on the pulse with their sales and special offers!
9.Cash is king…not all op shops have made it into the 21st century so remember to raid your piggy-bank.
10. Be nice to the ladies who volunteer…they do an incredible job and make it possible for us to get retail therapy without breaking the bank. Play your cards right and they might even give you a discount too!
What are your tricks of the trade? Share them with us in the comments below…
Haha love these!
Baby wipes are a must, because I find some things to be downright dusty!
I love op shop!❤
I live in the Sunshine Coast and the Red Cross op shops here are now offering a 25% off your 10th item if you get your donation card stamped whenever you go in to donate or buy anything over $10 I think!
That’s amazing! Thanks for letting me know Elsie xx
Your outfits are amazing….I volunteer at a op shop and I just love it, especially when I found two lovely Maxine dresse for $4 each.
Hannah, your outfits look amazing, you do find some great items at op shops, I volunteer at one, and I love it, oh man! It becomes addictive, believe me, I bought 2 lovely maxie dresses for $4 dollars each, and a few winter dresses , it’s also a much more relaxed atmosphere to shop in op shops, because you don’t experience pushy Sales Assistants like you do in some normal shops, these days it the only way to shop and get more for your money. XX
Aww thank you so much! Opshopping is SO addictive, it’s probably just as well I don’t volunteer at one…I’d take home half the shop!! Haha xx
Always buy my kids shoes at opshops – people giveaway near new ones cause kids grow so fast….last time I bought them for 30 cents!!! Had a $2 coin and said they could keep the change as a donation and they said they weren’t allowed to do that! Madness