OpShopping
By
Denise Honan
SMASHWORDS EDITION
PUBLISHED BY:
Denise Honan on Smashwords
Copyright 2011 by Denise Honan
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Opshopping
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure“ That old proverb is most relevant in today's world.
Increasing costs and a desire to preserve the planet by adopting sustainability practices are driving an Op Shop Renaissance. No longer the domain of cash strapped families, and struggling students, many shoppers use Op Shops to obtain all sorts of goods, including clothing, furniture and soft furnishings. " Chazzing ", a Pommie term for Op Shopping , is becoming increasingly popular , with hardened bargain hunters competing with cool young things , for consumer goods. Hard Rubbish Collections , of discarded items , left on nature strips , for Council pick-ups , are also a happy hunting ground for the scrounging set .!
Op Shop Tours are a popular option for the uninitiated, where you are taken to a locality, and set amongst a group of shops led by an experienced and fearless tour leader, who is dressed in well sourced Op Shop Treasures.
It’s a big job but someone has to do it. Let’s get out there.
How to be a successful Shopper in Opportunity or Charity Shops and Thrift Stores
A Common Sense Approach. Let’s start with basics and ask the most important question?
Are you shopping for a specific purpose? With a desired outcome in mind? Or are you just in it for the thrill of the chase?
Firstly, think about what you want to buy.
Is it a personal item of clothing that is to be worn to a specific function? Weddings, and formal occasions require a smart dress code. Look for Designer gear that has been dry-cleaned and is still fashionable and not dated. Genuine vintage and retro pieces are great, Sad, inappropriate, dated items that are ill fitting are not.
Home wears and ornaments. China crockery, glassware, cutlery, and linen can be bought for a fraction of normal retail prices. Much is new, is in original packaging. It can be unwanted or duplicated Wedding gifts or obsolete items uncovered when moving, downsizing or relocating.
Jewellery can be bought cheaply, if you know what you are buying, can ascertain that it is a genuine piece and know its market value. Furniture, measurements, colour and condition of piece, what it’s made from, does it have flaws, wood worm etc? Appliances, not recommended for purchase unless certified as in full working order by tradesman. Personally I believe it is a non negotiable area. I just don’t purchase second hand appliances. Ditto for underwear. I just don’t go there. Large department or chain stores , like Marks and Spencers, Wal-Mart or Big W, all sell underwear cheaply so, it’s a no brainer.
Personal entertainment.
Why do you need it? What purpose is it to serve? The cost of the item brand new?
Pick an area that has a high socio - economic demographic, as it makes sense they will source the best donations, from the affluent inhabitants of the area.
Research, Map Work out how to get there. Is public transport an option or is car parking readily available, not too far from Op Shops. When? Timing is everything. Try to arrive on a day when sorting has just been completed. Frequent visits can help you work out the shops routines or just apply some common sense. Weekend donations can appear on a Monday morning. A methodical approach will yield the best results.
Research
Is vital. Know your product. Its price new, its availability and functionality. Rough guide to price
Ideally Op Shop prices should be a maximum of 1/3 of new price. ¼ of new price is desirable but 1/3 is acceptable. Establish the retail price of article; compare this to the Op shop price. From this you will be able to decide if the intended purchase is good value. If not, pass on it, unless the item is hard to source, is new with tag or you just have to have it. Try to be objective and not get caught up in a buying frenzy.
List
Write a list of what you want from the days Op Shopping. It might include a new winter coat, boots, and an Aunts birthday present. Work out style, fabric, season and price before purchasing. The nature of Op Shopping is such though that the most meticulously prepared list may become redundant in the face of some must have purchases, none of which are on your list! Be flexible
Trans Seasonal
Consider purchasing items out of Season. My best buys have been purchasing two gorgeous , designer , winter wool coats for a small price at a local op shop in the blazing heat of a 40 degrees Summer Day . Bargains are to be had Trans - seasonal, as only prudent shoppers will buy a winter coat in summer and vice versa. Op Shops with limited space and keen to move stock through are happy to sell donated items cheaply and quickly to free up storage space and raise instant revenue.