Never Pay Retail - Even at a Thrift Store

Do you think of shopping at a thrift store as paying retail or getting a great buy? For me it's a little of both.

When you're at a thrift store, you're considering the deal you're getting comparable to a full-priced brand-new item, but that is not what you are buying. There are even better deals to be made at thrift stores if you see them as another retailer (of used, donated merchandise) and you will not pay full-price (as your personal mantra).

How do you do it? Well, the same as everywhere else. Shop the sales, use the coupons, sign up for rewards and work their system to your benefit.

At my Goodwill stores, they have different colored price tags and to keep inventory moving they mark down a new color each week by 50% and the previous week's sale color gets marked down to $1.29 on Sunday and Monday. That's when I go shopping!! I want those $1.29 deals. Yes, there are fewer items to choose from, but there are still plenty of treasures to be found.

My Goodwill also gives out a 30% off one item coupon for every donation. I continually have a box tucked in a closet that I'm filling with unused and outgrown items that need a new home. I'm helping keep my hosue organized and have a coupon on hand for those days when I find a must-have item that isn't market down to $1.29.

It takes patience and control, but when you're aware of the deals and looking for them, you find them.

Yes, Savings Excite Me...Here's Why Part 1

Here is a little bit about me and how I came to know what I know and why I'm interested in sharing it with you.

I am married, in my early 40s, have a DSS teenager, and DD preschooler. I work full-time, teach a college class, am a Top Rated Seller on eBay, and am diligent about never paying retail!!! I get all excited about my various ways to save and my friends and family love to know, but their eyes glaze over after the second or third step. They all want me to share how to do it, however, so it's now here in one place for anyone who is interested.

Here's how it all started. Remember the economy quickly getting flushed down the toilet?? I do! I had always loved a good sale and coupon, but this event took us all to another level with creations like Groupon, Ebates, more rewards programs, extreme couponing, and thrift shopping (now hella cool thanks to Macklemore!).

Well, I like to shop on Amazon. Their prices are typically better than other places (particularly for books) and I have a prime membership which gets me quick shipping for an annual fee (if you're a regular, the annual fee is worthwhile). My husband was encouraging me to go browse through our nearby Goodwill for books for our new DD and one day I did. I found the cutest little board book that has all these glittery, sensory pieces built into the illustrations. On the back I could see that there were three other similar books and I thought it would be cool to have the set so I went back to my trusty Amazon . What did I find??? Well, my $1 thrift store find listed for $42!!! Check it out now - Ladybug's Gift (Glitter Bugs).