Recently we’ve been featuring great deals you can find at thrift stores and garage sales, including clothes, household goods, toys and books. Then I saw this article from Yahoo! that showcases “8 Things You Should Never Buy Used” and one of my favorite items to look for when bargain shopping was featured in the article. Whaaaaaaat?
And while I agree with most of their suggestions, I disagree with their point of “never” buying used shoes and here’s why: if you know what to look for and follow these tips, you can (and should) shop to your heart’s content in the shoe department at your local thrift stores (or garage sales) and pick up some great steals.
- Always look at the soles for wear and tear. Yes, there are lots of shoes I would never buy because they look like they’ve been worn everyday for the past 10 years but I have found many, many pairs of shoes that look like they’ve never been worn. I personally have donated countless pairs of shoes because I bought them, wore them once and found them uncomfortable. They are in perfect condition but just didn’t work for “me”.
- Try them on and walk around to make sure they are comfortable and fit your foot-not all sizes fit the same way.
- Check the heels to make sure they aren’t worn down or uneven.
- Look for obvious stains and any stitching or seams that looks like they’re about to come apart.
- Smell them. You don’t have to stick your nose in them but take a whiff…it’s going to be obvious if there’s an odor emanating from them.
Tammy’s Tip ‘O the Day!
If it’s an “icky” thing for you about wearing someone else’s shoes, buy a pair of inserts and it will be like you’re the first one to wear them.
And you know what? If you find a great pair of shoes for $5.00 (used) and they do fall apart in a year or so….well, I think that $5.00 was worth it. I can spend $5.00 on a burger and fries at lunch and not have anything to show for it 10 minutes later….well, there might be some evidence that shows up on my thighs!
Let’s Hear From You!
If you’ve found a great deal on a pair of “used” shoes, share it with us….I CAN’T be the only one walking around in another woman’s shoes…literally!
And I totally agree with not buying used mattresses and upholstered furniture…bedbugs are really hard to get rid of and expensive. You can’t just wash them and they’ll be critter-free. Skip these items unless you know the person you’re buying them from and know they don’t have any infestation problems (perhaps they’re just redecorating.)
If you find a great pair of shoes that are just a bit scuffed, use a little shoe polish-three colors from the dollar store for $1.00.
These are a pair of Nine West kitten heel shoes. Perfect condition and paid $1.00 at a garage sale. These could cost you (new) anywhere from $50 to $75!
Antonio Meloni pumps-bought these at Goodwill for $3.99 (their shoes run about $80-$100) Heels are in great condition, no stains, great condition.
These are Covington brand shoes. And they aren't that expensive to buy new (usually run about $30.00 but I only paid $2.00).
And for the woman who just needs a pair of tap shoes...these cute Capezio tap shoes cost me a whopping $1.00 (new, about $40.00). And no, I don't know how to tap but my husband is amused every time I do a dance for him....very cheap entertainment!
Many of the shoes I have gotten at sales are literally brand new!!! I saw that list and laughed. There are obviously may different types of sales and some I would avoid any of those items and about another 100 items.. Any of the second hand stores I would probably stay away from mattresses. But if it was in a household sale- in a high end neighborhood -and I needed a mattress and the price was right and no signs of cooties 🙂 I’d buy it.
My bf buys laptops all the time at sales and fixes them up… so there was another thumbs down on that list for me. I think every one of his grandchildrens first computer came from a yard or craigs list sale that he fixed up.
I have a friend who also buys used laptops…fixes them up and gives to family. I admire those who are “fixers” of electronics. (ha)…and I have bought furniture from estate sales and neighbors and haven’t had any problems….but you always have to keep that in the back of your mind (bedbugs) and weigh the chances you’re willing to take (and yes, there are “sales” you’re really taking chances with)
I have so many great shoes I’ve picked up here and there, it would be hard for me to come up with just one to share here! I totally agree with you Tammy, if you’re careful about what you buy you can get great shoes at great prices. I have designer and vintage shoes that are absolutely beautiful and that I love to wear, that I simply would never have paid the price of new to have. I also donate shoes that I’ve gotten tired of or that just don’t feel “right” on my feet anymore. They’re always in great shape and a lucky find for those other women out there who need a size 4!
Teresa…I’m with you! And I have donated tons of shoes over the years that I’ve worn once or twice and then they just didn’t seem to feel right, (like you)….I bet those size 4 women feel lucky when they find your shoes! I have a girlfriend who got a pair of Kate Spade heels a couple of months ago for $2.00! And they were in perfect condition.