7 Reasons I’ll Pay High Prices at Thrift Stores
If there’s one thing we love, it’s cheap prices at thrift stores.
I’m lucky that I’ve got the best thrift stores here in Maryland.
But this week I stumbled upon an upscale thrift store that made me stop in my tracks.
(See the other amazing stuff I found at the thrift store this week, too).
I’d never heard of this store, Life4Animals Thrift, in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This was a new neighborhood about 30 minutes away (I live in Silver Spring). I was about to get into my van when I saw it. I had to stop!!
The first thing when I walked in was this massive dresser! The first thing I said to a passerby when she commented on how beautiful it was, was “Yeah, but how in the world am I going to get up there?”
Then I gasped when I read the pricetag:
$3,200!!!
Apparently dressers like this go for $13,000 (so said the employee), but still, there was no way I was paying that amount for a dresser. From a thrift store, at that.
I kept walking and saw this vintage buffet. It was pristine.
I noticed the price was $250.
Which made me wonder, “Would I pay $250 for a buffet?” I’m so used to finding buffets (like this vintage buffet I made over) for $50 or less, it was hard to imagine paying that amount.
I turned to my Thrift Diving Facebook page and posed the question: “Would you buy this buffet for $250?” and got a mix bag of responses, from “That is NOT a thrift store” to “It looks antique & if it is and in good condition I would pay $250.”
And I wondered what YOU would say…
Would YOU pay $250 for this buffet??
Yesterday I thought I wouldn’t.
But the more I thought about it, and how clean this thrift store was (excuse me, upscale thrift store, as they call themselves online), I think I would.
And here’s why:
7 Reasons Why I Would Pay Higher Prices at a Thrift Store
1. Organized = They Care
Talk about organized! This was so unlike my usual Value Village thrift store (located on New Hampshire and Powder Mill in the Hillandale shopping center, for all you locals). It was the difference between going to Walmart versus going to Walgreens, if that makes sense. Things here weren’t all scattered and misplaced. It looked like someone took thought to carefully place and arrange items, as if they were valuable and loved.
Even the kid’s section was cutely organized. My 3 sons could hang out in this spot while Mommy shops, and it felt more like a play area at a cool bookshop. I really liked that!
2. It didn’t smell!
You know that familiar thrifted odor, right? The kind that hits you in the face as soon as the door opens and makes you hold your breath? But then you realize you’d rather shop than faint, so you just adjust. HA!
When I leave my favorite thrift store, I want to douse my hands in disinfectant (don’t say you don’t want to do the same).
But this place….smelled normal. It was welcoming. It was cleaner. Less icky. And because of that, I think I’d be willing to spend more money if the “ICK” factor isn’t there.
3. They weren’t ripping people off.
They had this amazing mid-century modern buffet for $150. Again, although more expensive than what I usually buy, it was still a solid piece.
They had these end tables for $40 for the pair, which I thought was reasonable, too. I’ve paid $30 for one end table at Value Village, where I get all my deals. So $20 for one here was reasonable, I thought.
And the fact that I walked out of there with the cutest OWL BRACELET for only $3.00 (love it!!), and a wooden necklace for $3.00, it was a happy shopping experience! I liked that I could find treasures at cheaper price points without feeling like everything was jacked up. There was something there for everyone.
I also picked up this desk lamp for $10. It was solid!!!
And this Coach belt I got for $3.00, too!
And I got this mirror for $12! I’m going to spray paint it pink (maybe) and put it in my master bedroom, which I made over recently.
And I also picked up with metal little table with glass inserts, for $8!
Even though I didn’t get this headboard, the fact that it was $8.00 impressed me. I felt like it should have cost so much more. It would have been a fabulous bench!
I also didn’t get any of these pieces of furniture. They were about $100 each.
4. It came highly recommended.
I love talking to other thrift divers. You get the whole story about a thrift store. One of the customers had found this ah-mazing coat rack for $40. She said she’d been shopping at this store for years, and that they had the best stuff. She was also a DIY-lover of painting furniture and making things over. You have to listen to the regulars. If they say it’s a great spot, then you’ve found a goldmine. We’ve got to support the good shops!
5. I’ve paid $250 for Ikea….so why not vintage??
I’ve probably paid more for my Ikea bedroom furniture that we’re still rockin’ after 12 years (it’s nailed together, though…just sayin’…). So why wouldn’t I pay $250 for a buffet that would probably last long enough to pass down to my children’s children’s children? It’s okay to pay for quality. (Now…I have to say, if you’re buying $250 furniture to resell, you won’t make much profit. But for yourself?? Go for it!
6. It supports a good cause.
Let’s not forget the whole point of thrift stores: to do good for communities and causes.
So imagine if we spend $250 on a buffet. So what?? We’re helping a nonprofit (in this case, the Washington Animal Rescue League). Although, did you see the big stink going on about Savers and how they have been sued $1.8 million because they weren’t honest about the amount of their revenue goes to the non-profits they’re supposed to be supporting? Yep, read that article here. But for the most post, I think thrift stores are genuine, and our money goes to good causes.
7. We waste money on other things.
I could easily buy a blogging conference ticket for $250, which is a one or two day event, and then it’s over. Hopefully I would gain something from it that lasts a lifetime, but you know what I mean. If you can pay $250 for this or that, why not for quality furniture that will last a lifetime? Especially if it’s an in-demand piece like this buffet.
It’s all a matter of what we value. And while you don’t have to spend tons to get good furniture, when you do come across good furniture at a thrift store, don’t be afraid to pay a little more for it. In the end, you get your money’s worth!
So what about you?
Would you have bought any of these pieces of furniture for these prices? Have you ever turned down thrifted furniture because you thought it was too expensive? Leave a comment below and add to the conversation!
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Loved this post! I live in rural Texas and envy you your fabulous thrift shops. That buffet would be in an antique store here at double the price. The headboard would go for well over $50. My hubby is itching to build an industrial style bar and that headboard would be fabulous as the bar front! We do go thrifting in Lubbock, about 30 miles from here, but great deals like you are finding are just not to be had here. You are so lucky to have such great thrift shops.
That sucks that you can’t get good deals like this! I wish I could buy it and ship it to you. You know the store is having 50% off tomorrow!!! 😉 YOWZA! And I love the idea of that industrial style bar. You’re lucky to have a hubby that’s into building. Mine, sadly, is not! BOO!
Great post!!! and heck yea I would pay 250 for that gorgeous buffet! If I was in the market for it and had to chose between a furniture store for an expensive new not as well made buffet, or this secondhand cheaper but awesome quality (and style) buffet, I would be more than thrilled to pay 250 for the used buffet. At the end of the day, I would still be saving money. Now, if I was looking to buy it on impulse and did not really need it, then no I would not pay the price — I would spend the money on something that I need or want more.
You made a good point, Beth! That’s something to consider: are you shopping for something specific, or are you shopping on impulse? It truly makes a difference!!
Yes, I would pay to have a piece (and have done so) when its something that will fit that must have category! There are four to 5 thrift stores that I frequent even if its just to have a “look” as looking can be inspiring. But you simply must know that I also use an upscale thrift store called Millionaires Daughter here in Ontario. You can view their inventory on-line too. Can be useful if you’re planning on selling something comparable.
Oooh, I just checked their site, Michele, and they have some nice stuff! The prices are blowing me away, but it looks nice–good quality stuff. And I like the way the site is laid out. I’m going to have to bookmark that for if I am up that way!! Thanks!!! 🙂
wonderful site MD. can’t seem to get enough today. i feel like going out thrifting!
michelle, am in touch with millionaire’s daughter about a wonder wall lamp. thanks for the info. peppi
Is that Ontario Canada?
I think that the cost of items is completely a mindset. Like, at a yard sale, I’ll be irritated that someone wants $10 for a leather jacket in new condition, but if I were in a regular retail shop and it was only $10, there would be people fighting over it! If the buffet was on something like craigslist or in a consignment store, most people wouldn’t bat an eye, but put it in a thrift store, and you have a whole discussion. 🙂 Personally, I’ve had to discipline myself to be real about something and take it out of its current context: If this item were in a regular retail shop, would I be able to afford it at its retail cost? We have gotten some incredible vintage furniture that if made today, would be WAY out of our price point. But, reupholster something like that, and I’ve got seriously high-end for a fraction of the cost! It’s all a mindset.
Yep, I totally agree, Lindsay. Someone was telling me about furniture sales they do, and they make sure they don’t have them early in the morning, because people automatically think “Yard Sale” and expect to pay next to nothing for it. But schedule it for 4 p.m. on a Thursday, and suddenly you’ve got a whole different kind of sale, where prices can be marked higher. All a mind-set!!!
Yes I would have paid $250 for the buffet. Where I live near Ottawa in Canada good quality pieces like this cost a lot more. It’s in great condition and looked like it wouldn’t need any work. I also think you found some great deals and that the pieces you showed for around $100 looked like great buys too. Around here you usually only get good quality items for good prices if your lucky enough to find them at a yard sale. We enjoy the hunt at thrift stores, antique stores, yard sales etc and when you get that steal of a deal it is so exciting.
OMG, yes! It’s a rush knowing that we’re getting something for next to nothing, isn’t it?! I think there is a true chemical release of dopamine every time I pull into the thrift store parking lot! HA!
That buffet is beautiful and $250 still seems like a deal. I would not have hesitated to buy it if I need a buffet. I feel I don’t have quality thrift stores near me. Maybe I just need to hunt for them. I’d LOVE a new kitchen table and chairs! and a little work desk. BTW, you are naturally beautiful.
Ruthie, if you can believe it, they have 50% off tomorrow! At this same thrift store. I don’t think I will make the 30 minute drive because I don’t want to be tempted to bring home more stuff that I wouldn’t know what to do with. That means, that buffet would only be $125! 😉 And thanks for the compliments!!
Hey Serena!
I loved the buffet and yes I would pay that price for it. When you purchase vintage in pristine condition, you are getting your money’s worth plus more. Vintage furniture is made solid and built to last.
I love you before and after pictures and all your thrift finds. I love thrift shopping. I love to take old things and give them life. I also like supporting a non-profit organization. They make money and I save money. It’s a win-win situation.
Keep those thrift finds coming. Keep up the good work.
You’re my kind of woman, Sharon! 🙂 We’re thrift divers, through and through! 🙂
Yes I would have paid $250…I could have doubled my money the way it is…a gorgeous piece. We know our antiques in Texas…and we know which ones to leave pure and which ones to paint. I would not have painted this one. Too pretty. I live in a historic home…I preserve the best pieces and paint the “junk”…to make it a beauty.
That’s a great way of thinking, Linda. I tend to paint everything I get my hands on. But I have to agree with you here. This piece was perfect the way it was. I would have left it alone, too. Oh, and tomorrow they’re having 50% off at that thrift store… That buffet (if it’s still there) will be $125. That’s actually a steal, in my opinion!
I think the buffet is a beauty and worth the price. That said, I’m always looking for the hidden treasure when I’m out looking and it rarely includes large furniture. I’m now in a small condo but even in my large home I never felt like the right furniture turned up at the right time. I too had a garage full of future projects. I’m usually looking for accessories and small pieces to decorate. (And I want to KNOW I’m getting a steal! )Exceptions, I recently bought a small coffee table with a brass top for $30. And I still love my current bed which is a metal one that I bought 15 years ago at a thrift store for $30.
Large furniture it such a hassle to lug home, too! That’s one thing that deters me. And yes, having a small condo would be another reason. I’ve passed up several nice pieces because of that very reason: hauling it and storing it. LOL. Buying smalls to decorate it much less stressful!
I love that store! When I go there I also usually stop at the Habitat ReStore right across the street… I have heard good things about Donation Nation too which is also nearby. Great article as always!
Debra, oh cool, you shop at this thrift store? I didn’t realize there was a Habitat ReStore nearby. I’ll have to stop back over there and hit all the spots! Thanks for the heads up!
When I head down to Rockville I do shop that store… but many of my favorites (which you probably already know 🙂 ) are in Hagerstown: Bill’s Other Yard Sale, the Hope Mission Store and Salvation Army are several that I visit when I am looking for pieces to work on. For already finished pieces I like Kendall Taylor Home, RePurposed and ReFined, and La Rouge Vintage.
Debra, I had no idea those places were in Hagerstown! I am from Hagerstown (born and raised), but in Silver Spring now. I go to Hagerstown at least once a month, though. I’m going to have to check out those places!! Thank you!!
Oh, I just looked up Bill’s Other Yard Sale and that’s the place I always ride by and never have a chance to stop! Okay, I must stop now!