Thrift-Store Etiquette

For someone who has been thrifting since they were as young as 4 years old, pretty much knows the right and wrong way to thrift. But I know there are plenty of people just through observation who are lacking in 'thrift store etiquette.' My mother, being the kind-hearted woman she is, taught me manners I should have when shopping... even if it is just a thrift-store. Let's get started!

• Remember no matter what type of store it is, it's still a store. Treat it with respect.

Many people have told me they don't enjoy the thrift-store environment. They say it's dirty, disorganized, and the people come off as rude. Though sometimes thrift-stores can hold up to this opinion, it all depends on having a positive attitude and remembering that each adventure is different. My suggestion to those having the same results even after giving the store numerous chances is to try a different thrift store. No thrift-store is alike!

• People work there! Respect the employees!

I have had my fair share of rude employees, but I know how hard it is. I previously worked for a thrift store called Savers and let me tell you... it was not easy being a Recovery worker. Recovery is a job salesclerks have to maintain sections and keep them as clean as possible. This includes overs and unders (Thrown clothes either on top of a rack or on the floor), the straightening of hangers, tag organization, upkeep of the racks, putting clothes back where they belong, ect. And it certainly isn't easy when some customers treat the store badly without stopping to remember that we've still got to clean that up.. whether one believes it or not. Even though the job description doesn't give the employees the right to act rude, just remember that their day hasn't been easy. A smile goes a long way. A hung up shirt goes even further.

• Try on clothes in the dressing room. Not wherever you are.

As a worker, this was rough. Not only did it inconvenience the employees, but it inconvenienced the other customers! It blocks the aisle and makes shopping hard when you can't see or get to what you want.

• Cart at your side, or in-front of you. Not blocking the aisle.

Yeah, pretty basic, but you wouldn't believe how often this happens. It's hard to be nice when you say "excuse me" to someone and they pretend you're not there. Some people know exactly what they're doing, and it can be hard not to act rude and move their cart out of the way. Instead, take a breath and go around. Yeah it's more walking, but it's the nice thing to do if you REALLY need to get into that aisle. If you don't really need too, then look somewhere else and come back when that person has left.

• Share your rack with another person trying to look

If you're confused about what I mean by a rack, I mean the small section of divided clothing that holds only a certain amount of clothes. Although racks tend to be small, you can still be nice even if someone starts trying to get in your way and look at what you're looking at right at that time. Sure you were there first, but silent gestures like cart moving, smiling, or backing up show the other person 'hey bud, I'm still here but I'm a super nice person and you can look with me.' I often say sorry if I seem to be in the way, or 'here you go,' when I leave. Even if they don't act nice back, at least you're being nice!

• "I'm sorry, but we can't sell this without a price."

Respect the store policy. Even if it seems ridiculous that a salesclerk can't price the merchandise you want, understand that although these items are thrift-store items, that might not be that salesclerk's job. Or the managers job. At Savers for example, by the time I worked my night shift, those who priced items went home and no one was there to price correctly. Just remember before you get angry, it's a policy and it should be respected.

• If you made it fall, pick it up.

I'm telling you... it matters. My co-workers would talk about nice customers we saw because it was so rare. You might not think so, but when I'd see a customer hang something back up I would think, "...dang. I want to hug you." It's the little things! I know it's a bit inconvenient, but it really makes the employees day.

• Children are everywhere

I know people who get to a scary level of frustration when a child is either crying or throwing a tantrum at a store, but I must say in my experience people get even more heated when a child acts out at a thrift store. Although this is just what I think, remember children are just children and are learning how to behave. It just so happens you get to be there for it. Keep comments or rude gestures to yourself.

EXTRA!

• Often times there are really wonderful people at thrift-stores and the only way you can find out is by using thrift-store etiquette. If someone is doing something nice, say thank you!

• If you see someone who is dressed nice, compliment them. It goes a long way, and if you aren't too shy, you could ask if they shop at other thrift-stores and if they do, possibly explore more thrift-stores!
• And the usual. Remember your common sense!

If you have any questions please let me know!

Thanks!