16 Etiquette Rules You Should Always Follow When Thrift Shopping

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When you go thrifting, the hope is to score some good deals and have an enjoyable experience — not start a fight with fellow shoppers or store employees. Alas, you'll seldom realize your dreams if you don't follow the written and unwritten etiquette rules of thrift shopping. This includes being civil to everyone you meet, keeping set parameters in mind, and handling the displayed pieces with care.

Moreover, you shouldn't make disparaging remarks, be insensitive, or ghost a seller online without any explanation. Remember, thrifting isn't an isolated activity. Your behavior affects others, too. So, follow these 16 etiquette rules to make the most of your thrifting experience and walk away with a successful purchase, without offending anyone.

Given the closely packed shelves and narrow aisles, it can be easy to accidentally bump into your fellow shopper or stand too close to them. However, this can ruin their thrifting experience, since no one likes shopping with strangers literally breathing down their neck.

Maintain a comfortable distance (4 feet is best, but if it's too crowded stay at least 2 1/2 feet away) between you and the other shopper. Don't sigh impatiently, tap your shoes, or hover nearby; nobody likes being rushed. Let them have their fill of a section before jumping on it. But if the fear of losing a once-in-a-lifetime is too high, be courteous instead of arm- or hip-checking others. For instance, if you want to reach for something that another person is standing near, say "excuse me" or "do you mind if I grab that?" Chances are they'll shift to accommodate you and won't feel threatened by your presence. And in case you're yet to browse the rest of the store, move on to another rack and make a mental note to visit this particular section later.

Although it can be tempting to shop from someone else's cart, especially if you spot valuable or high-end items, refrain from doing so. Otherwise, you'd be disregarding the time and effort they spent to uncover gems in a store stuffed with second-hand goods.

To minimize temptation, always skirt around another shopper's basket. You also want to avoid eyeing the items they have inside. But if the way ahead is blocked and you can't help noting the vintage pieces just out of your arm's reach, do what you'd have done if you'd been at the mall: appreciate their finds, but move ahead. Alternatively, ask them the section they got something from. You can even let them know you're interested in the item if they end up not buying it.

While it'll be easier to move around the thrift store and sift through items if you aren't constantly pushing a cart forward, don't leave yours unattended. It'll block the route and make it difficult for your fellow shoppers to navigate. And not everyone will try skirting around it; some might push it aside to create room for their basket. Also, if you leave your cart unattended, someone might take it as their cue to shop from it (which, remember, is a big no-no). Besides forfeiting your thrifted finds, you risk losing your purse if you put it in the cart.

So, to minimize risks and be nice to other shoppers, take your cart with you wherever you go. Or, ditch it entirely and hold the items you like in your hands. This move will also force you to make conscious decisions and only pick up merchandise you're sure you'll bring home.

While you don't want to leave behind items that catch your eye, avoid overfilling your cart(s) with items you aren't going to buy anyway. Following the gather-everything-and-shortlist-after approach will only increase your workload later. This is because you'll have to spend a lot of time editing your hoard and finding the pieces you're genuinely interested in.

This is why you should shop mindfully and be realistic about your needs. Take a minute or two to consider how each item would look in your home or the purpose it'd serve before putting it in your cart. Then, check its condition with a magnifying glass or torchlight (like Acebeam's Keychain Flashlight) to be 100% sure. If it's in good shape and just needs a deep cleaning or a coat of paint, don't hesitate to purchase it. But if it requires extensive upkeep, decide if you're willing to set aside a weekend to flip your thrifted goods. In case your answer is "no," place it back in its original spot and move ahead. Putting in one or two "maybes" is alright, but don't make a habit of it. You also want to keep your budget in mind to prevent overspending and falling for "great deals."

Thrift stores seldom allow snack or drink consumption. So, prior to walking in with a coffee and bagel in hand, look for posted signage outside. If a store is no food or drinks, don't try sneaking them in. Consume them outside or leave them in your car to comply with the rules. In case you don't spot the signage and bring them inside, put them away if the floor staff requests you to.

And if the shop allows them, eat and drink carefully. Be aware of your greasy or sauce-lined fingers and avoid leaving marks on clothes or upholstery. Plus, dispose of the wrappers and cups respectfully, since you don't want to make the staffs' jobs harder or give your fellow shoppers the heebie-jeebies. This means you shouldn't leave your dirty bags and napkins on a waiting table or nestle your empty bottles on shelves.

That being said, estate sales don't typically allow food and beverages inside the house, so always have something to eat and drink before you visit. The food can leave crumbs behind (meaning more work for the people running the sales or the residents), and if you accidentally spill your drink on an item tagged for sale, you'll have to buy it.

Sometimes, you may have to dive in a bin to find items. Or, maybe you just want to pare down a few things from your cart. Either way, don't leave anything where it doesn't belong. After all, you wouldn't like hunting for lamps in the clothes section, would you? Extend the same courtesy to the other thrifters. You also don't want to create a mess for the store workers to clear.

If you don't remember the exact location of the woven basket or floating cabinet in your cart, ask the staff for aid, rather than just assuming their original location. They'll be happy to point you in the right direction, plus you'll gain favor with them (yay!). Follow a similar strategy for the clothes and jewelry you accidentally bump to the floor. This means instead of leaving them lying on the dirty ground, pick them up and put them back on their respective racks to keep from getting damaged.

Whether you're at a thrift store or attending estate sales, handle everything gently, or you risk damaging it. Even though the merchandise is often second- or third-hand, be cognizant of the packed shelves and the overflowing bins to avoid wrecking things others might like. This is an especially important etiquette rule at an estate sale, since there are a lot of sentimental items on display and you don't want to break someone's heart by destroying a beloved piece (like a childhood toy or grandfather clock). The seller might lose the sale, too, or have to accept a lower price.

However, if you do end up breaking an item by mistake, apologize to the staff members and assist them in clearing the mess. As for the pocket pinch, you may or may not have to shoulder the cost for the broken piece depending on the store's policy. In case you do purchase it, try the art of Kintsugi to give it a new lease on life.

To have a pleasant thrifting experience, it's important you be kind and polite to your fellow shoppers, the staff, and the seller (if shopping via somewhere like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist). Wondering how? If you're nice to others, they'll extend the same courtesy to you and might feel bad for being rude unnecessarily. But if you start an exchange with attitude, the other party won't be motivated to treat you otherwise (unless they're gracious by default).

So, whenever you need assistance with something at the store or estate sales, be it with an item that doesn't have a tag or something you're hoping to get at a discount, be civil while stating your request. Don't go in with a demand and expect them to sort things out for you. Also, be patient ,since the store or sales might be short-staffed, so it may take them a while to consider your request. In case they can't assist you the way you'd expected, act human and refrain from getting mad. Similarly, wait your turn in line, don't throw elbows, and avoid fighting with your fellow thrifters. Additionally, if you plan on recording your thrift store experience, don't film anyone without their express consent. And when you contact a seller online, be appreciative of the listed merchandise prior to asking questions or asking for a discount. This will allow you to establish a harmonious relationship with them and they'll likely be more open to your counter offer.

Never buy clothes at the thrift store without seeing if they're right for you. Although a few spots allow returns, others don't, and you don't want to be stuck with T-shirts and jeans that are too large for you. Besides testing out the fit, you want to ensure they don't wash you out. However, trying on garments might be difficult if the store doesn't have a dressing room. But that doesn't mean you should disrobe down in the middle of the store. You don't want to break public decency rules or the store's policy.

Instead, prepare for this eventuality in advance and wear form-fitting clothes, like leggings, bike shorts, well-fitted T-shirts, and tank tops. This way, you can try on new items over them and won't have to purchase something based on a hunch. Remember to pick a quiet corner, so you don't jam your elbow or knees into another person by mistake.

In case your thrift store does have changing rooms, don't hog it. Remember, there are a limited number of rooms and a lot of people who'd like to try on a few outfits prior to spending money on them. The situation will be more dire on the weekends or when your local Goodwill hosts a sale. So, be quick and don't dilly-dally.

To avoid keeping your fellow shoppers waiting for long, only bring with you the pre-approved number of items — you'll mostly find the signage outside the trial rooms. Although you'll be tempted to take in everything with you, think of others waiting in line and stick to the maximum limit. Also, avoid getting on lengthy video calls in case you need inputs from your friends or family. You also don't want to shoot videos in the dressing room. And when you leave, bring out your rejected garments with you and try putting them back in place.

A few vintage brands are always worth buying at thrift stores and garage sales. But their high price tags might not always fit your budget. Under these circumstances, you might think of switching their tags with lower-priced ones. Or, rubbing out the hand-written numbers, so a "9" becomes a "7." After all, if there's no one nearby, what's the harm, right? However, this behavior isn't right or legal. In case a staff member notices you, you'd be asked to leave at once. This is the best case scenario. In the worst, you could get banned from the store permanently and legal authorities might get involved, too.

So, refrain from switching tags. If something is out of your budget, check with the crew and see if they can approve a discount. That being said, don't lowball them. And if you see merchandise without a tag, don't put on a price sticker you like — flag it and ask the staff for help.

When shopping for second-hand items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, it's a good idea to ask the seller for an in-person visit, especially when the item is expensive. This way, you can take stock of the item and note the damages (if any). If they approve your request, show up at the set time and don't be late. The same goes for any pickups you schedule. This simple gesture will show the seller you respect their time and are serious about buying the listed item.

On the off chance you can't make it to the meeting spot on time, let them know in advance. A simple message relaying that you're going to be a little late and will be there as soon as possible will mollify them and they'd be more amenable to waiting. Even when you change your mind about the product, don't ghost the seller. Apologize to them and cancel the meeting at least a few hours prior.

When thrifting home decor virtually, ascertain you're paying a fair price for an item. Do a quick check online or try bargaining a little (but don't insult them with an unfairly low offer) to get the best deal. With that said, don't negotiate the price when you go to pick something up. This shows that you're making a deal in bad faith and the seller might decide to cancel the transaction and walk away.

This is why you should always be prepared to pay the price you agreed upon. Moreover, if you agreed to pay cash, bring enough with you. Don't try shortchanging the seller just because. Online payment modes work, too, as long as you stick to what you agreed upon. And if for some reason you change your mind about the item, be courteous about it. Remember, a good experience today will encourage them to be more open to future offers from you.

Employees bringing out restock carts is similar to the ringing dinner bell in Pavlov's experiment. Simply put, people swarm them and dive into the bins with gusto. A few even mark the times and stand by the doors in advance to ensure nobody beats them. While you may think the early bird catches the worm, this desperate behavior makes you act in ways you generally wouldn't. For instance, throwing elbows, fighting over an old lamp or vintage shirt, and blocking other thrifters might seem completely normal. Yet, you may hurt someone unknowingly and get admonished by the crew members. Plus, you won't have the luxury to sift through the goods and pick ones you like.

So, instead of tucking away your moral sensibilities while you're in the store, patiently wait for the employees to display the merchandise. Don't let FOMO (fear of missing out) get the better of you. Further, avoid going through items as soon as someone donates it. Let the employees tag them and put them up for sale.

A sure-fire way to beat large crowds in a thrift store is to get in a few hours before closing. Bonus advantage: Most shops restock the shelves at the end of the day, so you'll have first dibs on them. However, you don't want to cut it too close and enter the store 10 minutes before it closes. This is because it'll delay closing and force the staff to stay late, likely without being paid overtime. Sometimes the staff may even rush you and keep reminding you to hurry. This will cut your browsing session short and even ruin your thrifting experience.

So, make it a point to enter the store two, or at least one (if you have something particular in mind), hours prior to closing. This will give you enough time to look around, try things on, and be at the register 10 to 15 minutes before the doors are slated to shut for the day.

Although not binding, it's a good idea to take a look at store policies or estate sales rules in advance, and try adhering to them. This way, you'll have ready access to important information like the opening and closing times, if snacks and drinks are allowed inside, and whether or not you should negotiate the set prices. Knowing the parking details and the preferred mode of payment will come in handy, too. There might also be some guidelines around coupons or items with no visible tags. Being aware of these things will smooth out your thrifting journey and help you make a good first impression.

If you forget a few as a first-timer, that's okay. You can learn them along the way. But don't break them intentionally; they were set for a reason. To ensure you don't flounder any obvious rules, take a picture of the notice and keep it open for a quick reference. In case different stores have distinct rules, create a separate folder for each to become a top-notch thrifter.