It’s easy to lose sight of shopping etiquette when you just found a pristine set of Muppet drink glasses that you’ve been looking for forever. Don’t let the animosity of finding your heart’s desire control you. Below are some tips to strengthen your thrift store etiquette.
Do: Ask questions and explore
If you’re confused about the location of a certain item, or maybe the price is illegible, ask an employee. They are there to help you out and assist you with whatever you need. They may not know every single item of merchandise in the store, but they’ll certainly know the location of an item if they have it. Explore the store first before you ask. You might find it without assistance.
Don’t: Explore and leave a mess from rummaging
Try not to create a mess while rummaging through merchandise. Some stores don’t have the staffing capacity dedicated to reorganizing and cleaning up your mess. A good rule of thumb is to leave spaces better than you found them. Employees will greatly appreciate you and your consideration. It’s also just good manners.
Do: Point out merchandise you love
It’s totally okay to point out items you love and that you think are interesting. In fact, this is what draws in bigger crowds to thrift stores. Keep pointing those items out and telling your friends. Point out the cow mug that you saw, or that retro windbreaker you think would be a great accessory. Maybe even that cool 1980’s print of Walden?
Don’t: Make fun of merchandise
Yes, some things in thrift stores are retro and outdated. But please, please, PLEASE, don’t make fun of the merchandise. Keep in mind that all of the merchandise is from donations. If you make fun of something, you’re making fun of someone’s taste, and that’s not okay. We all have individualized taste. Some items that you make fun of and take for granted might be essential. Think before you speak.
Do: Be polite when navigating through crowds of people
Using good manners goes a long way. Be polite and be nice. If you need to get through a crowd, communicate with others using your manners. Don’t be discouraged or shy. Everyone deserves good deals and most importantly, respect.
Don’t: Push or shove people to achieve your own shopping agenda
We all get caught up in shopping and some of us want to go to a certain section of a store in a rush to see if they have what we need. Everyone else is a human, therefore, we don’t need to be animals by re-enacting the saddest scene in The Lion King and separate groups of people. Let’s remember that we all are human and we will get to the section we want to, eventually. Patience is a virtue.
Furthermore, when shopping at thrift stores, it’s all about showcasing good shopping etiquette by being polite, patient and respectful. Resist the urge to run across the store and push everyone out of the way when you see that vintage Star Wars poster connecting with you from across the room. You’ll get there soon.