HOW TO OP SHOP LIKE A PRO- TIPS AND HINTS

I'm a bit of an op shop addict and have realised certain things you do as a shopper can easily effect the likelihood of finding great items at great prices. So! I thought I share some tips with you.

1. Find your local op shops

• Search on eg. google- 'YOUR TOWN and op shops'.

Many op shops now have web pages- particuarly those that are the bigger charity organisations eg. salvos, vinnies etc. Find those closest to you and start from there.

• Look up in the yellow pages.

Note that many organisations have administrative buildings, so make sure you go to the correct address for the shop.

2.      Set aside time to do as many op shops in the one outing.

I find this a better use of my time, plus more enjoyable to come home with hheeaaaps of stuff.

3.      Be friendly to staff

Such a basic thing but you would be surprised what many staff will do for you when you as a customer are friendly to them. You are more likely to be given discounts, bonuses, notice of sale dates etc.

4.      Have an idea of what you are looking for, but not a mission to find it.

That is, have a general list of things you want/collect, but don't expect to find all of them in one go. You are more likely to find something when you least expect it!

5. Allow time to effectively look at items

You would be surprised what you can miss if you don't have that extra look. Many shops are over-crowded and need your patience!

6.  Look at labels.

If you are a label lover like me, having a label item makes all the difference. Be sure to take you time looking inside bags at labels, on bottom (usually right hand side) of scarves for label name, and other obvious spots.

7. Have a working knowledge of brands, labels, collectable items.

As ebayers, this can be extra handy. For example, the other day I found vintage ray bans. I'm not into them and they don't suit me, but from my searching on ebay I've realised that they are quite a collectable item etc. So I bought them at $2 and I'll put them up and make a profit.

Take notice of brands etc in magazines, notice what other people collect- this can help you find items that are worth selling or/as well as worth saving for yourself.

8. Source depot op shops.

Many bigger charity organisations have a large centre, where sorting of donated items is done. Here they should have 1 or more large warehouse/store areas. You will find a larger range of things, generally at cheaper prices, more furniture, glassware, etc.

9.     Wear sensible clothes/shoes

Every serious shopper knows this! Don't wear your finest, it's not Tiffanys. Wear jeans (skirts make it harder to squat and stretch when looking at things discretley), sensible shoes- if you look at shoes, then go for slip ons, which will save you time and effort getting lace ups/socks on and off etc. Take one large shopper tote- less bags, less hassle.

10.    Practice and Maintain your poker face (!)

I'm serious! If you act obviously pleased with an item ie. its cheap price, quality, designer label; this may bring it to the attention of the staff. Here, (as it has happened to me) they may claim that the wrong price tag has been put on the item etc and claim that the price is really $x. This is especially the case when items are put in priced sections, rather than priced individually. My view is- the price is what they put on it- not what it's or could be worth. If they don't notice that an item is eg. a designer label item, and then in theory under-priced, then I'm afraid that's their loss.

11.    Head out to more remote/suburban stores

In the more suburban or less trendy areas, the op shops there are more likely to be stocked with unnoticed fabulous items at really bargain prices. In these areas, the aim of the op shop is to service the community, rather than generating a profit, like the ones in CBD's and other trendy spots do.

The CBD/trendy suburbs will generally be more expensive and have less hidden treasures. For some people, this may be what they prefer- to go to the better quality store- and they are prepared to pay more for that convenience. Sometimes I follow this notion. But generally, the fun of op shopping is taken away when one gets something at less of a bargain and 'too easily'.

Anyway- these are my tips and hints to great op shopping. Hope they help in some way!