Thrifting Tips: How to score deals and spot hidden gems like a pro

Whether you're hoping to save money, shop sustainably or uncover one-of-a-kind fashion and home décor, thrift shopping is more popular than ever — and more strategic than it may seem.

Expert thrifters say success comes down to timing, technique and a little bit of luck.

“The best days to thrift are really every day,” said Jeff Norquist, a regional leader with Goodwill. “We put out 650,000 pieces of clothes every week company-wide, which gets down to about 19,000 per location or 2,000 to 3,000 per day per location.”

To increase your chances of landing a great find, expert thrifters recommend shopping early in the day, as stores regularly restock each morning. Mondays are especially valuable for new inventory after weekend donations.

At Goodwill stores like the one on North Sunrise Boulevard in Roseville, another trick is paying attention to the color tag system. Each day, a different colored tag indicates discounted items — sometimes up to 50% off.

“Right when you enter our store, there's a sign up front that will identify what color’s half off for that day,” said Hope Pearson with Goodwill. “We also have 50% off sales almost every month.”

Pearson recommends keeping an open mind while browsing.

“When you go shopping at a regular department store, most of them are only brand-specific,” she said. “But here at Goodwill, we have every brand under one roof. A lot of stuff comes in with tags on it. Our prices just can’t be beat.”

She also advises shoppers to visit every department in the store — not just the ones they typically check — since high-value items can show up anywhere.

“Swing by every department,” Pearson said. “You don’t want to miss it because if you don’t get it today, it’s gone tomorrow.”

Before you check out, take time to inspect your items closely. Look for rips, stains, cracks or chips. Some flaws may be fixable, but others might not be worth the effort or cost.

Most Goodwill stores in Northern California are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.