ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — When you’re on a limited budget, many turn to bargain hunting and thrift shopping. Consignment stores or donation-based organizations can have some diamonds in the rough, but watch out! Some items may be more of a headache then their low price tag is worth.
What do you buy at a thrift store?
While you may be able to get a great deal on things like mirrors, lamps and lighting, there are certain things you should steer clear of when bargain hunting. Avoid buying children’s safety equipment, such as car seats and strollers. Safety standards change frequently, and the faults in these items aren’t always visible. And be aware when purchasing electric appliances, be sure to test them in-store to see if they work before bringing them home. So what can you buy? Furniture is a good option, especially non-upholstered pieces that are easy to clean. You can also get things to decorate and organize on a budget, such as trays, baskets, and picture frames. A quick coat of spray paint and all these things can function like new at a used price. Finally, for avid readers, you can find great deals on books too.
Stay away from personal items such as stuffed animals, linens, mattresses, and underwear. Also, items like rain gear, shoes, and hats are things to avoid. These can all carry germs, fungus, and creatures such as bedbugs or lice that you may not be able to detect on the surface.
Contributors to this news report include: Gabriella Battistiol, Producer; Roque Correa, Videographer and Editor.
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