12 Thrift Etiquette Tips Every Shopper Should Know

Thrifting isn’t just about snagging killer treasures at unbeatable prices—it’s also about keeping the vibes fun and fabulous for everyone. Cue thrift store etiquette: the ultimate guide to making sure I’m not sending you out into the thrift community blissfully unaware of the faux pas that could turn you into "that person."

If you’ve already caught my last blog, Talk Thrifting to Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Secondhand Lingo, congrats—you’re basically fluent in thrift-speak! But knowing the lingo is just the beginning, Bestie. To truly crush the thrift game, you’ve got to master the unspoken rules of secondhand shopping.

From maneuvering crowded aisles without turning them into an unwanted game of bumper carts to keeping the fitting rooms clean and stress-free, I’ve got all the tips to help you thrift like a pro (and maybe rack up some thrift karma along the way). Let’s dive in and make you the thrift queen (or king) everyone secretly wishes they could be!

General Thrift Etiquette: Respect the Space, Score the Finds

1. Consume Drinks and Snacks Responsibly

PRO TIP: Get your caffeine fix before hitting the thrift. Not every store lets you sip while you shop—tragedy, I know.

Ok Bestie, coffee in hand is my absolute favorite way to thrift—it’s a vibe.

That said, it’s important to respect store policies.

Stores that frown upon customers consuming food and drinks are usually pretty good about advertising it. So best practice is to double-check for any relevant signage as you enter the store.

If a store openly advertises there is no food or drink allowed, then as reluctant as you might be, comply. Don’t make some middle-aged woman feel like a Karen because she has to remind you.

That said, mistakes happen! So if you find yourself in a situation where a staff member gently reminds you of a store policy, don’t stress—it’s just a friendly heads-up.

Now this next part kind of goes without saying because our community would NEVER—But—

When you’re fortunate enough to be shopping somewhere that does allow food and drinks, consume them respectfully and responsibly.

So, what does that mean exactly?

It means no abandoned drinks or snacks—don’t leave water rings on furniture, especially wood. No empty cups on shelves—this isn’t your kitchen counter. And for the love of God Bestie, don’t use clothes or linens as napkins!

Speaking of respect, let’s talk about another small but impactful way to keep the thrift store experience pleasant for everyone.

2. Put Items Back

PSA: Don’t get in the habit of leaving treasures like this vintage Sirocco shelf and pewter candlestick stranded in random places. (Yes, I rescued them.) Bonus tip: Always check every corner—people love ditching the good stuff!

At first glance, thrift stores can look like total chaos—like something straight out of Hoarders. That might make putting things back seem arbitrary, but trust me, it matters.

The longer you thrift, the more you’ll realize:

1. Thrift stores are actually organized chaos.

2. You definitely appreciate when things lean more toward organized than chaos.

So in the words of Stephen R. Covey, “Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

Be courteous to your fellow thrifters by helping maintain what little organization you can. Putting things back where they belong is a small ask that goes a long way.

And while you’re doing your part to keep things organized, don’t forget to level up your skills! Check out Treasure Hunting Hacks: Simple Thrift Shopping Strategies to Spot Gems for practical tips that will help you uncover the best finds while navigating the chaos like a pro.

Keeping things organized is just one part of thrift store etiquette—how you handle items matters just as much.

For more essential dos and don’ts that will help you navigate thrift stores like a pro, check out Thrifter’s Rulebook: Essential Dos and Don’ts for Maximum Thrifting Success.

Think thrifting etiquette is just a minor detail? You’d be surprised how many rookie mistakes can make the experience frustrating—for both you and others. Avoid these common missteps with Thrifter’s Trap: Rookie Thrifting Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid.

3. Handle Merchandise with Care

Since we’re already talking about thrift store chaos, let’s tackle the real challenge—handling items with care.

The reality is that most really good thrift spots have shelves so packed with stuff that there’s literally merchandise overflowing onto the floor. So I definitely get that it can sometimes feel impossible to handle things with care.

I swear, the store merchandisers pack shelves like an expert-level game of Jenga. You pull one piece, and the whole thing is coming crashing down.

That might make handling items with care feel pointless when the store itself gives off a "carelessly thrown together" vibe.

Even so, it’s important to treat things with care—no matter the chaos.

That said, accidents still happen, and merchandise certainly still ends up shattered on the floor from time to time.

I’m totally outing myself here, but speaking from experience—breaking something at a thrift store feels like a much bigger deal than it actually is. The important thing is to make sure you let staff know.

The priority should always be to get things cleaned up in order to prevent anyone from getting hurt.

And remember, a simple apology goes a long way—staff are human too, they get it.

Now that we’ve covered store and item etiquette, let’s talk about sharing the space. Here’s how to keep thrifting smooth and stress-free in a crowd.

Not sure if something is worth buying? Learn how to assess thrift finds properly in Fix It or Skip It: Essential Considerations for Secondhand Treasures.

For those thrifting larger pieces like furniture, there’s an art to moving and handling them without damage (or throwing your back out). Before dragging that vintage dresser across the store, read Furniture Finds: Smart Tips for Thrifting Perfect Secondhand Pieces.

4. Shop Within Store Hours

Respecting store hours isn’t just about rules—it’s about giving staff the time they need to close up without extra stress.

I’m all for a late-night thrift run—in fact, I love that last hour before closing. My local Goodwill preps carts of fresh merchandise and stages them for the morning crew. Which just so happens to be the perfect chance to snag first pick of new merchandise—without battling the early morning crowds.

That said, I don’t start trying on clothes ten minutes before closing, and I definitely don’t stroll up to checkout at 8:59 like I own the place.

A good rule of thumb? Have your final picks ready and be at the register at least 15 minutes before closing—10 at the absolute minimum.

Speaking as someone who briefly worked retail (and I do mean briefly), I can’t tell you how many people think that as long as they step inside a minute before closing, they have unlimited time to shop. As if the world revolves around them and every employee is just waiting to cater to their every whim.

Don’t be that person, especially if you want to be a frequent shopper of the establishment. I can promise you it will be bad thrift karma.

Instead, give yourself a reasonable amount of time to shop and checkout without holding up the workers. They just want to get home like everyone else.

Find out the best times to shop (and when to avoid the crowds) in Clocking Deals: Best Days and Times to Snag Thrifted Treasures.

If you're still trying to figure out which stores are worth your time, Thrifter’s Treasure Map: Your Comprehensive Guide to Secondhand Hotspots can help you map out your perfect thrifting route.

Thrift Store Crowds: Your Guide to Thrifting Without Drama

5. Respect Personal Space

Pro tip: If you’re eyeing a large find, grab it first and immediately run to the checkout. Comeback after and hit the aisles with ease. No need to maneuver crowded spaces with your big-ticket items. Simply come back to work the smaller treasures!

Thrift stores can get crowded, but a little spatial awareness goes a long way in keeping the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Whenever possible, be mindful of fellow thrifters by giving them plenty of space to browse comfortably.

Speaking from experience, no one loves it when that dreaded reach across plants some stranger's stinky armpit right in your face.

Or

When someone booty grazes you like they're working the dance floor at a club in the 2000s.

On crowded days, it’s perfectly okay to divert from your typical route in order to maintain a comfortable space.

I swear people are drawn to a crowd like a moth to a flame. So instead of hovering in congested areas, try skipping to the aisles with less traffic. Then navigate your way back to the other areas as they’ve cleared out.

And remember, a polite word of “excuse me” is always preferable to the unsolicited touch of a stranger.

Want to avoid the crowds altogether? Check out Clocking Deals: Best Days and Times to Snag Thrifted Treasures for insider tips on stress-free shopping and treasure-hunting success.

No one enjoys being elbowed out of a good find. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a packed store, check out Conquer Thrift Anxiety: Your Guide to Secondhand Shopping With Confidence for tips on handling the chaos while respecting others.

While maintaining personal space is key to a stress-free shopping experience, respecting boundaries extends beyond other shoppers—it also applies to staff. Let’s talk about how to handle restocks without getting trampled.

Short on time? These quick strategies from Treasure Hunting Hacks: Quick Tips for My Busy Thrifting Besties can help you navigate a crowded store efficiently—without stepping on toes.

6. Be Patient During Restocks

New cart chaos? Hang back and let the crowd clear. But if you spot your dream find—be a flash, grab it, and make your getaway. Thrifting's a mix of patience and perfectly-timed pounces!

Restock time can feel like a race for hidden treasures, but a little patience goes a long way in scoring great finds without the chaos.

So fair warning, thrift store restock carts resemble a piranha feeding frenzy you might catch on Animal Planet.

Staff can’t even get the merchandise carts all the way through the door before the snatch and grab starts . In a matter of seconds, arms and merchandise are flailing about.

You probably think I’m being facetious, but I’m really not!

Restock carts send people into an absolute frenzy.

My advice: don’t get swept up in the madness of attempting to get a first look.

I get that some people feel the urge to dive into the chaos, ready to play tug-of-war over a pair of old Levi’s. But my days of throwing elbows like it’s a Walmart Black Friday sale in ‘99 are so far behind me.

In my experience, a good rule of thumb is to give it 5 minutes. You’ll find that the swarm dies off just as quickly as it came. So after a couple of minutes, you’ll be free to peruse the restock carts in peace. There’s typically plenty of great stuff left to pick through.

Hovering over employees during restocks won’t get you access to hidden treasures any faster. Instead, knowing when and how restocks happen will make your thrifting trips more productive. Get the inside scoop in Clocking Deals: Best Days and Times to Snag Thrifted Treasures.

Speaking of chaos, restocks aren’t the only times when thrift stores can get a little wild. Sales days often bring the most excitement—and the most opportunities for someone to lose their cool. Let’s keep the vibes fun and friendly.

Patience is also key when bidding on secondhand treasures online. If you’re ready to dive into Goodwill’s online auctions, check out Mastering the Bids: How to Navigate Goodwill Auctions Like a Pro.

7. Stay Cool on Sale Days

Sale day tip: Keep calm, shop smart, and score big—like this vintage plaster set I nabbed for 50% off. A chill thrifter always wins in the end!

Sale days can bring out the bargain-hunting frenzy, but staying cool and collected will help you score deals without the drama.

Even in the world of secondhand shopping, the first day of sales can be far busier than you might expect.

The good news is they’ve got nothing on a Walmart Black Friday sale in ‘99. So Bestie, please don’t treat it like one.

Listen we all know by now that I live for the thrill of a good deal—And sales fabulous way to score even bigger discounts—But they’re nothing to fight over.

If you thrift long enough, you’re definitely going to get a front row seat to some serious disagreements. Especially because good sales get resellers out in full force—And to resellers, sales equal dollar signs.

Do yourself a favor, and don’t get caught up in the competitive side of shopping sales. I can promise you it’s really not that serious.

A good rule of thumb? Stay polite and keep it fun.

Want to make sure you’re truly maximizing your budget? Check out Never Pay Too Much: Smart Thrifting Hacks for Savvy Shoppers for insider tips to help you score the best deals without prioritizing sale chaos—or losing your cool.

Want to score deals without the stress? Stay level-headed with the smart strategies in Treasure Hunting Hacks: Quick Tips for My Busy Thrifting Besties.

And if you’re serious about saving money, make sure you’re actually getting the best deal possible with the savvy shopping tips in Never Pay Too Much: Smart Thrifting Hacks for Savvy Shoppers.

Now that you’re a pro at navigating crowds like a thrifting ninja, let’s turn our attention to another key part of the experience: interacting with the staff who keep the thrift store magic alive.

8. Always Be Kind

REMEMBER: Thrifting’s a small world—trust me, you’ll see the same faces often. A little gratitude (and good etiquette) can turn you into a VIP for repeat visits. Just look at my thrifted living room glow-up!

A little kindness goes a long way—whether with staff or fellow thrifters, a good attitude can make the experience better for everyone.

At some point, you’ll probably need help from a staff member.

In my experience, if you ask, they’re almost always happy to assist—whether it’s unlocking dressing rooms, explaining sales, pricing unmarked items, or even approving the occasional discount.

That said, remember that thrift store staff are often juggling a lot at once.

They’re restocking shelves, sorting donations, managing sales, and trying to keep some semblance of organization amid the chaos. So while they’re usually ready, willing, and able to help, it’s imperative to approach them with patience and kindness.

Now, in the interest of transparency, the help you receive might not always measure up to your expectations. In those moments, it’s important to remember that their help might be falling short for any number of reasons.

They might not know a specific policy or be able to help right away. In these moments, staying patient is key—Most thrift stores run on a small, hardworking team. A little understanding and gratitude go a long way in making the experience better for everyone.

If you’re a regular thrifter, it’s even more important to build a good rapport with the staff.

A good rapport doesn’t just make thrifting more enjoyable—it also means you’ll get help when you need it. Think about the difference between a rude customer demanding a price adjustment and a friendly regular making the same request.

Kindness costs nothing, but it definitely comes with perks.

A little kindness goes a long way, whether it’s sharing a rack, complimenting another thrifter’s find, or just being patient in line. Plus, rudeness often leads to poor shopping decisions. Avoid the pitfalls of impulsive, high-stress thrifting with Thrifter’s Trap: Rookie Thrifting Mistakes Every Beginner Should Avoid.

Buyers' remorse often happens when thrifting turns into a rushed, stressful experience. Learn how to shop intentionally (and kindly!) in No Regrets: Insider Secrets to Thrifting Without Buyer’s Remorse.

Now that we’ve talked about interacting with staff, let’s touch on a topic that can sometimes feel a little tricky and anxiety-inducing: pricing. Whether it’s spotting an item without a tag or debating whether to ask for a discount, navigating pricing at a thrift store poses its own set of challenges.

4. The Price Is Right: Navigating Thrift Store Pricing with Integrity

9. Handling Unmarked Items

Unmarked items? Don’t stress—my Goodwill doesn’t mark most items under $3, especially dishes. So unmarked items like these vintage Italian espresso cups? Just $.99—Remember, it never hurts to ask!

Unmarked items can be a mystery, but there’s a right way to handle them without causing confusion or frustration.

Let’s face it, stumbling across unmarked items at thrift stores is pretty common, and it happens for a variety of reasons.

Sometimes items slip through the pricing process, stickers fall off, clothing tags get lost in the fitting room, or some stores don’t tag lower-priced items at all. And yes—believe it or not—some people even swap cheaper tags onto pricier items.

The solution?

If you come across an item you’re interested in and it doesn’t have a price, politely ask an employee for assistance.

It’s always better to clarify than to assume.

For instance, I’m no stranger to asking the employees about pricing at my local Goodwill. They’re always kind enough to run the item to a member of the pricing team and bring it back to me. Easy peasy.

For more tips on navigating thrift stores, check out Thrifter’s Rulebook: Essential Dos and Don’ts for Maximum Thrifting Success.

Understanding the ins and outs of how thrift stores operate can also help—start with Thrifting Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started.

Speaking of pricing drama, let’s move on to a practice I absolutely don’t condone: tag switching.

10. No Tag-Switching

Don’t be tempted by tag-switching—play fair! This marble cake plate was $4.99, but the next week I found one for $9.99. Don’t let discrepancies in pricing lead you down an unethical path. Ask an employee about a potential discount instead.

Switching tags might seem like a harmless shortcut to a better deal, but in reality, it’s just bad thrift karma.

Let’s address the audacity of the few bad apples running around switching tags. Some are even bold enough to post video evidence of their shady behavior on social media.

What can I say?

Not everyone was raised with the same moral compass.

I understand that it’s tempting to justify a quick tag switch, especially when thrift store pricing feels out of hand for items that were donated for free. And seeing people on social media get away with it doesn’t help. But no matter how you attempt to justify the actions, it still doesn’t make it right**—or legal.**

So Bestied, don’t let anyone else’s poor decisions influence YOUR behavior.

Switching tags isn’t worth the headache of what might happen if you get caught—whether it’s as minor as being asked to leave or as serious as legal action. Plus, the growing popularity of this behavior always results in stricter store policies, which negatively impact everyone.

You’ve heard the proverb, "one bad apple spoils the bunch," right? Don’t be the bad apple, Bestie—our community here at the Thrifted Touch doesn’t roll like that!

Tempted to swap price tags? Not only is it unethical—it could also get you banned from your favorite thrift store. Instead, focus on finding real deals with Never Pay Too Much: Smart Thrifting Hacks for Savvy Shoppers.

Shopping with integrity ensures a better experience for everyone. Brush up on ethical thrifting habits in Thrifting Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started.

Now that we’ve talked about staying honest, let’s discuss why understanding store-specific policies is just as crucial.

11. Know the Rules

Want to score treasures like this ornate frame and pewter candlestick regularly? Know the store policies! From unmarked items to sale rules, mastering the details helps you shop smarter and snag gems.

very thrift store operates a little differently, so knowing the rules ahead of time can save you from confusion, unnecessary hassle, and even the occasional moment of embarrassment.

Over time, it’s important to familiarize yourself with basic store policies.

Learn everything from sale schedules and coupon rules to how discounts are handled. Understanding these guidelines ensures a smoother shopping experience and helps you take full advantage of the deals available.

For example, some stores won’t allow you to purchase an item that’s missing a tag—thanks to a few bad apples who started removing tags to try and score better deals.

Other stores, it’s as simple as asking an employee who can go in the back to obtain a price.

Every store operates differently, so knowing their specific rules will save you time and frustration. It’ll also ensure you’re shopping with integrity.

And always remember what we discussed in part three—be polite to employees. They don’t make the rules, so berating them about store policies you don’t agree with or high pricing you refuse to pay isn’t going to get you anywhere. So don’t be that person.

Want to make sure you’re getting the best deals while staying savvy and ethical? Check out Never Pay Too Much: Smart Thrifting Hacks for Savvy Shoppers for tips to help you score big without breaking the bank.

Every thrift store operates differently, so knowing the policies upfront saves a lot of frustration. If thrift store lingo leaves you confused, get familiar with the terminology in Talk Thrifting to Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Secondhand Lingo.

If you’re planning to try Goodwill auctions, understanding their specific rules is key—start with Mastering the Bids: How to Navigate Goodwill Auctions Like a Pro.

Now that we’ve tackled pricing etiquette and how to shop with integrity, let’s talk about another hotspot of thrift store drama: the fitting room. Believe it or not, what happens behind those curtains can make or break someone else’s shopping experience. Let’s dive into how to keep it tidy and stress-free for everyone.

5. Fitting Room Etiquette: Tidy, Quick, and Considerate

12. Clean Up After Yourself

Treat thrift store clothes like a pristine closet—if you don’t want it, put it back on the return rack! A little courtesy (from each of us) goes a long way in keeping up the appearances of our favorite thrift stores.

Keeping fitting rooms tidy isn’t just considerate—it helps keep the thrifting experience smooth for everyone.

After trying on clothes, it might be tempting to leave the rejects in a pile on the floor.

Except, to be a truly respectful thrifter, you should avoid putting clothes on the floor altogether. Floors are filthy, and no one wants to try on something that’s been kicking around on it.

Instead, get in the habit of putting things back on the hanger as soon as you’ve taken them off.

Now, you might also feel inclined to toss your unwanted items on the nearest rack.

Resist the urge, Bestie!

Instead, use the designated return racks that are provided for you. This small courtesy keeps the fitting room area organized for everyone and saves the staff extra work.

Remember, just like you don’t want to trample a pile of clothes when you enter the fitting room, no one else does either.

It’s not just about you or me—it’s about the community. Future thrifters will thank you when they can enter a tidy dressing room or find items in their proper places! And employees will appreciate not walking into a fitting room disaster at the end of the night.

A messy store isn’t fun for anyone. Leaving items in fitting rooms or tossing things around only makes it harder for other thrifters. For more tips, see Thrifter’s Rulebook: Essential Dos and Don’ts for Maximum Thrifting Success.

Shopping for furniture? Learn how to handle large pieces responsibly in Furniture Finds: Smart Tips for Thrifting Perfect Secondhand Pieces.

Speaking of being considerate, respecting others’ time is just as important as keeping things tidy. Let’s dive into the importance of moving efficiently in the dressing room.

13. Don’t Monopolize Dressing Rooms

Respect the time limits—everyone deserves a turn! Just like this neatly organized rack of tops, let’s keep the shopping experience smooth for all by giving others a turn.

Thrift store fitting rooms are often limited, and long waits can lead to a lot of frustration among customers.

Not to say that anyone’s time is more valuable than yours, or anyone deserves priority over you—But it is a common courtesy to try and be mindful of your time in the dressing room.

Try on what you need, make your decisions efficiently, and keep it moving so others can have their turn.

Fitting rooms really aren’t the place to have lengthy deliberations over what to buy, to take extended phone calls, or to film your next long-form YouTube video.

Instead of being the road block for fellow thrifters try and do your part to free up space and keep the fitting room lines flowing smoothly and drama free

BONUS TIP: Seasoned thrifters often wear outfits that allow them to try on clothes over top of what they are already wearing. This cuts down on the stress of waiting for a dressing room. I recognize that as a beginner, you might not feel comfortable taking this approach, which is perfectly fine. That said, I wanted to make sure and put it out there for those who might feel so inclined.

Spending too much time in the fitting room or at checkout can slow down the flow for everyone. Shop smarter and faster with Treasure Hunting Hacks: Quick Tips for My Busy Thrifting Besties.

Want to make your time count? Plan your shopping trips better with Clocking Deals: Best Days and Times to Snag Thrifted Treasures.

By following these simple fitting room guidelines, you’ll make the thrift store experience better for everyone—and maybe even earn a few good karma points for your next thrift haul!

Etiquette for the Win, Treasures for the Taking

Mastering thrift store etiquette = one step closer to your dreamy, budget-friendly apartment. With a little respect and a lot of style, treasures are yours for the taking!

Congratulations, Bestie! You’re officially on your way to becoming a thrifting superstar. With these etiquette tips in your back pocket, you’re not just shopping—you’re contributing to a positive and respectful thrift community. Who knew good manners could look this good?

But we’re not done leveling up your thrift game just yet! Want to know when to hit the stores for maximum treasure-hunting success? Don’t miss the next blog in our series: Clocking Deals: Best Days and Times to Snag Thrifted Treasures. You’ll get the insider scoop on the perfect timing to snag those elusive thrifted gems before someone else beats you to the punch.

Now it’s your turn: What’s your top thrifting pet peeve or best etiquette tip? Drop it in the comments below and let’s chat! Whether it’s a funny fitting room faux pas or a golden rule you swear by, let’s share the love (and the laughs). After all, the thrift community is stronger—and so much more fun—when we learn from one another!