9 Thryft Myths You Can Officially Stop Believing
Thrift Myths Exposed: Debunking Secondhand Shopping Misconceptions
Thrifting is taking the internet by storm—social media feeds are plastered with thrift stylings so expertly curated they’re sure to make Martha proud.
You’re intrigued—curious even. You want to jump in. But you’re still holding back. Why?
Maybe it’s because you’ve heard a few myths about secondhand shopping. Maybe you’ve accidentally stumbled into comment sections so unhinged they’d make Jerry blush.
This blog isn’t just another list of reasons to thrift—it’s your myth-busting guide to debunking the most common misconceptions about secondhand shopping. From who really shops thrift stores to the truth about pricing and availability, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of what thrifting is—and isn’t.
This post kicks off the Thrifting For Beginners series, your go-to series for learning how to thrift with confidence—even if you’ve never stepped foot in a secondhand store before. You’ll also find inspiration and styling ideas throughout the site in Cheap Thrills: Inspiration for Big Style on a Little Budget, and real-life stories from the thrift-obsessed in From Dusty to Designer: Confessions of a Thrift Addict.
Ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about secondhand shopping? Let’s get into it.
Thrifting Is NOT
Thrifting is a lot of things… but despite popular belief, there are definitely things it’s not. Are you ready to uncover the truth?
1. Who Shops Secondhand? Thrifting Is Not Only for the Poor
Who says thrifting is reserved for those strapped for cash? This living room, complete with mahogany, marble, and a gallery wall, proves that secondhand style is all about taste—not income and not the price tag.
Believe it or not, secondhand shopping isn't just for the bargain-hunting masses. It’s also not reserved for those unfortunate souls who’ve found themselves down on their luck.
You might be surprised to find who’s actually rummaging through those Goodwill bins—and who’s scouring the secondhand market in search of hidden gems.
Hint: It’s not just our packrat grannies armed with a pocketful of change or our weird hoarding uncles out here rummaging through dusty piles of old junk in a dimly lit corner.
In truth, even elites source their prized possessions from none other than the secondhand market.
Sure, they prefer the prestige of fancy auction houses over Goodwill bins and the anonymity of brokered backdoor dealings over sketchy marketplace meetups.
They simply swap the title of “thrifter” for something with a more elitist ring to it, like “collector.”
Collectors have scoured the used market in search of priceless art and ancient relics… jewelry and precious gems… châteaux to automobiles, and everything in between. The most valuable items in the world are sourced from the secondhand market.
Call it what you will—label yourself a collector, or say you deal in antiquities; either way, a spade is a spade… and if it isn't new...
Now that we’ve debunked the idea of who thrifts, let’s tackle another big concern: Does thrifting hurt those who rely on it most?
Still feeling unsure if thrifting is your thing? Conquer Thrift Anxiety: Your Guide to Secondhand Shopping With Confidence is here to ease you in, and Talk Thrifting to Me: A Beginner’s Guide to Secondhand Lingo will have you speaking fluent secondhand in no time.
2. Does Thrifting Hurt Low-Income Shoppers? Here’s the Real Story
$2 well spent! This crystal ring holder isn’t just pretty—it’s proof that secondhand finds can support a good cause. Who knew helping send kids to camp could sparkle so much?
Listen, you’re probably not taking away from those in need. Unless, of course, your approach to thrifting is elbow-dropping little Susie over a sweater like it was a Walmart Black Friday sale in 1999.
I get it.
You’ve probably seen keyboard warriors take to social media to launch their cyberattacks against thrifters and resellers everywhere. They loudly proclaim that secondhand shopping is single-handedly ruining thrift stores for everyone in need.
The truth is, your thrift store run might just be helping more people than you realize.
Let’s hold the scarcity mindset and be realistic for a second. The idea of an inventory shortage in the used market is absolutely absurd. Anyone thrifting with any regularity understands the true volume of inventory passing through secondhand stores daily.
Speaking of how many options there are for shopping used, it’s a direct indicator of just how big the secondhand market is. If you’re ready to explore all the incredible places where you can shop secondhand, check out Where to Thrift: 12 Options For Secondhand Shopping (pros & cons) for a breakdown of the best locations to find your next treasure.
Contrary to popular belief, thrift stores and charity shops aren’t designated as a retail resource solely for low-income individuals. Rather, they are organizations set up to support a designated cause, and income generated from selling donated merchandise is used to support relevant endeavors.
For example: Goodwill prides itself on offering employment opportunities to those whose circumstances make finding work difficult. Proceeds from inventory sales are used to fund employee salaries, job training, and skills development.
Take a moment to consider that there are a million and one reasons people opt to shop the secondhand market, and being low-income is only one. Some people resell to make a living. Others shop as a means of supporting charitable organizations and the causes they represent. Collectors shop to find vintage, antique, or otherwise hard-to-find pieces.
Remember, the purpose of purchasing from these organizations is multifaceted and cannot simply be summed up as “anyone thrifting is taking away from those in need.”
In many cases, your secondhand purchases are helping provide financial support to those who depend on these organizations for employment and a paycheck.
If you’re curious about some of the most common charity organizations and thrift chains nationwide, check out Rookie’s Roadmap: 4 Nationwide Chains to Kickstart Your Thrifting Adventure. It’s a great resource to learn more about where your purchases make an impact and how to get started.
With that myth debunked, let’s address another concern for new thrifters: Are thrift stores really just cluttered junkyards? Here’s why that’s far from the truth.
Wrestling with whether it’s “okay” to thrift? Thrift Stores: A Beginner’s Steppingstone to Estate Sales and Auctions clears up the bigger picture.
3. Secondhand Shopping Secrets: Why Thrift Stores Aren’t Just Cluttered Junkyards
Floating shelves, pewter candlesticks, and secondhand charm—because thrift stores are what dreams are made of! Everything you see was purchased secondhand—besides the artwork, which was a Temu steal!
New thrifters often complain that thrift stores are filled with nothing but garbage.
What can I say? I guess the phrase "one man's trash is another man's treasure" couldn’t be more true considering all the gems I’ve found.
Trust me, I understand that particular surface-level assessment by new secondhand shoppers.
A seasoned shopper knows thrift stores are perfect for finding unique, often valuable items. For example, one woman found small ceramic pieces by Picasso. Yes, that Picasso.
I haven’t found any priceless Picasso pieces yet, but I’ve certainly found things I consider treasures.
Developing a clear thrift strategy will help you see past the junk and endless piles of clutter.
If you’re ready to uncover hidden gems and learn how to navigate the chaos like a pro, check out Treasure Hunting Hacks: Simple Thrift Shopping Strategies to Spot Gems (coming soon). It’s packed with tips to help you hone your skills and spot treasures in even the most overwhelming thrift stores.
Speaking of strategy, let’s discuss one of the biggest myths in thrift stores—are the items outdated or still trendy?
If your mental image of a thrift store is just... chaos, 8 Thrift Tips For Beginners: Secondhand Shopping Made Easy is a great place to start.
4. Outdated or Trendy? Thrifting Stylish and Timeless Treasures
Outdated? Try timeless. I quite literally strutted my way out of Goodwill with these like-new Sam Edelman leather boots for ONLY $8.99—proving that thrifting is in fact trendy and FABULOUS.
Thrift stock is old and outdated. It’s just crusty old clothes and junk our grandparents couldn’t con anyone into taking.
Hardly. Thrift stores are a treasure trove of timeless pieces if you know where to look.
There are two truths to understand about “outdated” items when thrifting:
Everything that was once in style will be in style again.
If you stop chasing trends, this will NEVER be of concern.
Do NOT let being “trendy” keep you from finding your potential for creative expression with antique, vintage, one-of-a-kind, and otherwise unusual items.
Need a little help learning how to spot those timeless treasures amid the chaos? Check out 10 Thrift Shopping Strategies to Spot Secondhand Gold Every Time for practical tips to sharpen your eye and uncover hidden gems.
Once you’ve mastered spotting timeless treasures, you might wonder—what about resellers? Are they ruining the thrifting experience? Let’s explore.
Think it’s all grandma sweaters and busted lamps? Not quite. Decor on a Dime: Top Reasons to Thrift Your Apartment Decor (coming soon) proves it’s possible to thrift with taste, and Cheap Thrills: Inexpensive Must Thrift Apartment Decor Ideas (coming soon) shows you exactly where to start.
5. Are Resellers Ruining Thrifting? Why There’s Plenty to Go Around
Cast iron, pewter, and marble—straight from the thrift store, not a treasure hunter’s secret vault. Turns out, if you invest the time you can certainly beat em to the punch!
Worried that resellers are scooping up all the best finds before you can get a chance? Worry not—there’s a never-ending supply of treasures, and they’re finding their way onto thrift store shelves daily.
Listen, I get it. Reselling has definitely increased in popularity in recent years. With it, the idea that there is nothing of value left for anyone else.
The truth is that thrifting doesn’t come with any guarantees. Which makes it easy to get discouraged if you repeatedly leave empty-handed.
Never fear. While resellers might be buying up more than their fair share of merchandise, it shouldn't be enough to keep you from thrifting for two reasons:
They’re not necessarily thrifting the exact same things you’re looking for. For example, the resellers I see regularly purchase shoes and bags, but most of my attention goes to home decor. Even if we were interested in shopping similar categories, they shop for specific brands, styles, and sizes, meaning they wouldn’t be looking for the exact things I am.
They aren’t always thrifting. Resellers are people with things to do and lives to live, just like you. This means they don’t get the first pick of everything, all the time.
So, instead of letting some misguided scarcity mindset keep you from partaking in the secondhand treasure hunt, learn to thrift effectively. For instance, optimizing the times you thrift can make a huge difference in your success. Check out 6 Best & Worst Times to Go Thrift Shopping for strategies to ensure you’re shopping at the right times to score big.
Now that we’ve addressed resellers, let’s tackle another hot topic: thrift store prices. Are they really rising too high?
Feeling salty about resellers? You’re not alone. Goodwill Auction Bidding: 4 Strategies Every Beginner Should Know pulls back the curtain, and Thrift Stores: A Beginner’s Steppingstone to Estate Sales and Auctions shows how to thrive, no matter who’s shopping beside you.
6. Thrift Store Prices Are Rising but You Can Still Find Deals
$6.99 for pewter candlesticks—Even with rising prices, thrift stores still have their shining moments!
Does that thrift store sticker shock have you thinking twice about popping into your local Goodwill on your lunch break?
Before you swear off thrifting like it’s a bad relationship, let’s take a closer look at why prices might not be as outrageous as they seem.
I get it. Increased pricing has resellers everywhere flocking to the internet to lodge complaints against places like Goodwill for “outrageous” price hikes… while simultaneously having others take to the internet to blame this very issue on the resellers themselves.
Let’s be realistic for a second.
Are resellers likely contributing to price hikes? Probably to some degree. However, companies like Goodwill introducing their own online auction reselling platforms probably haven’t helped either.
Companies understand the retail value of items, and it's contributing to price increases. Then, the inflation factor that’s happening across the board in the US. Operating costs are up; companies are seeing an increase in utility costs, retail space pricing, and wages.
It stands to reason organizations are increasing prices to compensate. However, most items are still priced well below actual market value. This means most thrift store pricing is more than fair.
I’m not going to say I’ve never seen some mind-boggling, head-scratching, downright bizarre pricing at Goodwill… but the majority of items are still priced more than fairly relative to their retail value.
Learning the intricacies of a solid thrifting strategy will help combat the recent price hikes. If you’re looking to optimize your thrifting game and stretch your budget further, check out Never Pay Too Much: Smart Thrifting Hacks for Savvy Shoppers (coming soon). It’s packed with tips to help you find deals and make the most of every thrift trip.
With pricing myths addressed, let’s focus on another challenge many thrifters face: how to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of thrift stores.
Yes, prices are creeping—but deals still exist 8 Thrifting Do’s and Don’ts for Secondhand Shopping Success keeps your budget (and sanity) intact.
7. Feeling Overwhelmed? There Are Ways To Master the Art of Thrifting
Overwhelmed? You’re not alone—thrift stores are packed with treasures, from cake plates to mirrors, just waiting to be found. The art of thrifting? It’s about seeing the potential in everything!
Does your local thrift shop have you feeling overwhelmed by aisles of clutter?
You’re not alone. Dare I say, there are probably a few of us out here having flashbacks of grandma’s hoards of junk. The trick is learning how to find the hidden gems among the chaos.
Realistically, any thrift store, charity shop, or antique mall worth shopping at will have merchandise piling up and spilling over onto the floor.
Undeniably, all that junk acts as a clutter camouflage, adding a degree of difficulty to spotting the diamond in the rough. However, as every seasoned thrifter knows, you learn to see beyond the clutter to the treasures buried within.
Overstimulated by shelves of randomness? You’re not alone. 11 Reasons Thrift Shopping Feels Overwhelming (Tips To Fix It) puts it into words, and 8 Thrift Tips For Beginners: Secondhand Shopping Made Easy walks you through what to actually do.
Thrifting IS
For all the things that thrifting is NOT, there are a few things that thrifting is. It’s not always glamorous, and it’s about learning to take the good with the bad.
8. Thrift Stores ARE Organized Chaos and Can Be a Treasure Hunt
Thrift stores may seem like more chaos than organized, but that’s exactly how the best treasures are found. My apartment is proof that a little hunt leads to a lot of style!
Most well-known thrift stores, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, can be considered organized chaos, at best.
Unfortunately, it’s the nature of the beast.
Thrift stores sort and organize merchandise to the best of their ability. Yet regardless of how hard they try, there are always things that don’t fit neatly into designated categories. In addition, people will always have different interpretations of how items should be sorted and classified.
There are tricks to navigating the chaotic world of thrifting. Knowing the best times to shop cuts down on the chaos of crowded aisles and unnecessary distractions. Knowing what you’re shopping for can narrow your focus, just to name a couple.
And while you’re navigating that organized chaos, don’t forget to do your part to help maintain it! Check out 12 Thrift Etiquette Tips Every Shopper Should Know for tips on how to thrift respectfully and keep the chaos as organized as possible.
Yes, it’s messy—but that’s part of the charm. Treasure Hunting Hacks: Quick Tips for My Busy Thrifting Besties (coming soon) is for the treasure-seekers in a time crunch, and 6 Best & Worst Times to Go Thrift Shopping helps you avoid the chaos entirely (well, mostly).
9. Thrift Stores ARE Dirty, But It's Part of the Thrill
Thrift stores might be a downright filthy, but a little cleaning magic turns pieces like these Haviland china coffee cups and glass teapot into gems. The thrill? Finding old hidden treasures, then making them sparkle like new!
Listen, I’ve read the thrift blogs intended to convince readers that sourcing secondhand isn't the dirty… and dare I say, sometimes disgusting, hobby that everyone thinks it is.
Let's be honest, those blogs are more than borderline misleading… one might even argue they verge on being outright lies.
I’m a firm believer in transparency. I have no intention of sending you into the wild world of thrifting with rose-colored glasses. Instead, I would rather you be prepared for the downright filthy nature of shopping the used market.
Think about it for a second. People are donating items they do NOT want. Things that have spent years piled in basements, stacked in garages, and pulled from the deepest recesses of closets, cabinets, and drawers. Most things are covered in decades’ worth of dust and cobwebs. Not to mention the traces of gooey and sticky residue you can’t even begin to identify.
That said, if you want to buy collectibles and one-of-a-kind items for pennies on the dollar, then I’m afraid you’ll have to be prepared to rub some dirt off. I suggest arming yourself with a pocket full of hand sanitizer… and… NEVER underestimate the power of soap, water, and a whole lot of elbow grease.
Let’s be honest—it’s a little grimy, but that’s half the fun. Fix It or Skip It: Essential Considerations for Secondhand Treasures (coming soon) teaches you what’s worth cleaning up, and Thrift with Caution: Think Twice Before Snagging These Items Secondhand (coming soon) helps you avoid a regret pile.
Busting Myths and Embracing Your Thrifting Journey
My apartment is proof that thrifting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. Bust the myths, embrace the finds, and turn your space into something uniquely you!
There you have it—thrifting isn’t the dirty little secret it once was… I mean, it’s still dirty, it’s just not much of a secret.
Thrifting isn’t what the myths make it out to be. It’s not just for the broke, the trendy, or the treasure-obsessed. It’s a little bit of everything: sustainability, discovery, and even a dose of chaos. But above all, it’s what you make it.
So, are you ready to rewrite your thrifting story? To see beyond the clutter, outsmart the misconceptions, and find your own hidden gems? It’s time to embrace secondhand shopping for what it truly is—an adventure.
Start your journey with the next blog in the series: Conquer Thrift Anxiety: Your Guide to Secondhand Shopping With Confidence. This ultimate guide will help you overcome the nerves that often come with thrifting and give you practical tips to shop with ease. I’ll have you ready to navigate thrift stores like a pro in no time!
Now, it’s your turn—what thrift myths did believe? Do you have any hilarious or surprising thrift adventures to share? Join our community of thrifting besties, and share your insights below. Let’s celebrate the chaos, the treasures, and the thrill of thrifting together!