A charity shop worker has revealed the best time for people to come along if they want to find a bargain.
Amy Lorenz, manager of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance charity shop, has shared a number of details about what it is like to work in the profession.
This includes what they like to see people donating, what to bear in mind if you’re thinking of donating and what happens to items that don’t sell.
Speaking to Sky News, she also shared what the best time is for people to find a bargain.
Charity shop worker reveals the best time to grab a bargain
Amy shared that the best time to find a bargain in a charity shop is on a rotation day.
She explained: “We take off items that have been on the shop floor for three weeks on a Friday evening and put new stock out Saturday morning, so coming after lunch will ensure you see new stock.
“Certain shops will have regular days they swap out the stock.
“This is called rotation and ensures the stock gets refreshed regularly.
“Feel free to check with your local shop when their rotation day is.”
In terms of other tips for grabbing a bargain, Amy recommended visiting regularly, as new stock is put out regulaly.
She added: “Check every part of the shop – as the stock is constantly changing, so is the layout of the shop.
“Check each rail, basket and shelf as you never know what you might find.”
Amy also advised to be patient if you were looking for a specific item, as “thrifting is a marathon not a sprint”
She added: “Keep looking and one day the perfect item will be there waiting for you.”
What people should know before they donate to a charity shop
Amy advised for people to keep a few things in mind if they were considerring taking some items to a charity shop.
She said: “Would I be happy giving this item to a friend?
“Would I buy this if it was on the shop floor?
“When donating try to separate unsellable items from items that are okay to pass on.
“This helps our wonderful volunteers process items faster and more efficiently.
“It also saves them from having to handle dirty socks!”
In terms of items charity shops like to see donated, these include good-quality clothing, toys and homeware that is ready to find a new home.
Amy added: “Thanks to donations, we are able to offer a wide range of pre-loved items, from clothing to antiques, accessories, homeware, games, toys and books.”
What’s the best item you’ve ever bought from a charity shop? Let us know in the comments.