Thrift Store Scores: What to Always Buy Secondhand (and What Not To)

Thrifting saves real money, but only if you’re buying the right things. Some categories are almost always a win secondhand; others are a trap dressed up as a deal.

Almost always buy secondhand

• Solid wood furniture — built better than most new pieces, at a fraction of the price.
• Books, frames, and glassware — condition rarely matters, and markups on new are steep.
• Cast iron and enamelware — often cleans up like new and lasts generations.
• Wool coats and denim — durable, and better made in past decades.

Usually skip

• Mattresses, pillows, and anything with hidden wear.
• Nonstick cookware (the coating’s lifespan is already spent).
• Shoes molded to someone else’s feet.

The rule of thumb: buy secondhand where quality is timeless and condition is visible. Skip it where hygiene, safety, or invisible wear are in play.