The definition of 'Op Shop' straight from the wikipedia;
A charity shop, thrift shop, thrift store, hospice shop (U.S., Canada), resale shop (when not meaning consignment shop [U.S.]) or op shop (Australia/N.Z.) (from "opportunity shop") is a retail establishment run by a charitable organization to raise money.
Charity shops are a type of social enterprise. They usually sell mainly second-hand goods donated by members of the public, and are often staffed by volunteers.
Because the items for sale were obtained for free, and business costs
are low, the items can be sold at competitive prices. After costs are
paid, all remaining income from the sales is used in accord with the
organization's stated charitable purpose. Costs include purchase and/or
depreciation of fixtures (clothing racks, bookshelves, counters, etc.),
operating costs (maintenance, municipal service fees, electricity,
telephone, limited advertising) and the building lease or mortgage.
Who can find cheap yarn these days?
Even
the op shop prices go up and up each year (or less!), knowing fully well that they've been
underpricing it these past few years, or at least some of them know this
fact. So who told them? I want to slap them across the back of the head! Well not really, but I would love to shake them a little.
The truth is
that I'm at the right place and at the right time AND with the right
circumstances, because I can still get it cheap. I'm about to tell you
some good tips for getting some great(er) prices at the op shop. I hope
this does not come back to haunt me!! But then again, I think I'm
doing the world good by sharing how people can save a little more money
if they are doing it tough. ;)
Op shop Discounting 101;
1.
Try to find out when they are having up to 50% off store-wide. I find
this to be a rarity in my neck of the woods, but I've come across it a couple of times, and
surprisingly not the shops that I thought it would happen at. Scour
your local newspaper or shopping centre information boards for any
information. A lot of them don't advertise this so it will take a
little homework!
2.
Ask the sales person for a small discount and make sure it's a male
serving you. I find that the women are more likely to say no, and the
males are more likely to say yes. And make sure you say 'small'
discount to sound like you really aren't asking for a lot - any amount
of $$$ off is good! Some op shops might have a sign saying 'please do
not ask for discounts etc.' but don't let that stop you. Try to find a
fault on the item and show them (very dirty, a chip, something torn or
broken), then ask for the discount. If the sales assistant is more clever than you and says, 'well
that's why it's cheap at the op shop!' then just refrain with dignity
and think to yourself 'good effort for trying'.
If you don't want to stop trying for that discount on another day and at a different store, try saying something like 'is it
really this price, can I double check that with you?' and put on a sour
expression as if you're a little disgusted. If they
say yes it really is that price, then put on a woeful kind of
expression and ask 'any chance of a small discount then?'
3. Some ops shops have pensioner discount days and they can be up to 20% off
store-wide (depending on what suburb, country, etc.) You
will obviously need a pensioner (Social Security) card, seniors card or a
student concession card. All these should give you automatic discounts
on the discount days (find out which day by asking!) provided you show them your card at the counter before buying, but of course it
pays to ask before hand if they do. If
you don't have any of those cards take somebody that has one, get them to buy what you want
then pay them back outside. Too easy!
4. This last point is purely for satisfaction and if you do not get that discount;
If
you saw something broken in the store, such as a glass object - tell
the store assistant that somebody can cut themselves if they pick it
up. Also say 'I don't think you are supposed to be selling dangerous
goods! At least this will make you feel better when leaving the store
AND you'll be saving somebody from cutting themselves. I've lost count with how many times I've seen broken glasses, vases and so on!
And there you have the tricks of the trade. Happy hunting. :)
Well, crafty me!
