Thrift Store Etiquette Tips Every Shopper Should Follow

When people wonder what they should know before their next thrift store trip, the focus is typically on making the best of their money and time, as well as scoring the best deals. But thrifting with a purely self-serving mindset is a quick way to get bad thrift karma. It's important to visit thrift shops with etiquette in mind. This includes respect for the space, the staff, and the community that depends on them. After all, thrifting isn't just about snagging hidden gems; it's about keeping the cycle of giving, reusing, and living more sustainably alive.

Some rules of thrift etiquette go without saying because they apply to almost every business — things like being polite to staff, not making a mess, and treating items with care. But because thrift stores follow a completely different business model, some habits that are normal elsewhere can be major thrift store faux pas. For instance, asking an employee to find a specific size or style for you might be fine at a retail shop, but in a thrift store, that's peak Karen behavior.

If you're worried you might be unintentionally breaking unspoken thrift rules, don't stress. Here's our guide to thrift store etiquette that'll keep your conscience clean and your thrift karma golden.

Every thrifty aficionado knows there's a certain chaos to thrift stores that isn't present in typical retail stores, and that's part of the charm. However, many people take this to mean that where they put things doesn't really matter. This isn't true. Since things aren't exactly arranged by type, and it's rare to have multiples of the same item, it's important that things remain where you found them unless you're buying them. Switching things up makes them more difficult to find for the staff and ruins whatever organized chaos the store operates on. So, if you pick something off of a rack or shelf and then decide against it, put it back where you found it.

Additionally, it's much more important to handle things with care at thrift stores. Insurance is quite tricky for thrift stores because of the nature of the business, which means damaged items amount in losses. Finally, don't leave messes. Don't discard your coffee cups in the store, don't leave items you inspected lying around, and if you damage something, clean it up and offer to pay for it.

One of the surest ways to rack up a heavy dose of bad thrift karma is to be that customer — the one determined to make a profit at everyone else's expense. Don't get us wrong; thrifting can help pay the bills if you upcycle, and it's exciting to score sweet deals. That's part of the fun. But it should always be done ethically.

For one, stop haggling at thrift stores if you can afford the price. Prices are marked down enough as it is; don't cut into the store's profit margins, especially if you want the business to stay open. Secondly, don't tag switch, scratch out prices, or intentionally try to lie about the written price. It was cute when Jessica Huang did it on "Fresh off the Boat," but in real life, it's terrible thrift etiquette and basically stealing.

If an item is unmarked, respectfully ask an employee to check the correct price, and mention where you picked it up if that helps. It's safer to ask than assume. Finally, respect the store's policy. If you're told something isn't allowed, feel free to ask for clarification. If it works for you, great, and if not, politely leave without taking it out on the employees. They don't make the rules; they just follow them.

Thrifting is a sustainable ways to update your wardrobe when your body changes, and doing this will often require using the fitting room. Even if fitting rooms aren't typically your cup of tea, they're a necessity when thrifting for clothes because some thrift stores don't accept returns for items sold in good condition. This brings us to a pretty important thrift rule: Use the fitting room with consideration. 

The first step is understanding that changes should be quick since other shoppers are probably waiting for their turns. It's also important to be tidy. Don't leave clothes strewn everywhere, and don't leave any items you didn't meet inside. Using the fitting room with consideration also helps the staff since you're not adding extra tasks to their workload, and are allowing them to serve more satisfied customers. It's a small habit that goes a long way in building positive thrift karma.

We know you're probably not a Karen, but being respectful in thrift stores can look a bit different than in regular stores. Sure, some rules — like giving others space — are universal, but in thrift stores, they're especially important. If you spot an item you'd absolutely love with someone else, it's totally fine to ask where they found it to see if there might be something similar nearby. However, this requires a heavy dose of self-awareness. If their response is curt or noncommittal, thank them, move along, and definitely don't linger, hoping they'll drop it. Not everyone is open to conversations, and that's okay.

That said, you might meet a fellow thrifter who's open to chatting or even helping out, so don't be afraid to politely ask. And remember, talking to others in a thrift store isn't just about what you can gain; you can also give. Share bargains you found but don't need, and if someone looks like they could use a hand, offer if you're able. As a final tip, the thrifters who get the best deals are the ones who are nice to the employees. Strike up a conversation, tip if you can afford to, and be respectful. It makes thrift employees more likely to search out and hold items for you if you ask nicely.

Restocks are exciting times for thrifters. New items come in, and who knows what treasures you might uncover. Unfortunately, the process between a thrift store obtaining new products and those items actually hitting the sales floor isn't immediate. Sometimes, items are physically present but not yet ready for sale.

If you see something you want in that category, don't pester the employees. Instead, politely ask for a manager, acknowledge that you understand it's not yet available, and ask if there's any way to reserve it. More often than not, thrift stores are happy to help when you approach them respectfully.

Another important tip that many people overlook: Don't hoard. If you come across an amazing deal — say, an original designer piece that's marked way down but you don't really need — resist the thrift greed. Let someone else have the thrill of finding it. If you're specifically hunting for hidden gems, schedule your thrift trips after holidays and weekends, when people have had extra time to clear out their closets and donation bags.