A charity shop worker has shared one of the most common thrifting mistakes customers make when shopping in stores. Stacey, known as Queen of Preloved on TikTok, highlighted the issue in a tongue-in-cheek video.
Over footage of herself at work, Stacey wrote: "When a customer asks if you 'have this in another size' and you work in a charity shop." She is then seen walking away, implying it is an utterly absurd question to ask.
What should people avoid doing?
The video swiftly sparked a conversation, with others keen to share their own experiences on the matter. One person commented: "My personal favourite is 'excuse me, would you sell these shoes for £2 instead of £7?' No thank you."
Another added: "Yes it's so funny, but sometimes we get a donation of new clothes from an outlet so we do have several sizes." A third responded: "Dumb and dumber!" Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: "Yes, I managed a store for seven years. It was like 'this top is a 14 and I'm an 18, could you do it cheaper?' Eh no, because it won't make it fit any better."
What you need to know
Though it may seem straightforward, charity shops generally do not stock the same garments in multiple sizes. This is because they depend on individual donations, meaning most items are entirely unique. In the vast majority of cases, clothing is sold in whatever size it was originally manufactured.
There are occasional exceptions, however. For instance, some charities receive surplus stock from major retailers or sizeable donations of newer clothing from particular brands. In rare circumstances, this could mean the same item is available across several sizes.
There are also a handful of useful techniques to improve your chances of a successful thrifting trip. It is generally advisable to try garments on before purchasing, given the possibility of shrinkage or inconsistent sizing. Additionally, some shoppers find it more productive to browse specific categories — such as all jackets or all jeans — rather than attempting to track down a particular combination of size and style.
It's worth bearing in mind that stock is constantly changing in charity shops. Regular visits increase your chances of discovering the items you're genuinely after.
