As you might remember, we did an article about what Mukkle Thrift was all about a couple weeks ago. This isn’t my first time at the event, but my experience has always been good so I usually find myself going back. The event was held at Campion College and it didn’t disappoint.  When I got there, a little after midday, which is the official start time for the event, there was already a crowd. I could tell that a lot of items I would have probably loved were already bought and being loved by someone else. Rule number one: always be on time for Mukkle Thrift.  

VarietyThere was a wide array of clothes. There were dresses, T-shirts, swimsuits, rompers, pants, skirts and shorts. They even had books for sale. There were both men and women’s clothes as well. I also found that there were clothes of varying sizes. They rely solely on donations and so they won’t have a particular size if someone doesn’t donate it. 

Low pricesThere was a table with items that were $100 each, and nothing in the entire venue was over $1500. Some of the clothes still had the tags on them and were being sold for less than 50 per cent the original price.  

Speedy serviceAfter perusing the racks, I found a dress that I liked. I also liked the price, it was $400. After going to one of the changing venues I noticed it was a little crowded. It didn’t pose a problem however, I was able to try on the dress and ended up buying it. The line to cash was so long but it wasn’t because the cashiers were slow, it was because people were purchasing lots of clothes. I realized this when I saw people leaving the front of the line with a whole lot of clothes and when I went up with my three items, cashing didn’t even take a minute.  

Goody stayed in the budgetI ended up getting a great deal. I bought a summer dress for $400, shorts for $400 and pants for $300. My total came up to $1100. You can’t get that kind of value anywhere else and that’s coming from me, a certified 

Goody on a Budget. I’d also want to point to the quality of the clothes, for the most part, they were great quality and most didn’t even look worn. My dress still had the original price tag on it.  As a self-proclaimed seasoned Mukkle Thrifter, I’ve compiled some tips for when you visit their next pop up (which more than likely will be December).[naviga:ol][naviga:li]

Always be on time. Mukkle Thrift is very popular and I’m sure people are snuffing around before the official start time. By the time the  clock strikes 12pm, hands are already grabbing things off the rack to try on and by. If you can’t beat them, join them, come early. [/naviga:li][naviga:li]

No haggling or removing tags– The money from the clothes are for 

charity and they’re insanely cheap

. Trying to snag clothes for a cheaper price by switching the tag isn’t only dishonest but selfish. Don’t be that person. [/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Set a budget but forgive yourself if you don’t stick to it– I went saying I’m just spending $1000 and ended up spending $1100. I don’t regret a thing, it was $1100 well spent.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Walk with water and a cap– The place is 

very hot b. I didn’t have a cap today which was my greatest regret but luckily I had water so I didn’t pass out. Your shopping experience will be much more comfortable if you’re comfortable.[/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Hang around after you’ve found your clothes– Sometimes people scoop up a tonne of clothes to try or just hoard them because they don’t want anyone else to get them. At some point they return the clothes and you might find something that you loved, which is exactly why I left the line to cash about three times after eyeing a piece of clothing returned. [/naviga:li][naviga:li]

Carry a reusable bag or be prepared to buy one– The reusable bags they have are very cheap but if you know you’ll blow your budget on the clothes carry a bag for your clothes. [/naviga:li][/naviga:ol]Hopefully you’ve been convinced of the beauty of thrifting and will be joining this sustainable movement soon. I would also encourage you to donate gently used clothing, without donations, the movement dies. For review of more budget friendly events and other saving or investment articles, you can follow my blog 

Goody on a Budget.  

–Trevann Hamilton