Well some of you may not like this style of shopping, but I do and not because I have to, but because I like to.
Found some wonderful bargains such as games, DVDs , a fishing rod ( still looking for a reel ), magazines for me and him and not to forget clothing. You know the best thing about buying clothing from the op shop???? Well when you try it on and it fits you know that when you wash them they will still fit, because someone else has already owned and washed them.
No more it fit the day I bought it and then I washed it and it shrunk!!! Although I do have some items of clothing that MUST have shrunk over time......or maybe it's me that has grown over time!!!!!!
Something great to have on your travels is a jar of buttons ( also from op shop ) and needle and threads for loose hems and missing buttons.
The other thing I buy at op shops is jewellery, beads, braceleats, earrings etc. They rarely stay the way I bought them as I pull them apart and design them into something new. For this I carry a mini jewellery making kit with me. Mini pliers, jump rings and jewellery catches.
The fun you can have with your bargain buys is endless and cost effective. My latest best buy was a mini sewing machine, it only does straight stitching but will come in handy for repairs and who knows I might even have a go at re designing some of the cloths I pick up. Little machine only cost me $8 and it's battery or electric.
Curious as to what my next bargain will be.
Big Gorilla said
02:13 PM Aug 19, 2014
I agree. Surprising the items you find in Op Shops. I'm always on the lookout for CDs and DVDs. I've picked up quite a few gems over the years.
Happywanderer said
02:52 PM Aug 19, 2014
Totally agree. I love my op shopping but at the moment have withdrawal symptoms. Haven't been in one since Katherine, now in Carnarvon. I know there is one here but only opens 9 - 12 so will get down town early tomorrow.
I do agree with the clothes comments, at least you know they won't shrink any further.
One of my prized possessions is a silver wine goblet which has it's own personal history. Engraved on it reads To Allen Love Mother 1981 When I use it I always wonder what their story is.
Found some great little shot glasses including one for John yeoeleven with his name on it.
yeoeleven said
03:24 PM Aug 19, 2014
Yes Marj and I still have it but it doesn't get much use these days, will get into the schapps, opal mera and baileys when I get company at Greens.
Just bought 2 books from the Rollingstone opp shop so this topic is just up my alley,
John
sufil said
04:23 PM Aug 19, 2014
They are the BEST shops to shop out (as are the tip shops and car boot sales!)
Most of our clothes come from op shops, especially when we were on the road, new clothes for every season at a fraction of the price.
Books are another favourite.
Phil always goes thru the toy boxes looking for matchie cars. (We wont go into how many 50litre tubs he has in the shed with his cars in!! He has the playing with ones and the heaven help any kid that touches ones)
Pejay said
04:28 PM Aug 19, 2014
Found a couple of lovely tops at St Vinnies in Trangie - sale day, you could fill a bag for $5!
When we went out to Cameron Corner I bought quite a few tops etc 'cause once the red dirt gets into them, you are hard pushed to get it out again, and this way I am helping the community and saving my reasonably good stuff for another time.
The Hats said
05:21 PM Aug 19, 2014
Mate ,
Nothing wrong with op shops we have them all here in our home paddock, St.Vinnies,Red Cross, Endevour, Lifeline, I have picked up some very high quality fishing gear from these places over the years and some awesome and collectible rocords.
Also some very good cloths plus older cloths I use for fishing or working on the tug ect Not to mention the tools you can replaced damaged or lost (read kids using and they end up in there tool box) at a fraction of the price of new ones.
Cheers
The Hats
Sheba said
06:19 PM Aug 19, 2014
Been an addict for about 57 years. As the others have said, wonderful for Clothes, Shoes, Handbags, Kitchen items, Linen, Books, DVD's, and Jewellery. Picked up a Breadmaker for $7.50 a few weeks ago. Friend of mine was lookiing for an old-fashioned Egg-poacher. Found one for him.
I love them.
Cheers,
Sheba.
GaryKelly said
06:23 PM Aug 19, 2014
I'm an op shop shopper too, and that's where I found Bubba B, my travelling companion.
kiwijims said
07:19 PM Aug 19, 2014
"Gotta love them Op Shops" Called into our local "Vinnies" a few years back, just as I came through the door, the Manager, whom I knew was about to cut the power lead off a large two door fridge/freezer, hang on I yelled, whats wrong with it ? we don't know was the answer, it arrived here on the back of our truck upside down, we're not game to turn it on, how much do you want for it I asked ? $ 5.00 was the answer.
I took it home and it worked perfectly for the next five years.
K.J.
Cupie said
07:31 PM Aug 19, 2014
Opp shops feed my fetish for wine glasses, in particular the shape that they use for wine tasting at wineries. Good for red,& white & sparkling. I got a real bargain of a box of 12 for $10 at the local shop.
I used to buy lots of paperbacks there too but have migrated to ebooks these days as I had difficulty in parting with 'favorite' books & have several book cases chock a block. They probably miss my custom as I used to rearrange the books by author as I perused their stock.
I always go through the crockery & am always on the lookout for silver cutlery or old ivory handled carvers but without much luck.
03_troopy said
07:54 PM Aug 19, 2014
On our last trip up to Townsville we picked up one of those motorised medical beds that fold into a Z shape for my bro-in-law who had an op on his spine for $50.00. He was looking at buying one from Melbourne for over $600.00. he was pretty chuffed. Also I buy good quality jeans and workshirts for a couple of dollars each.
Oz Gypsy said
08:06 PM Aug 19, 2014
We love op shops too! We searched for a leather jacket for hubbby for 5 years, for wearing at the camp fire, and finally found a really good one in an op shop in Kiama a couple of years ago.
It was $35 but they were having a half price sale so he got it for $17.50 and it is a beauty - fully lined and with lots of good pockets. Absolute bargain.
Happywanderer said
08:09 PM Aug 19, 2014
My most important find I forgot to mention, is Miss Marples my teddy. She has travelled with me since I went out on the road and enjoys every minute of being a nomad.
She is called Miss Marples because she always wears a straw hat.
hako said
08:37 PM Aug 19, 2014
The best thing I like about Op-Shops is that I can take all the junk I don't want into the shop and know it will benefit them. It's usually stuff I bought previously at an Op-Shop.
JohnR said
09:35 PM Aug 19, 2014
I have volunteered at Vinnies in Canberra for the past 9years. Majority of my time was Saturday mornings due to work commitments helping with the donations and sorting in the warehouse.
You will find that to compete with K-Mart, Target and the 2 dollar shops they have had to drop their prices. All jeans for example are now $7-.At the moment in NSW they have a massive recruitment drive due to the aging volunteer work force. It is unfortunate that in today's world there are few people from the younger generations prepared to offer up their spare time.
I am more than happy to say that I shop for my clothes at Vinnies.
JohnR
Peter_n_Margaret said
03:14 AM Aug 20, 2014
We almost completely equipped our MH in Europe from op shops.
Cooking gear, storage containers, cutlery, linen, ............
Cheers,
Peter
hardynjools said
07:27 AM Aug 20, 2014
What great tips and ideas. Thanks for sharing them.
Sounds like you are having fun shopping and redesigning things, as well as "donating" to a charity.
Cupie said
10:04 AM Aug 20, 2014
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
We almost completely equipped our MH in Europe from op shops. Cooking gear, storage containers, cutlery, linen, ............
Cheers, Peter
I have read of regular overseas travelers who travel with only hand luggage & fit themselves out at opp shops when they arrive at their destination. Re-donate them back when they leave.
I'll have to suggest this approach to SWMBO. I think that I know the response. One of the first things we check before deciding on an airline is the baggage allowance. US based carriers are usually the 'best'. Not unusual for us to have to purchase extra suitcases for the trip home.
the rocket said
10:30 AM Aug 20, 2014
my latest acquisition is a small toy car in a plastic case for $3.50 like a little matchbox car. you need a screw driver to get the screws out to get the car out. I bought this for my grandson thinking it looked a bit nicer than a matchbox car. looked it up on ebay and it is a collector one and similar is selling for $70. bargain.
-- Edited by the rocket on Wednesday 20th of August 2014 10:30:47 AM
Friar Park said
04:37 PM Aug 20, 2014
I agree Mobile theres nothing wrong with op shopping - You get some really top quality gear at prices so low and nobody ever as to know if you don't tell 'em. Its the one bit of shoppng that SWMBO never has a problem with getting the pack horse (me) to accompany her.
Friar
KevKim37 said
05:36 PM Aug 20, 2014
The OP Shops are the first thing Kim looks for on entering any town and loves them cause she can swap and/or buy different Handbags.
Last purchase was a bedspread in Coober Pedy and another handbag from Vinnies in Edmonton. I have bought clothes in these shops myself
but I can have trouble finding stuff to fit as most seem to be for larger types but still like wandering through them.
Cheers Kev.
Cloak said
07:16 PM Aug 20, 2014
Last time in Orbost I dropped in to their OPpie and it was a goldmine. Came out with a can opener some DVD's and a steamer.
Best of all was the dear old lady with arthritic hands who was perched on an old kitchen chair, knitting. She told me of
the history of Orbost and her childhood swimming in the then mighty snowy river and all the benefits of living in a small town. I'll never forget her serenity while she
reminisced the good old days. I can tell you it was haunting.
I hope she's still there.
Granty said
04:14 PM Aug 21, 2014
Op shops in country towns can have some great finds and the money raised goes to support local causes. Most of our campers cooking gear and old coats for wearing around the camp fire come from op shops.
Hi
Well some of you may not like this style of shopping, but I do and not because I have to, but because I like to.
Found some wonderful bargains such as games, DVDs , a fishing rod ( still looking for a reel ), magazines for me and him and not to forget clothing. You know the best thing about buying clothing from the op shop???? Well when you try it on and it fits you know that when you wash them they will still fit, because someone else has already owned and washed them.
No more it fit the day I bought it and then I washed it and it shrunk!!! Although I do have some items of clothing that MUST have shrunk over time......or maybe it's me that has grown over time!!!!!!
Something great to have on your travels is a jar of buttons ( also from op shop ) and needle and threads for loose hems and missing buttons.
The other thing I buy at op shops is jewellery, beads, braceleats, earrings etc. They rarely stay the way I bought them as I pull them apart and design them into something new. For this I carry a mini jewellery making kit with me. Mini pliers, jump rings and jewellery catches.
The fun you can have with your bargain buys is endless and cost effective. My latest best buy was a mini sewing machine, it only does straight stitching but will come in handy for repairs and who knows I might even have a go at re designing some of the cloths I pick up. Little machine only cost me $8 and it's battery or electric.
Curious as to what my next bargain will be.
I agree. Surprising the items you find in Op Shops. I'm always on the lookout for CDs and DVDs. I've picked up quite a few gems over the years.
I do agree with the clothes comments, at least you know they won't shrink any further.
One of my prized possessions is a silver wine goblet which has it's own personal history. Engraved on it reads To Allen Love Mother 1981 When I use it I always wonder what their story is.
Found some great little shot glasses including one for John yeoeleven with his name on it.
Yes Marj and I still have it but it doesn't get much use these days, will get into the schapps, opal mera and baileys when I get company at Greens.
Just bought 2 books from the Rollingstone opp shop so this topic is just up my alley,
John
Most of our clothes come from op shops, especially when we were on the road, new clothes for every season at a fraction of the price.
Books are another favourite.
Phil always goes thru the toy boxes looking for matchie cars. (We wont go into how many 50litre tubs he has in the shed with his cars in!! He has the playing with ones and the heaven help any kid that touches ones)
When we went out to Cameron Corner I bought quite a few tops etc 'cause once the red dirt gets into them, you are hard pushed to get it out again, and this way I am helping the community and saving my reasonably good stuff for another time.
Mate ,
Nothing wrong with op shops we have them all here in our home paddock, St.Vinnies,Red Cross, Endevour, Lifeline, I have picked up some very high quality fishing gear from these places over the years and some awesome and collectible rocords.
Also some very good cloths plus older cloths I use for fishing or working on the tug ect Not to mention the tools you can replaced damaged or lost (read kids using and they end up in there tool box) at a fraction of the price of new ones.
Cheers
The Hats
Been an addict for about 57 years. As the others have said, wonderful for Clothes, Shoes, Handbags, Kitchen items, Linen, Books, DVD's, and Jewellery. Picked up a Breadmaker for $7.50 a few weeks ago. Friend of mine was lookiing for an old-fashioned Egg-poacher. Found one for him.
I love them.
Cheers,
Sheba.
"Gotta love them Op Shops" Called into our local "Vinnies" a few years back, just as I came through the door, the Manager, whom I knew was about to cut the power lead off a large two door fridge/freezer, hang on I yelled, whats wrong with it ? we don't know was the answer, it arrived here on the back of our truck upside down, we're not game to turn it on, how much do you want for it I asked ? $ 5.00 was the answer.
I took it home and it worked perfectly for the next five years.
K.J.
Opp shops feed my fetish for wine glasses, in particular the shape that they use for wine tasting at wineries. Good for red,& white & sparkling. I got a real bargain of a box of 12 for $10 at the local shop.
I used to buy lots of paperbacks there too but have migrated to ebooks these days as I had difficulty in parting with 'favorite' books & have several book cases chock a block. They probably miss my custom as I used to rearrange the books by author as I perused their stock.
I always go through the crockery & am always on the lookout for silver cutlery or old ivory handled carvers but without much luck.
We love op shops too! We searched for a leather jacket for hubbby for 5 years, for wearing at the camp fire, and finally found a really good one in an op shop in Kiama a couple of years ago.
It was $35 but they were having a half price sale so he got it for $17.50 and it is a beauty - fully lined and with lots of good pockets. Absolute bargain.
She is called Miss Marples because she always wears a straw hat.
I have volunteered at Vinnies in Canberra for the past 9years. Majority of my time was Saturday mornings due to work commitments helping with the donations and sorting in the warehouse.
You will find that to compete with K-Mart, Target and the 2 dollar shops they have had to drop their prices. All jeans for example are now $7-.At the moment in NSW they have a massive recruitment drive due to the aging volunteer work force. It is unfortunate that in today's world there are few people from the younger generations prepared to offer up their spare time.
I am more than happy to say that I shop for my clothes at Vinnies.
JohnR
Cooking gear, storage containers, cutlery, linen, ............
Cheers,
Peter
What great tips and ideas. Thanks for sharing them.
Sounds like you are having fun shopping and redesigning things, as well as "donating" to a charity.
I have read of regular overseas travelers who travel with only hand luggage & fit themselves out at opp shops when they arrive at their destination. Re-donate them back when they leave.
I'll have to suggest this approach to SWMBO. I think that I know the response. One of the first things we check before deciding on an airline is the baggage allowance. US based carriers are usually the 'best'. Not unusual for us to have to purchase extra suitcases for the trip home.
my latest acquisition is a small toy car in a plastic case for $3.50 like a little matchbox car. you need a screw driver to get the screws out to get the car out. I bought this for my grandson thinking it looked a bit nicer than a matchbox car. looked it up on ebay and it is a collector one and similar is selling for $70. bargain.
-- Edited by the rocket on Wednesday 20th of August 2014 10:30:47 AM
I agree Mobile theres nothing wrong with op shopping - You get some really top quality gear at prices so low and nobody ever as to know if you don't tell 'em. Its the one bit of shoppng that SWMBO never has a problem with getting the pack horse (me) to accompany her.
Friar
The OP Shops are the first thing Kim looks for on entering any town and loves them cause she can swap and/or buy different Handbags.
Last purchase was a bedspread in Coober Pedy and another handbag from Vinnies in Edmonton. I have bought clothes in these shops myself
but I can have trouble finding stuff to fit as most seem to be for larger types but still like wandering through them.
Cheers Kev.
Best of all was the dear old lady with arthritic hands who was perched on an old kitchen chair, knitting. She told me of
the history of Orbost and her childhood swimming in the then mighty snowy river and all the benefits of living in a small town. I'll never forget her serenity while she
reminisced the good old days. I can tell you it was haunting.
I hope she's still there.
Op shops in country towns can have some great finds and the money raised goes to support local causes. Most of our campers cooking gear and old coats for wearing around the camp fire come from op shops.
Rod.