9 Online Thrifting Tips For Facebook Marketplace & Thrifting Apps

1. Download all the apps

Thrifting online is like dating. You're going to see some hotties, you're going to see some duds, but the more you put yourself out there, the more you're going to see.

Some people do cross-post across apps, but some people are just very into a specific app, so I say download them all. My go-to apps are Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up.

2. Expand your search radius

If you have your budget in mind, and if what you're looking for is so specific, unique, rare, or just something very particular you have in mind, expand your search radius as far as you're willing to go.

Think about how far you're genuinely willing to go to save money or to get something really cool. Many sellers also ship, so feel free to explore those sections as well.

3. Teach the algorithm

The algorithm is everything, so you need to bend it to your will and manipulate it to give you everything you want. To get the apps to show you what you want consistently, just hit the Like button on items.

As soon as you log on, you can look at search terms like mid-century or Art Deco, which will bring up a bunch of stuff. It doesn't matter the price, just like everything. The more you like, the more you save. A lot of these have features where you can save your favorites.

This will teach the algorithm to feed you anything that looks like that automatically. My algorithm is pretty full of things that match my particular taste, style, color, textures, and all those things.

4. Use broader search terms

I wanted Art Deco shell-shaped brass sconces. People will tend to search very specific terms for that kind of thing, and that's fine because it will bring you similar items.

However, anything that is so well labeled is being sold by a reseller or vintage seller who definitely knows the price and might be jacking it up.

So when you want those really fantastic scores and finds, you don't search for those specific keywords. A lot of people are just describing the item in the most basic terms because they may not be home decor enthusiasts who know exactly what they have.

So as I was searching for mine, I knew not to search for Art Deco shell-shaped brass sconce. Instead, these are the many variations of search terms.

I used: sconces, brass sconce, gold sconce, gold wall candle holder, brass shell candelabra, vintage wall sconce, art deco, hanging candle holder, paper candle holder, and mid-century. (No matter what era something actually is, everybody calls it mid-century.)

Do you want to know the special secret search term that finally brought me to my dream? Sconces wall sconces.

5. Know your timing

Your best bet is to check every day. I check these apps the way people check Instagram or dating profiles while I'm sitting watching TV. While I'm waiting in line, I just pop on to see what comes into the feed.

One fun tip is that towards the end of the month, people know that they're going to be moving, and they are either desperate for cash for their move or trying to offload stuff.

So around the end of the month and even into the first week of the month, you'll see many more items flooding the marketplace. Because people want to offload them quickly, they're more likely to negotiate.

On the note of negotiating, my policy is that it never hurts to negotiate. If something is already priced well below market value, I don't negotiate. I just offer gratitude to the thrifting gods for bringing me this treasure at such a wonderful price.

6. Be patient

I've been looking for my sconces for nine months. Everything I saw was not the right color, not the right size, or just not the shell shape I wanted. Sometimes things just take time; that's just how it is when you're curating your own home.

7. Double-check the color

Product photography is very tricky. So if you're looking for a very specific color, ask the seller to upload more pictures or try to reverse the image. Search the manufacturer's photo they put on because you can sometimes see what it looks like in studio lighting.

8. Double-check the dimensions

Check the dimensions of the piece you're buying and also the dimensions of your car. I once went to buy a lampshade, not realizing it was almost 3 feet wide.

Also, know the dimensions of your car. If you think you're going to be able to squeeze that dresser in your trunk, think again.

9. Double-check the material of what you're buying

I once went to buy an eight-by-ten rug, not realizing it was a plastic mat. I felt so bad, but I bought it anyway.

Now that we have all learned how to thrift together, I want to share my experience buying my beautiful sconces. They are as beautiful as I hoped they would be.

The girl said she got them from a vintage seller long ago and was just ready to pass them off. I can't stop plotting and scheming about where I think I want to put these.

Online thrifting tips

I hope that today's online thrifting tips have been helpful and that you find some fantastic stuff on the apps. What is the longest that you have waited to find the perfect thing? What was that thing? Share in the comments below.