They say “One man's
trash is another man's treasure”
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| Beaton at San Pedro |
Still a newbie to
thrift shopping or Ukay-ukay? I listed down 10 tips on how to make sure your
first visit is a success!
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| 20php clothes! |
1. Prices – When you see a sign that says “New Arrival”, expect it to be a bit expensive (price ranges from 300–1000 and up). You must befriend the saleslady and ask when is the sale usually. Some shops do have a list of shoppers with contact numbers so they can inform them when will be the sale. Lucky you if you’ll visit them unexpectedly and find signs with '3 for 100', 70% off, or clothes as low as 20php!
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| 10php clothes at Ukay Hub Tagaytay |
2. Condition of the clothes – Check if there are
missing buttons, missing stones/embellishments, damaged zipper or stains.
3. Bring a mask - If your allergic to dust, you should bring a mask. I get colds sometimes whenever I forget to bring mine.
4. Bring Sanitizer – Of course, your hands will be straining hundreds of clothes so make sure you bring a sanitizer with you. I’m not saying all ukays are not clean but you know, germs and dirts are everywhere.
5. Bring a big empty bag or eco bag – Normally, ukay shops just have brown paper bags for your purchase. Automatically, there will be no handle so if you expect to buy a lot of stuff and you won’t not bring your eco bag or big back pack with you, you’ll end up hugging a big brown paper bag - that can be so difficult to carry!
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| Alessandra Rich - still with tag! |
6. Look for designer items – It’s best if you have knowledge with designer clothes. Sometimes, Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga and LV are just sitting in the racks, waiting to be discovered. You might also score some brand new items (still with tags and prices).
7. Ask for a discount - Sometimes, the staff
members are kind enough and gives discount but if you’re brave enough, you can
haggle too!
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| With Ana Gonzales :) We went to Starmall Alabang for some ukay shopping! |
8. Bring a friend - It'll be so fun searching for a great find with your ukay buddy! Both of you can exchange thoughts on whether to purchse an item and can suggest clothes to buy too!
9. Wear comfy clothes – Dress in a simple outfit - no thick layers of clothing and no embellishments. Not all shops are air conditioned and some areas doesn’t have electric fans too. Avoid clothes that will make you look ‘RK’ ‘cause remember, pickpockets are into public places like these.
10. Budget – Know how much you’re willing to spend. Check the total price of the items first before going to the cashier so you’ll know if you can afford to buy everything or you need to leave some items behind.
11. Wash, wash , wash – Not once, not twice but
thrice! Hand-wash the clothes twice (Hot water then warm water) then onto the
laundry shop on the third wash. But if
you have your own procedure, go ahead but make sure you wash the clothes
properly!
12. Remember to have fun and be patient! Enjoy thrift shopping!
Any Ukay shop recos? PM me!
I might visit Ukayukay at Anonas soon :)
