Save BIG With The ETC Thrifting Method
Apr 07 | 2025
Photo by Jamaal Cooks for Unsplash
Attention fellow thrifters! Raise your hand if you’ve ever experienced buyer’s remorse over some of your past secondhand shopping. *Raises both hands, high.*
One of the many benefits when it comes to thrifting vs. shopping high-end retail, is that it saves you a ton. With this in mind, it’s easy to get carried away with your spending habits regardless of whether you’re shopping at H&M or at the most independently owned thrift store.
Even though prices at thrift stores tend to be much more reasonable, at the end of the day, you’re still going on a spending spree when shopping secondhand. This can leave you with 1. An overstuffed closet and 2. An empty wallet. Both are a major headache. So what did yours truly used to do to fill that void of negative emotions? Why, I thrifted even more, of course! *facepalm.* (I’ve truly learned nothing.)
But there is one method that’s been helping me to significantly tame my thrifting addiction. Through the whispers of fellow thrifters, I’ve been let in on a little saving secret: ETC Thrifting. When it comes to my problematic spending habits, this ingenious shopping method has helped me so much. I’ve only put the ETC method into play for two or three months and I continue to do what I love (thrifting!) without an inkling of buyer’s remorse. Here’s how:
Just What Is The ETC Thrifting Method?
So I’m a huge fan of the ETC method, which essentially translates to “Edit The Cart.” Instead of just mass purchasing everything from the rack that could be a steal, ETC makes you stop and really consider which items will last, and in the most sustainable way.
For instance, although that zebra skirt with the excessive fringe could be convenient for a kitsch-themed party, can you picture yourself wearing it on a regular basis? If the answer is no, (which, let’s be real here, it should be,) then adjust your shopping cart accordingly. As you take a second to stop and trim the fat from your shopping cart, you’ll be amazed by how much you save. Plus, this method helps you transition from a quantity-based shopper to a quality-based purchaser. As for quantity-based shopping: Been there, done that! And in the wise words of Fleetwood Mac, I’m “never going back again.”
But when it comes to shopping, some of us are more indecisive than others. (Guilty.) If you can’t decide whether or not to buy certain items, no worries — this guide to successful ETC shopping will help you along the way.
Here are some important questions to ask yourself when ETC Thrifting:
Is ETC Shopping Practical?
Super important question to posit before buying anything: “Will I actually use this in my daily life?” Now I’m not saying everything you buy has to be so pragmatic. (I myself have a rather pricey original Golden Girls lunch box that I thrifted and occasionally carry as my purse, thank you very much!) But when it comes to the majority of my spending habits, I’ve cut down s.i.g.n.i.f.i.c.a.n.t.l.y when keeping a laser focus on purchases that I can practically incorporate into my day-to-day life. Sadly, I had to say no to that Chewbacca Pez Dispenser — even if it is a vintage item!
Will This Item Make Me Happy?
Another savvy question to ask yourself before making your purchase is if said potential purchase will add joy to your life. Essentially, we’re gonna Mary Condo it. Sure, that bejeweled mallard purse is a work of art in its own way, but will it bring you happiness? Or will it add to all the obnoxious clutter that’s ruining the flow of your precious chi energy? The answer will be different for everyone, which is where the next question to ask yourself comes in…
Does The Potential Purchase Align With My Future Me?
I want you to envision the best, most successful, sparkling version of yourself. See her? Good. Now, does she wear the garment that you’re debating buying? Does she wear it frequently? Confidently? If yes? By all means buy. If no, se la vie. You won’t miss it, anyway.
Does The Thrifted Item Align With Who I Am Now?
Another valuable question to ask yourself is whether the item you are weighing the pros and cons of thrifting aligns with the person you are now. For instance, my old roommate Chelsea used to buy clothes in a size 8. Despite Chelsea being size 14, she only bought apparel in her goal weight size! According to Chels, having a closet full of size 8 clothing would motivate her to shed those 40 freakin’ pounds. But not long after bulk-purchasing size 8 thrifted dresses, Chelsea discovered a body positivity TikTok influencer who convinced her to love herself in her own skin — without having to change a thing. Now Chelsea proudly flaunts her size 14 fits!
For instance, a few years ago when I went thrifting, I bought a pile of adorable winter clothes that were tres Aspen-chic. I bought them because I’ve been planning a trip to Vail in the “near future” and those ski-core fits will make for the perfect wardrobe on my arctic vacay. But it’s been two years, and I still haven’t even booked my trip to Aspen — and have no plans of going in the foreseeable future. Now, my faux fur ski hat and frost blue snowsuit simply sit there, collecting dust in my closet. (The fact that I live in Florida now doesn’t help!)
These little tips and tricks from the ETC shopping method save so much when it comes to my thrifting sprees. Now, I focus solely on acquiring high-quality items that fit my lifestyle. These days, my thrifting excursions are so much fun, since I no longer just toss everything under the sun into my shopping cart.
