Marc Serafino
Outlet centers and discount retailers are not the only places to look for amazing deals. Savvy shoppers know about other stores that are seldom visited by regular, not-that-savvy folks. As it is our mission to make you savvier, we share the list of…
7 Unusual Stores to Find Great Bargains
1. Pawnshop
As you probably already know, pawnshop’s business involves providing loans with valuable items serving as a collateral. Sometimes people can’t repay their debts, prompting pawn shops to offer these items for sale. At that time you can get a good deal on a number of things like jewelry, power tool, electronics, musical instruments, and more. (Also read: Top Items To Pawn For Quick Money)
2. Auctions
There are high-end auctions that offer luxury and/or rare items, and those for the rest of us. You may want to check out the latter to be able to scoop some deal — use AuctionZip.com to find nearby auctions. These auctions are typically held at estate sales and going-out-of-business sales to liquidate assets quickly, offering things like furniture, collectibles, tools, appliances, vehicles and more. Also, there are auctions organized by different government bodies that sell property seized by the TSA and other agencies. You can find these auctions using the sites like eyeflare.com and govsales.gov. Whichever auction you attend, make sure not to get over yourself when bidding for stuff (as you could easily end-up spending more than planned).
3. Unclaimed Baggage Center
Baggage gets lost despite airlines’ best efforts to transport it from point A to point B. All unclaimed baggage is collected and dispatched to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama from where anyone can buy it at a steep discount. The Center also happens to be one of Alabama’s top tourist attractions so don’t miss a chance to check it out if you are passing through the area. You can buy many different items here such as luggage (obviously), books, clothing, sporting goods, electronics and jewelry.
4. Consignment shop
Consignment shops help people get rid of unwanted items, and will share the sale price with the original owner. Due to limited space, consignment shops can’t hold items forever and will thus drastically reduce the price after holding it for a month or so. You want to buy stuff while they are in this “state” and save a ton. Look for used housewares, clothing, sporting goods, books and CDs, as well as some furniture pieces.
5. Military surplus store
It is only natural that military surplus stores sell military items, both new and used. However, some of the items they offer could be used by regular folks like you and me. Things you’ll want to check out in these stores include camping and hiking gear, camouflage netting, rope and storage containers. Also, check for material for outdoor projects.
6. Amish market
Members of the Amish community are well known for their simple lifestyle and high quality workmanship. Their markets are good to check if you’re looking to buy cheese, meat, produce, honey and homemade candy, as well as hand-crafted items. Make sure to bring cash as many of these markets won’t take your credit card.
7. Habitat Restore
Habitat Restore sells building materials and home improvement stuff that were donated by individuals and businesses across the U.S. to fund Habitat for Humanity charitable projects. Because of that, Habitat Restore is able to offer amazing deals on things like doors, mirrors, paint, building materials, lighting fixtures and plumbing supplies. You will have to visit them for a few times to get what you need as their selection varies a lot.
Something to add?
As always we want your feedback. Have you found a deal in some other “unlikely” store? If so, we want to hear about it and, hopefully, expand our list. So do share your two cents in the comments form below or send us an email. Thanks. 😉
