I take pride in some odd skills: cartwheeling into a pool, singing every word to old commercial jingles and 90s rap, and the delightful surprise that both of our kids are left-handed despite John and I being righties. I’m also short—5’2″—so having tall kids always feels like a small miracle.
One area I don’t often talk about is secondhand furniture hunting. It’s not magic or extraordinary luck; it’s mostly about frequency and persistence. I check thrift stores, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace regularly. Most of the time I don’t find anything useful, but occasionally I stumble on something amazing. For example, I found a Restoration Hardware inlay dresser listed for $600 and later bought it for $400—an original model that sells new for around $1,800. That find wasn’t luck; it came from consistent searching and following up.
Rather than recite every verse of Left Eye’s rap in TLC’s Waterfalls, here are my practical, actionable tips for secondhand shopping success. They’re straightforward, repeatable, and don’t rely on dumb luck.
Lesson #1: Show Interest and Be Persistent
When I first spotted that inlay dresser, it was listed months before I could afford it. I loved it but it was $600—above my budget. Instead of waiting passively, I let the seller know I was very interested and that my top offer would be $400. She didn’t lower the price immediately but kept me on file. Weeks later the listing disappeared and I reached out again. Because I’d already made contact, I could quickly remind her I was still interested and offer cash. She accepted and sold it to me.
The key takeaway: expressing interest and following up matters. Make contact early, be patient, and don’t be shy about checking back. If you want something, it’s worth hanging in there and letting the seller know you’re an option.
Lesson #2: Be Vigilant and Ready to Act
I also found a marble-topped dresser on Facebook Marketplace for around $100. I frequently check Marketplace—just a five-minute scroll several nights a week. Because I saw the listing within an hour of it being posted, I was first in line, had cash ready, and got to the seller’s house quickly. Sellers often work on a first-come, first-served basis, and the item will go to whoever shows up first with payment.
So make searching a habit, even if it’s just a few minutes a couple of times a week. And when you find something you want, be prepared: have cash ready and act fast. Promptness often seals the deal.
Lesson #3: Recruit Helpers
Some of my best finds weren’t discovered by me at all but by friends who knew what I liked. My bedroom rug came from a consignment shop after a friend texted me photos of pieces she thought I’d love. If you have friends who enjoy design or thrifting, let them know what you’re hunting for. They might spot something and send you a photo or link.
When my friend texted the rug, I immediately called the shop, got cash, and drove over. We checked it (always smell secondhand items) and brought it home within twenty minutes. Having allies who will watch for finds for you is a huge advantage, and it’s nice to return the favor.
Lesson #4: Be Curious — Ask About What’s in the Photo
One of my favorite scores came from a Facebook Marketplace post that was primarily selling driftwood. In the background of the photos were huge chairs. I messaged the seller asking if the chairs were for sale. They were—and the seller even offered to deliver them. Asking about anything that appears in a listing photo can lead to unexpected opportunities. The worst response you’ll get is “no,” and the best might be someone offering to sell and deliver exactly what you asked about.
As a small practical tip, offer a modest delivery fee if the seller doesn’t normally deliver. A $20 offer can save you time, gas, and the hassle of renting a larger vehicle.
In that chair example, we later learned from a follower that the chairs might be vintage Russell Woodard pieces—designs that can sell for thousands. We paid $140 for both, including delivery. Whether or not a piece has high resale value doesn’t matter nearly as much as filling your home with things you love. Still, a little curiosity and follow-up research can reveal delightful surprises about a find’s provenance and value.
In short: check secondhand sources often, be patient but persistent, act quickly when something you love appears, recruit friends to help scout, and don’t hesitate to ask about items you spot in photos. Do those things consistently and you’ll increase your chances of landing great finds. Happy hunting!
P.S. If you want more tips, we previously compiled a list of Craigslist buying advice that still holds up — lots of useful tidbits if you’re seriously into thrifting.