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April 15, 2025 – Thrifting is a smart way to save cash and cut waste, but not every bargain is worth your wallet—or your safety. Virginia Chamlee, thrifting expert and author of Big Thrift Energy, warns that some secondhand finds can end up costing you more in repairs, storage, or even health risks. With thrift store popularity soaring (the secondhand market is projected to hit $350 billion by 2027, per ThredUp’s 2025 report), knowing what to avoid is more important than ever. Here are five types of goods Chamlee says you should never buy—and why.
“That cheap chair with a broken leg seems like a steal, but the restoration cost often exceeds the item’s value,” Chamlee says. She advises asking yourself: How long did you spend hunting? How far did you drive? What did you pay—and how much time and money would you really invest in fixing it? Even “free” or $10 finds can become money pits once you factor in materials and labor. Worse: if you don’t fix them, they turn into clutter. “Resist the urge to buy just because it’s cheap—that feeds the consumer cycle,” she adds.
A beautiful silk blouse with a mysterious stain? Leave it. Old stains set deep into fibers, and you’ll rarely get them out—especially if you don’t know the source (which could be mold, according to Chamlee). She also warns against pilled or damaged fabrics, and advises sticking to quality materials like silk, wool, or leather. Polyester blends tend to pill and trap odors, making them harder to resell or wear. “If you wouldn’t buy it new with a stain, don’t buy it used,” she says.
Pet smells, smoke, or mildew can sometimes be neutralized with vinegar, but Chamlee says animal-related odors are a hard pass. Upholstered furniture with strong smells may require professional reupholstering—which can cost hundreds, especially if the cushions need rebuilding. “If the odor bothers you in the store, it will bother you at home,” she cautions. A 2025 survey by the National Association of Resale Professionals found that 43% of thrifters regret buying furniture with hidden smells.
Recalls happen more often than you think. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were over 300 recalls in 2024 alone—many involving electronics, children’s toys, strollers, and car seats. Chamlee recommends always doing a quick web search before buying used electronics or baby equipment. “A cheap laptop or baby carrier isn’t a bargain if it’s a fire hazard or a strangulation risk,” she says. New for 2025: The CPSC recently flagged a batch of thrifted portable chargers that can overheat; always check the agency’s recall database.
Marble tables with big chips, vases with hairline cracks, or leaky mugs are not worth the shelf space. Chamlee says she never buys anything that’s fragile and broken because it’s either unusable or dangerous. A chipped vintage plate might look charming, but sharp edges can cause cuts. “If you can’t use it as intended, it’s just taking up room and adding stress,” she explains. Her rule: only buy what you would genuinely display or use immediately.
Virginia Chamlee is the author of “Big Thrift Energy” and a regular contributor to Real Simple. This article was updated on April 15, 2025.
