Bins for Beginners: What are they? Why go? How do I shop?
College is too expensive. That is simply a fact. From the initial cost of tuition all the way to the cost of buying winter clothing for the harsh Wisconsin weather, school is becoming more and more unaffordable. Focusing on the basic necessities of living can be too expensive, and it hardly leaves any room for buying new clothes and accessories. A new outfit isn’t actually a need, no matter how important it may feel. Still, it is a nice feeling to get complimented on your new boots or have someone ask where you bought your top. However, when buying a tank top costs the same as buying a textbook, spender’s guilt makes it impossible to purchase new items without some sort of sad feeling afterward.
That is where the bins come in.
I first learned about the bins from my little sister, who seemed completely shocked that I had never been. She explained to me that donated clothing goes to the bins when it isn’t sold at a thrift store, and if it doesn’t end up being sold there, the clothing is sent off for salvage and recycling. At outlet stores for thrift shops, such as the Goodwill Outlet store, items are placed in big bins for people to purchase by the pound. With the insanely cheap prices and the possibility for rare finds, like the Coach bag my sister found, the bins are the perfect place for college students to get affordable, stylish clothing. I compiled a quick list of tips from my friends, the internet and my own trips to the bins to help you save the most money and find the cutest clothing.
Tip #1: Go EARLY!
The bins are no longer niche in Madison, especially for students, so to have first pick, you have to get there early. The outlet stores are filled with people looking for the best items, and if you arrive at 3 p.m., chances are the bins are mostly picked through for the things that you would want. My recommendation is to get there as early as you can to beat the rush and get the first look at the clothes.
Tip #2: Dig Through Everything
The bins are huge and overwhelming, and it is tempting to skim the tops of each bin before moving on to the next. This is a mistake. Most people have already picked through the top of the bin, and you are unlikely to find your next going-out top in the rejects of others. Don’t be afraid to get messy and sift through the entire bin. While it will take more time and effort, it is worth it for the things that you will find under all of the mess at the top. Plus, you will get a great arm workout!
Tip #3: Bring a Friend!
The bins are so much more fun when you have a friend by your side. They can help you on your quest for clothing, you can cover more ground and you have someone to laugh with while doing it! My favorite part of going to the bins is laughing at some of the things that you find, and urging your friend to buy a ridiculous T-shirt can be more fun than finding something they’d actually like!
Tip #4: Stick to Your Own Bin
The bins can be tightly packed together, and when you are competing for one bin with three people, it can become quite overwhelming. To avoid the stress and have your own personal space, I would recommend sorting through unoccupied bins. No bin is more likely to have good clothing than the next, and if it is possible, one person per bin makes the whole process far smoother. Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule, like if a new line of bins gets brought out or if you see something you really like – but try to follow it if you can!
Tip #5: Have Fun!
This is the most obvious and the most cringe rule that I could have ended on, but it is still the most important. While the ultimate goal is to find something you like, the bins are a place to have fun while thrifting, and the more that you enjoy the process, the happier you will be with the outcome.
With this in mind, stop by the bins if you can! The St. Vinny’s Outlet is only a few miles from campus, and the Goodwill Outlet is a bit farther. Both are great places to go with your friends! With the bins, you can socialize and save money, making it the perfect place for college students to shop.