Most people say that shopping is very stress-relieving. And I think so, too! But my kind of stress-relieving shopping isn't the most common thing outside the Philippines. I love to shop in Ukay-ukay stores!
Note: An Ukay-ukay store is more commonly known outside the country as the Salvation Army minus the dry-cleaning and laundry. The term "ukay-ukay" means digging out.
Just today, I went out with my CFC Youth for Christ sisters and went out on a stress-relieving Ukay date!;) It was oodles of fun! We went out to an Ukay store here at my town and bought a LOT of clothes, bags, shorts, belts, or just whatever awesome stuff we get our hands on! And the amazing thing is, each of us bought an average of P200 to P300 [$5 to $7] worth of stuff. When I say "stuff", I mean like 7 to 10 items of "stuff".
I know a lot of people might think this kind of shopping isn't for them because you aren't sure of the kind of person who pre-owned. But I think that lots of people should do this. Personally, looking for awesome stuff for a fraction of the price is a challenge. I think that this kind of shopping builds up my eye for fashion. It takes a lot of imagination to look at disheveled tops as fashionable items, you know!
It's funny because I take Ukay shopping very seriously. After years of Ukay experience, I have set up a list of advice when it comes to this. I'd like to share some if you don't mind. [Since you're reading my blog, you have no choice. hahaha]
#1.) If you want to squeeze your P100 to buy a LOT, never go for the air-conditioned ukay stores. Most of them, or probably all of the items from these kind of Ukay stores cost more than a hundred bucks. They go down on sales during the end of the month but still cost a lot more than the non-air conditioned Ukay stores.
#2.) Since the air-conditioned Ukay store is not advisable, always wear comfy casual clothes.
#3.) Keep in handy a hand-sanitizer/alcohol. Or both.;)
#4.) Before you go in, don't set up specifications. Like, " I want a teal high-waisted skirt with buttons on the side and a wide waistband." You're just going to end up disappointed, with nothing at all or settling for a higher price. Most times, you miss out on a lot of beautiful items lying around in front of you.
#5.) Avoid buying very plain simple pieces, like a shirt you could wear at home. It's fine to buy basics especially if they are good quality but don't try to hoard everything! It's a waste of money doing that.
#6.) If you find jackets, dresses, jeans, shoes that are less than P50 and you absolutely love and think that you can pull off, buy it! Even if you don't think you can wear them most of the time. Jackets are good items to buy at these prices because, when it's "in season" [like the rainy season], it'll be sold at higher prices. Reality is, you don't have a lot of them in your closet and it's pretty nice to know you have something fashionable to wear on a rainy/cold day, isn't it? Same thing for dresses or shoes. Think of church on Sundays.
#7.) Even if it's cheap, always check for quality and damages. Look out for broken zippers, holes, chipped leather, etc.
#8.) If there are damages, ask yourself, "Is this fixable?". If Yes, proceed to counter. If No, ask again, "Can I live with this?". If Yes, proceed to counter. If No, put it back.
#9.) When checking for quality, feel the item if it's comfortable for you. Especially for tops, jeans and shoes. If they don't fit, don't buy it. Don't buy anything thinking that you will eventually fit into them.
#10.) Have fun! If you're not having fun, then don't shop. Chances are, you end up with items that you'll regret after seeing the light. It's actually alright to pass by an Ukay shop and not buy anything even if the P5 signs are up. Nobody's going to arrest you for missing out on a sale!
So there you go readers! My Top 10 Tips for Ukay Shopping!
I hope you find something useful in my random thoughts. And actually use them!
Until next time!
I'd like to hear from you, too!
What tips do you have for ukay shoppers out there?
Just comment below!
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