Everyone has different reasons for hitting up their local thrift store. Maybe you're looking for a funky, one-of-a-kind piece, the economy has your wallet on lock down or you want to live a greener, more eco-friendly life. Whatever the reason, secondhand stores can be fashion heaven or a shopping nightmare.

If you've never thrifted, it can be intimidating. Piles of unorganized clothes and pushy crowds are enough to scare anyone off. Luckily, Black Voices has you covered with 5 thrift store shopping tips to help you scour like a pro. You'll add some great pieces to your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

STEP 1: Dress the Part
Your choice of clothes while you're shopping for new clothes can make all the difference. Opt for close-fitting attire (leggings and a cardigan) so you can try things on over your clothes. Comfy flats are also a must, but stay away from open toes, as you're bound to get accidentally stepped on at a major thrift sale. Also, leave the large purse at home. A crossbody bag frees your hands up and won't get in your way.

STEP 2: Work in Teams
Shopping with girlfriends won't just give you a buddy to have lunch with afterwards - you can also help one another shop. If you're looking for something specific, let her know. She can keep an eye out if she comes across anything that you may be interested in. Once you're done shopping, you can swap items. And if there's no mirror at your secondhand location, she can give you an honest opinion on how something looks. STEP 3: Grab Everything and Decide Later
If a piece of clothing catches your eye, grab it. In the fast-paced thrifting world, there's no time to initially deliberate about a look. Other shoppers will already be moving on to the next rack of goodies while you're still stuck on one piece.

Once you've finished shopping (but before you head to the register), find a corner and make a final decision about what to keep, swap with a fellow shopper or put back on the racks. Many shops have a no-return policy, so check (and double check) for rips, tears or stains.

STEP 4: Online Options
If the thought of a crowded, unorganized thrift shop is too overwhelming, there are a few online options. Goodwill (http://www.shopgoodwill.com/) lets you browse everything from art to accessories to clothing from the comfort of your laptop. The convenience factor isn't the only draw - sometimes the online selection is even better than what's in stores!

STEP 5: Sign Up and Stay Tuned
In this technological age, nearly every brand or store is online. Use this to your advantage by signing up for their newsletters, following them on Twitter or liking their Facebook pages. You'll usually find out about last minute sales and stay up to date on any new store openings.

To find a thrift store in your area, check out the Thrift Store Directory.
http://www.thethriftshopper.com/

What's your favorite way to shop?