If you love thrifting, you’re not alone. One person’s discards can easily serve as another’s treasures, but all items aren’t ideal to buy secondhand.
When buying at a thrift store, you likely won’t know the item’s backstory. Most of the time, this doesn’t matter, but in some cases, it can be problematic.
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Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop secondhand. Items like clothing — excluding undergarments — accessories and artwork can be treasured finds at seriously discounted prices.
In fact, 16%-18% of U.S. consumers shop at thrift stores each year, according to Capital One shopping. Big business, secondhand stores amass $2.04 billion in monthly sales globally.
Secondhand shopping is so popular in the U.S. that there’s a holiday for it. National Thrift Store Day falls annually on Aug. 17.
More than just a way to save, buying secondhand is good for the planet. Purchasing and wearing secondhand clothing — instead of buying new — reduces carbon emissions by an average of 25%, according to thredUP.
Whether you’re currently a regular at thrift shops or are planning to start shopping secondhand more regularly, it’s important to know what types of items to avoid. This can help you avoid wasting money in a situation where you’re hoping to save, as well as avoiding a potential health or safety risk.
GOBankingRates spoke with Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com, to find out what thrift store items she always passes on. Here are five product categories she said to steer clear of on your next secondhand shopping trip.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Frugal Shopper: 5 Common Thrift Store Finds I’ll Never Buy