Because I was the fourth of six children, I wore hand-me-downs on a daily basis. As a kid I felt this was terribly uncool and vowed never to let any of my children walk around in second-hand clothes. Since then, however, my outlook has changed. Now that I'm a stay at home mom with a toddler, a new house and a limited cash flow, the idea of saving money by putting my son into something another child may have worn previously doesn't seem so unattractive. Hand-me downs aren't just for kids anymore, either. More and more grownups are purchasing used clothes as well. It's an affordable solution to owning designer apparel and clothes that you might wear only once, such as formal wear. If you're considering a little second-hand shopping, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind.

Thrift shops and yard sales
Thrift shops and yard sales are great places to shop for second-hand goods, but be careful. Most thrift store items are donated, and those items that aren't are purchased at a very low cost. Donated items are more likely to be flawed and, in some cases, you get what you pay for. Items are usually put out at a yard sale because the owner is trying to clean out her home. Anything that isn't sold is going into the trash anyway. It's a good guess that a t- shirt selling for ten cents is probably worth ten cents.

Consignment stores
Consignment stores are also good shopping. The clothes are pricier than that of the thrift shop, but that's because items sold to consignment shops must be, in most cases, in pristine condition. Because the shop and the consigner are sharing the profits, most stores will not accept any item unless it looks brand new. Consignment shops are great places to shop for baby clothes, trendy vintage clothing and wedding dresses because the goods are less likely to be damaged.

Online auctions
Internet Auctioneers, such as eBay, can be a wonderful venue for purchasing used apparel, but you can't get a feeling for the goods the way you can in a store. Sometimes, you have to rely on fuzzy photos as a guide to making your purchase. Make sure the seller is willing to accept returns when purchasing any second-hand items on the Internet and get this agreement in writing.

Shopping tips
When hunting for a good secondhand store, always consider the neighborhood. Upscale areas are more likely to carry higher-end merchandise. While you may be spending more money than you would in a lower-income area, keep in mind that these communities are great for finding designer and formal wear at discount prices. If you're looking to pay $30 to $40 on an $80 blouse, this may be for you. The shops in upscale neighborhoods also tend to be cleaner and more organized, with the goods in better condition.

Make sure you examine all merchandise carefully before paying. Most second-hand stores will not accept refunds or exchanges. Some stores will offer credit, but many have an iron-clad no return policy. Check clothes thoroughly for tears, pills, stains, pulls and other flaws.

Second-hand shopping can net some first-rate bargains. Besides the money you're sure to save, you just might find some interesting and unique pieces. No one has to know they've been worn before. The next time you're planning a shopping spree, why not include your local second-hand store? I won't tell if you won't.