If you absolutely, positively need a well-fitting pair of black slacks by tomorrow morning, snarfing’s not your thing. Snarfing is not about finding a specific thing you need, now (although sometimes that happens). It is about looking around to see what is out there.
It’s also not for everyone. I will never forget the look of absolute horror on my stepmother’s face the one time I took her to the Macy’s clearance outlet, which occupied an entire city block in San Leandro. Confronted with racks and racks of mixed up sizes and fabrics – to me, a treasure trove of possibility where I could happily spend hours – she froze.
What makes someone a good snarfer?
- Defined taste – whatever your taste is, you know it when you see it
- Decisiveness – when you see it, you can snarf it – you don’t need to bring three friends back for a consult
- Patience (lines in discount stores can be long)
- Imagination (“This vase would make a cool toothbrush holder”)
- A can-do attitude (even the ability to sew a button back on or mend a simple tear will widen your universe of snarfing possibilities)
- Flexibility – when you find something swell on Craigslist, it’s best to cancel your evening plans and pick it up right away
Vintage butterfly chair with original cover, snarfed on Craigslist for $25
Are you a snarfer? What makes you good at it?
