Just remember, not every visit is a winner. Also, you have to "dig".

That's true, hopefully your thrifts are within close distance so you can go frequently, that's really how you find stuff. Like I mentioned in the other post, my Sal Army's had 50% off everything yesterday & I only picked up a few things.
One good strategy is to shop off season. They actually do have some really nice sweaters & other colder season clothes now that are not as picked over. It is hard to get motivated in the summer to looks through sweaters & jackets but it really is the best time and around here they are marked cheaper than when in season too.