A plastic tote with a lid that does not match is not the kind of thing most shoppers would stop for. @the_real_deidra did, and what she found inside has her calling it the best thrift find she has had so far.

According to the creator, she came across a tote of china at Goodwill. The whole set cost $29.99. She unboxed it the night before posting and shows what was inside, including a gravy boat and a platter. It adds up to eight place settings, though two pieces are missing: one teacup and one soup bowl. In her caption she calls it the best $30 find ever, and in the video she says it is her favorite thrift find to date.

She also mentions that this is part one, with a second part coming. The video does not name the pattern or the maker, so we cannot say what the set is or what it might be worth.

Why a Nearly Complete Set Is Such a Win

Dishes sold as a full set are often priced much higher than individual pieces, and completing a pattern one plate at a time can take years. A set with serving pieces like a platter and gravy boat is especially handy for holiday meals. Missing a teacup and a soup bowl is not unusual for older sets, and replacements can sometimes be found through online sellers and replacement services that specialize in discontinued patterns.

How to Check a Set Before You Buy

• Flip a piece over and look for a maker’s mark or pattern name. It makes searching much easier.
• Run a finger around rims and handles to feel for chips, and look for hairline cracks.
• Hold plates up to the light. Crazing, a web of fine lines in the glaze, is common on older pieces.
• Check gold or silver trim for wear. Many collectors avoid putting trimmed dishes in the microwave or dishwasher.
• Count the pieces and note what is missing before you commit.
• Wrap each piece in towels or paper when you bring a set home, and stack plates with a soft layer between them to prevent scratches.

Once you get it home, a gentle hand wash is the usual first step. If you are curious about the pattern, take clear photos of the front and the back stamp and search by what you see.

We will have to wait for part two to see whether another box turns up.