Do you enjoy thrifting on the internet? My friends vouch for it, but stepping into the world of online secondhand shopping has always been a daunting prospect for me. What if the garment doesn’t fit right? Or the material isn’t as nice up close? Eager to learn, I consulted with five savvy women who offered their advice…
1. Propose a counteroffer. “I seldom pay full price for a secondhand product. When determining my counteroffer, I take into account the expenses for taxes and shipping, along with any potential alteration fees. (At 5’3”, I frequently need to have items shortened.) This helps me decide on an acceptable total price. Most sellers will respond with another offer, and from there, you can choose to agree, refuse, or continue bargaining.” — Kaitlyn Teer, editor at Big Salad
2. Don’t overlook outerwear and shoes in the kids’ section. “I frequently come across premium, brand-name rainwear and winter jackets that are either gently used or brand new with tags, offered at greatly reduced prices. Think: North Face puffers, Patagonia fleeces, and Hunter rain boots. I simply enter the item I’m searching for and narrow it down by my children’s sizes and the brands I prefer.” — Kaitlyn Teer
3. Create item bundles. “To cut down on shipping costs, I have a couple of tactics. First, I look for listings containing multiple items. For example, a set of six Gap T-shirts in size 4T or three pairs of H&M jeans in size 7. Second, if I see several items I like from a particular seller, I’ll explore their entire collection and propose an offer on a bundle of pieces. Consequently, instead of incurring $8 in shipping per piece, I pay $8 in shipping for five pieces collectively.” — Kaitlyn Teer
4. Seek out heritage brands and favorites. “When thrifting, I’m on the lookout for vintage Wranglers, pure cotton tees from L.L. Bean or Lands’ End, and Norma Kamali dresses. Also, Rachel Comey sweatshirts — they appear frequently on Noihsaf and are quickly snapped up.” [more info here] — Kate Lindello, founder of Noihsaf Bazaar (check out her week of outfits)
5. Try on clothes in person, then activate alerts. “I’ll try clothes at physical stores, and if they appeal to me, I’ll activate alerts for the same items in my size online. I did that with a sundress I adore and wear often.” — Youngna Park, product advisor and writer
6. Use keywords related to your favorite themes. “I have a fascination with seahorses, so one day I typed ‘seahorse’ into Poshmark, just to see the results. I stumbled upon this straw bag and bought it for $20. It’s now my staple summer bag.” — Leela Cyd, photographer
7. Accumulate workwear. “During my time in an office, I acquired all my professional attire on Poshmark and eBay. I continue to search by fabric types — cashmere, silk, and linen — and for overlooked brands like Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. It’s possible to find the perfect cashmere sweater for $15 within ten minutes of searching.” — Mya Hansel, writer and stylist (here’s her week of outfits)
8. Persist in your searching, despite long waits. “My Frye boots rank among my cherished vintage finds. I spent two years looking before locating them in my size. I finally bought them on Poshmark for $100 — reduced from $500. They’re my most treasured possession.” — Mya Hansel
9. Accept that some purchases might not suit you. “Shopping is always a mix of hits and misses. The silver lining is that if you bought it secondhand, reselling it secondhand is often an option — so don’t feel disheartened!” — Youngna Park
Additionally, a few delightful secondhand discoveries we cherish:
What suggestions would you contribute? I adore this polka dot dress, and how charming are these Chloé sandals?
P.S. Three week-of-outfits articles: an English vintage seller donning only secondhand, a Chicago stylist with thrift insights, and a Berkeley creative director sourcing her footwear on eBay.
(Photo of Mya Hansel by Julia Robbs. Photo of Kate Lindello by Liz Pawlik.)
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**Nine Pro Tips for Online Secondhand Purchasing Success**
The boom of online marketplaces has transformed how we discover secondhand treasures, delivering an array of unique and eco-friendly options. Yet, these platforms can be intimidating to navigate. Follow these nine pro tips to make your online secondhand shopping both rewarding and enjoyable.
1. **Understand the Platform**: Prior to shopping, take time to learn about the platform. Each marketplace has its distinct regulations, payment methods, and setup. Review customer feedback and verify any buyer protection features to guarantee a secure shopping experience.
2. **Establish a Spending Limit**: With a vast selection of enticing choices, staying on budget is crucial. Set a spending limit to curb overspending, allowing you to focus on necessities and deter impulse buying.
3. **Know Your Measurements**: For clothing purchases, precise measurements are vital. Sizes often differ across brands and decades. Keep a measuring tool handy to compare your dimensions with the seller’s specifics.
4. **Implement Detailed Search Keywords**: Employ precise keywords when looking for items. Include the item description, brand, size, and color. This approach will refine the results and save search time.
5. **Examine Seller Ratings and Reviews**: Always assess the seller’s ratings and peruse feedback from previous buyers. This can offer valuable insights into the seller’s credibility, the quality of their goods, and their customer interaction.
6. **Scrutinize Photos Carefully**: Review each photo from the seller. Check for wear, damage, or changes. If images lack clarity, don’t hesitate to request additional visuals or information from the seller.
7. **Inquire**: Should any uncertainties arise or more details be needed, contact the seller. Ask about the item’s condition, its history, or relevant details. A prompt seller often indicates a reliable transaction.
8. **Exercise Patience and Persistence**: Securing the ideal item may require time. Patience and persistence are key. Enable alerts for desired items or brands, and revisit often for updated listings.
9. **Evaluate Shipping Expenses and Policies**: Bear in mind shipping fees in your purchase budget. Also, familiarize yourself with the platform’s return policy in case an item fails to meet expectations. Many platforms offer buyer protection, providing peace of mind.
By adhering to these expert tips, you can elevate your online secondhand shopping journey, discovering one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion industry. Best of luck!
