Mastering the Art of Secondhand Shopping: 9 Tips for Style on a Budget

More consumers are looking to shop secondhand and the market is expected to double by 2025. Secondhand shopping, or thrifting, is when you shop for used items instead of shopping for brand new ones. Most people prefer this approach to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and discover unique items.

If you're interested in incorporating secondhand shopping into your life, but aren't sure where to get started, you've come to the right place. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide in secondhand shopping.

1. Have a Game Plan

A game plan is the first thing you need on a secondhand shopping trip. Start with a general idea of what you're looking for and plan which stores you want to visit. If you have limited time, you can set a time limit for each store if you have several you plan to visit.

Having a game plan allows you to stay focused and keep your eye out for items you need instead of wandering. Your game plan also prevents you from buying unnecessary items that often lead to buyer's remorse.

2. Know Your Market

After you create a game plan, you need to understand the market in your area. Ask yourself if they're likely to have what you're looking for or if you'll need to venture to another area to shop.

For example, if you're shopping for clothing and live in a rural area, you may need to venture out towards the city to find trendy items.

3. Understand the Different Places to Shop Secondhand

Once you decide to start shopping for more things secondhand, you have to learn where to find what you're looking for. There are a wide variety of stores available to find previously loved items.

Thrift Stores

A thrift store is a brick-and-mortar shop that sells donated goods. Most thrift stores sell things like clothing, housewares, small appliances, and furniture.

Flea Markets

A flea market is when local vendors gather every year to sell secondhand and antique goods, often on a large scale. Here you can shop rows of vendors and find a variety of unique items, although the rare finds may be more expensive.

Buy-Sell-Trade Shops

A buy-sell-trade shop, also known as a consignment shop, is similar to thrift stores but has more of a vetting process with the items they receive. These shops accept certain items to sell but offer the seller a percentage of the proceeds.

Since they're more selective about items, consignment shops have fewer random items to sort through. This creates a more streamlined shopping experience.

Local Garage Sales and Estate Sales

A local garage sale is when someone sells unwanted items at their home, typically outside of their garage or in their front yard. Sometimes large subdivisions will come together and host several garage sales at once to encourage more shoppers to stop by.

A local estate sale is like a garage sale but takes place when the entire estate needs clearing out. Since they involve cleaning out an entire home, you can often find more high-value items, like furniture or antiques.

Estate Auctions

An estate auction is similar to an estate sale because it involves clearing out an entire estate. Rather than listing items for sale, auctions place items up for bid instead, either online or in person.

Sometimes you can find great items and win them in a low bid at an auction if the home is trying to be emptied fast.

Find online estate auctions near you. 

Online Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces

You can experience thrifting without leaving your house. There are a variety of options online for shopping secondhand. When you're shopping for something specific, this is one of the best ways to guarantee you'll find what you're looking for. 

For clothing, websites like Poshmark, DePop, and ThredUp list previously worn clothing for sale. For other items, online marketplaces have become more popular with sites like LetGo and Facebook Marketplace. 

4. Know the Value

Knowing the value of things is one of the most important things when secondhand shopping. Knowing what something is worth prevents you from overpaying for something you may have found cheaper in the store.

If you're unsure, don't be afraid to research the price of an item online before committing to buying.

5. See the Potential

Sometimes secondhand items will be rougher around the edges, but be open-minded and willing to see the potential. Furniture and clothing are items that can be upcycled into something new and fresh if you have a vision and some time.

6. Shop Large Items Locally

When shopping for large items, it's often better to shop locally. These items are difficult to ship and you might experience high shipping fees to get them to you.

7. Test Appliances and Electronics

Before purchasing appliances and electronics, you should always ask if you can test them first. Most stores will allow you to plug them in and confirm everything is in working order.

8. Haggling Can Save You Money

While brick-and-mortar thrift stores and consignment shops don't often accept haggling, it's common at flea markets and local sales. If you see an item you love but aren't keen on the listed price, don't be afraid to offer a lower amount and haggle until you reach a price point you're happy with.

Check out these tips for haggling at flea markets.

9. Don't Rule Out Digital Thrifting 

Digital thrifting is a modern way to shop for secondhand. You can find items at online estate sales, buy nothing groups on Facebook, online auctions, and online marketplaces. There are even a variety of secondhand clothing stores online, like Poshmark or Thredup.

When buying online, shop from a trusted seller and keep an eye out for red flags to protect yourself from scams.

Make the Switch to Secondhand Shopping

Today, there are so many options available that it's becoming easier to find places to shop used goods. Not only will thrifting save you money, but it can be a fun way to spend your time.

Sign up for the AuctionNinja email list to get alerts for local estate sales and auctions near you -- your next great find is only a click away.

 

 

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