How to Second Hand Shop Like A Pro!

How to Shop Second Hand

10/19/2020

Danielle Alvarado

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My name is Danielle and I am a mother of two, wife, CEO, and lover of vintage treasures. I created SKL in 2020 to help our community in their need for well-researched and trust-worthy articles, listicles and guides to live a more sustainable and healthy life. So happy to have you here! (Click to learn more).

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One Woman’s Trash is another Woman’s Fashion Treasure

The Second Hand Online Industry is BOOMING!

The days of driving/biking/walking around town looking for a deal/steal/bargain on quality items are now a thing of the past. With second-hand stores and vintage boutiques having a huge online presence, there is no need to spend over your budget!

This guide will help you on your journey to becoming a PROFESSIONAL second-hand shopper. From homeware to sunglasses to doggy beds…the second-hand industry has got it all.

second hand shopping

Boutiques

How to shop second hand like a pro

My absolute favorite way to second-hand shop is by shopping through boutique stores.

Many boutiques are all gathered together on large online platforms where you can scroll for hours on end. I do not advise that you do this if you have not yet created your Capsule Wardrobe List, but by all means, it’s up to you!

I have recently purchased some amazing second-hand onesies by PeopleTree that I wear almost on a daily basis. I found these through a wonderful platform called TROUVA. This amazing platform hosts the most quaint, adorable and hip boutiques from all over Europe onto one beautiful platform where you can search endlessly for your hearts desires.

For my North American folks, I highly recommend The Boutique Hub!

vetta capsule wardrobe

Second-Hand Sell-Buy Online Shops

I love the idea that you can send your clothes in and receive money back to find an item you actually love and cherish. These shops are absolutely wonderful if you are just starting out on a sustainable/ethical/minimalist closet and need to stock up on basics while getting rid of impulse buys.

ThredUp:

This company is quite popular for several reasons; their packaging is plastic free, they allow hassle-free returns, they list materials in each item, fabulous search function, and selling your clothes to them is super easy. They will also recycle your clothing for you if you do not want it returned!

Poshmark:

This is great if you want to take charge of your own sales. You are the shop owner and sell items without the send in the bag. Set the price, pay a bit of commission, and watch the money roll in! I used this very app when I left Hawaii and made over 1k.

Vinted:

This French company’s tag line says it all, “Just snap, upload, and sell – for free!”  That sounds good to me!

Tradesy:

This is a luxury brand consignment that includes a note with each purchase from the seller! They offer free shipping and cover returns.

Material World:

This is one of the only online shops that will pay you upfront. This is great if you are in real need of some cash but the cons are obvious; you get less than you would if you took charge yourself. Sometimes we just want the cash, so it’s up to you!

Schoola

(For a great cause): This company gives a large portion of its profits to any educational non-profit of your choice! Win-Win here!

Vestiare Collective:

This is the exact shop where I snagged some amazing Patagonia wear for an amazing deal. I adore this shop and it is high end till the end. This shop has well over 1,000 transactions each day and your items will be sold quickly!

REBELLE:

This is a European only second-hand shop that has some killer fashion designers. You can find anything ranging from high luxury to casual. You can also sell on this website!

eBay:

To search for second-hand items on eBay, simply click the second-hand button on the side panel. Also, leave a note to your seller that you wish for a plastic-free delivery!

Swap:

This company only allows credit back for returns and is rather new in the second-hand industry but the reviews seem great!

Plaine Products

Tips & Tricks

How to shop second hand like a pro

  1. Come with a list: Just like with regular shopping, if you want to be serious and grow the perfect closet, you need to stick to what you need! Unless you come across a Stella McCartney dress or something…stick to the list!
  2. Forget sizes: The older the clothing is, the more “off” (or right?) the sizing is. For some crazy reason, fashion brands have gone from normal sizing to super tiny sizing the past 20 years. A size four 15 years ago is more like a size 8 nowadays!
  3. Time: Try to give yourself plenty of time to shop; this is for both online and in person. There is nothing worse than having the stress of time during shopping; it usually ends up in purchasing items that you do not want.
  4. Use color codes: Have you noticed that most thrift stores are sorted by color? This is a great way to stick to what you love and look good in!
  5. Alter if needed: Please do not pass up a key item if it is a little too big. You can take your item to the tailor and they will fit it perfectly to your body for an amazing price!
  6. Use the search function! If shopping online, you must use the search function to find the best brands. I love to create a list of brands that I have my eye on for the season and see what the second-hand shops have to offer. I have found some amazing deals!

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  1. Laura says:

    Such an interesting post – this has definitely made me excited to start sustainable shopping. It’s good to know that we can shop guilt-free with these eco-friendly alternatives.

    • Thank you for taking the time to read! Second hand first is such a great mentality when it comes to shopping for sustainability and saving money as well – a win win!

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