9 Tips to Ace Thrift Shopping for Clothes Online

How to Buy Secondhand Online Clothing

Even if you have an out-of-this-world secondhand clothing shop in your area, online thrift shopping is also a terrific place to find fun, unique pieces for everyone in your family. It gives you a much larger selection of clothes to choose from than can fit in any physical shop. Plus, you can also easily narrow your search for specific pieces you’ve been eyeing. Here are a few hot tips to make your purchasing experience successful…

01. Read the Listing

Check the listing to confirm sizing, material, condition, washing instructions, and if it comes from a smoke- and pet-free home before purchasing.

02. Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to message the seller to get more details. If they don’t call out any flaws in the garment, ask about stains, tears, functioning zips, snaps, and buttons to be sure. If the flaw is photographed but not listed in the details, most online shops consider that as proof of disclosure so be sure to ask as photos can sometimes be misleading. (One time what I assumed was a shadow in a photo was actually a stain!)

03. Request More Photos

It’s totally normal to ask sellers for more photos on websites like Poshmark and Mercari if not all angles of the garment are shown — including the tags to confirm the brand and care instructions. Also, be sure the seller shows photos of the actual product (the one you’re buying that’s hanging in their closet) and not just the website images. (You want to be able to see the physical product that you’re buying to ensure authenticity and condition.)

04. Use Filters + the Search Bar

Use filters and the search bar to narrow your search to find exactly what you’re looking for. Search by brand, clothing type, gender, size, color, price, and features you’re looking for to narrow down your search.

05. Know your Size

Kid sizing often runs truer to size and thus, is easier to shop for online than adult clothing. If ordering for yourself, know your measurements to assess quickly if the garment will fit. If the measurements are not listed, ask the seller. (Photos of the garment with a measuring tape proving sizing are also helpful.)

06. Order Your Favorite Brands

Unless you order from ThredUP, most secondhand online orders cannot be returned. (And even with ThredUp, there is a restocking fee and emissions that come with returns, so choose wisely.) When you shop from brands you love, you will likely know how their pieces fit and can find pieces you know will look fabulous on you.

07. Save Money

In addition to buying items that are less expensive than purchasing brand-new, you can also save money by shopping during secondhand sales or by bundling multiple items together from the same seller. Furthermore, some sites allow you to offer a lower price than what the seller is asking.

08. Like it

When you “like” an item, you will often be sent a personalized discount from the seller within a day or two that reduces both the buying price of the piece and the shipping cost.

09. Sell Your Stuff Too

When you sell items online, you get a credit to your account, which you can either use towards new clothing or deposit in your bank account to spend elsewhere.

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