Do you like thrifting online?My friends swear by it, but I’m always afraid of buying second-hand items online. What should I do if the product doesn’t fit? Or maybe the texture of the fabric is not very good? Ready to learn, I asked five wise women to share their wisdom.
1. Make a counter-proposal. “I rarely pay list price for used items. When I’m considering a counteroffer, I also estimate taxes and shipping costs, as well as any possible tailoring costs (I’m 5’3”, so items often need hemming). That way, I know what the overall price is OK for me. Usually the seller makes a counteroffer, and then you can accept, decline, or continue negotiating. caitlin tier, big salad editor
2. Don’t forget your jacket and shoes in the kids corner. “It’s common to see high-quality, name-brand rainwear and winter coats in gently used or new condition with tags on sale at a deep discount. Think of it like this: north face puffer, Patagonia fleeceand hunter rain boots. Simply enter the item you’re looking for and the results will be limited by your child’s size and preferred brand. ” — Caitlin Tier
3. Create a bundle. “To reduce shipping costs, I have two strategies. First, I search for listings that include multiple items, such as six Gap T-shirts in a size 4T, or three pairs of H&M jeans in a size 7. Second, if I like a few items from a particular seller, I check their entire closet and make an offer on the items. So instead of paying $8 in shipping for each item I order, I search for listings that include multiple items. Combined shipping fee of $8.” — Caitlin Tier.
4. Search for your favorite traditional brands and designers. “When I’m thrifting, I look to vintage Wranglers and 100% cotton T-shirts from LL Bean and Lands’ End. norma kamali dress. Also, rachel comey sweatshirt — They always come in. Neusaf And sell it right away. ” [more here] — Kate Linderofounder of Noihsaf Bazaar (see her week’s outfits here)
5. Try on clothes and set alerts. “I try on clothes in a physical store, and if I like them, I set up an alert for clothes in my size online. That’s what I did. sundress I love it and wear it all the time. — Park Young Naproduct advisor and writer
6. Use your favorite color/pattern/animal as a keyword. “I’m really interested in seahorses, so one day I typed ‘seahorse’ into Poshmark to see what would come up. Eventually I found the following: this straw bag And you can get it for $20. It has become my staple summer wallet. ” — leela sidphotographer
7. Stock up on work clothes. “When I worked in an office, I found all my work clothes on Poshmark and eBay, and I still search by materials like cashmere, silk, and linen, and look for brands worn by people who sleep a lot. banana republic and Ann Taylor. Just 10 minutes of browsing and you’ll find the perfect cashmere sweater for just $15. ” — Maia Henselwriter and stylist (see her week’s outfits here)
8. Keep searching, no matter how long it takes. “my fly boots One of my favorite vintages. I looked for it 2 years Before finally finding one in my size. I bought it on Poshmark for between $500 and $100. They are my prized possessions. ” — Maia Hensel
9. Accept that some purchases will not work out. “Every purchase is hit or miss. But the good news is that if you buy it secondhand, you can probably resell it secondhand. So don’t get discouraged.” — Young Na Park
Plus, we’ll show you some fun second-hand items that we love.
What tips would you like to add? I love this polka dot dressand how much fun it is These Chloe sandals?
PS 3 weeks worth of outfit posts: A British vintage seller who only wears second-hand clothes, a Chicago-based stylist with money-saving tips, and a Berkeley creative director who found shoes on eBay.
(Photo by Maia Hensel: julia lobs. Kate Lindero Photos Liz Pawlik. Additional reporting by Alex Ronan. )
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Source: Cup of Jo – cupofjo.com
