1. Beware of upcharging
One of the biggest issues I encounter is that a lot of items tend to be overpriced and are sold as if they are brand new off the rack. You’re usually going to see this when you see something tagged as “y2k” or “rare”, this typically means that the seller has an expectation for how much they stand to make off of the listing. I’d say the typical range for a listing on an app like Depop, for example, can be anywhere from $20 to $80 and that is before any sort of shipping costs, which can often double whatever you’re paying. So do your research and look at the same item (or style) listed by multiple different sellers to make sure that you are getting the best price possible.
2. Don’t be afraid of sending offers
A lot of the time, people you see selling on these platforms are people cleaning out their closets and looking to get unwanted things off of their hands as soon as possible, so don’t be afraid of interacting. The “send offer” button is there for a reason (and considering how high these shipping prices are) it’s begging to be used. I will say that you should be realistic with what you’re offering. I have sent my own share of lowball offers, but if your offering $10 on an item listed for $25, be prepared for it to be declined. Also, make sure that you follow up with them! Sometimes sellers will offer counter offers which can be equally as lucrative, so make sure that you’re checking your notifications.
Lastly, be aware that different apps have different rules about offers. For example, if you send an offer through eBay you essentially agree to buy the item and if it is accepted, that you buy it automatically. In contrast, if you send an offer through Vinted and it is accepted by the seller, the item remains available to others, and you have the freedom to follow through on the listing or not. So make sure you decide whether or not you’re willing to make the purchase when you’re sending that offer.
3. Be ready to shop around for a LONG time
Much like in an actual thrift store, you have to be willing to do A LOT of digging. A lot of people go online with the expectation that it’s easier than shopping at somewhere like the bins, which it can be, but at the same time, this isn’t a typical storefront. You aren’t going to find exactly what you’re looking for right off the bat. Typically, the price will be a bit off, there might be too many imperfections or damages, the wrong size and sometimes the wrong color. Whether or not you’re willing to live with a couple of rips is up to you, but don’t fall victim to impulse buying. If you take enough time to look at different apps and sellers, I promise you that you can usually find what you’re looking for. So be patient!
4. Use ebay!
Trust me, I know sometimes eBay can be a little scary. As someone who started out using Depop I know how much easier it is to look at the “Suggested for you” page on Depop and because the community is made up of younger people who all share more or less the same interests, fashion sense and vocabulary, it feels safer. But I have learned to love eBay. Because they have been in the game for so long there are so many people who sell on it and there are really so many options. Also, I’ve found that the pricing on their site is typically really fair and if you send in an offer, the likelihood that it’s accepted is pretty high.
5. Learn which search phrases fit your interests best
Figuring out what to type into the search bar is essential to the experience and can dictate whether or not you get lucky. Unless you’re willing to pay higher prices and encounter fast fashion, I would steer clear of words like “y2k” or “vintage” and instead uses phrased like “pre-loved” or “used,” which will help direct you away from resellers and point you in the direction of people looking to make some extra closet space. While it’s incredibly important in relation to pricing, you also need to know exactly what you are looking for. If you have a specific brand or style, name it exactly with the addition of the key phrases I mentioned earlier. An example of a phrase I would use is something like “Preloved vera Bradley handbag.”
