As college students, funds are often limited and any spare money goes to food, books, and necessities. But trends emerge and maybe you have expensive taste so it becomes hard to keep up! Here are a few tips on how to find great items at a low cost.
Outlet Stores
Most retail stores like Nike, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and more have outlet stores. These stores offer clothing and accessories that may be slightly defective, lower quality, or out of season. However, most of the defects are hard to recognize by the untrained eye and still look brand new… because they are! Most outlet stores also offer discounts on top of already amazing deals. You could be leaving an outlet mall with a handbag that was originally $359 but sold for $117! Long Islanders are lucky to have the well-known Tanger Outlets in Deer Park and Riverhead.
Thrift Shopping
Thrift shopping was cool even before Macklemore made a hit song about it. Stores like Savers, Goodwill, and Salvation Army sell secondhand items that have been donated by members of the community. Thrift shopping requires a bit of detective work, but is totally worth it when you’re spending $20 for four pairs of Calvin Klein jeans. Many thrift stores like Buffalo Exchange and 2nd time Around also offer consignment options so you can get cash for your goods or a store credit to swap them for something new – to you at least!
Shopping Apps
Technology has made shopping for designer items super convenient. Apps like Poshmark, Tradesy, and Mercari allow users to sell their clothing and accessories at a cheap price. Clothes can be NWT (new with tags), NWOT (new without tags) and barely worn. Some apps even have a pick-up option, so shipping costs are a thing in the past. If you have a closet full of unwanted designer clothes, put them up for sale so you can buy more!
Ebay, Facebook Marketplace
Ebay and Facebook Marketplace are great places to score cheap deals. Similar to shopping apps like Poshmark, these third-party sites serve as a platform to list anything from Fossil watches to Ray-Ban sunglasses to Louis Vuitton luggage. These sites also allow buyers to negotiate with sellers and possibly knock a few extra bucks off the listing price.
Your Friends!
When in doubt, hit up your friends! Remember when Lisa bought those Coach Sneakers for $150 back in 2008? She probably doesn’t wear them anymore, so ask her if you can empty her closet for her and take them home. Friends are always willing to give away unwanted designer clothes and accessories to their besties, so take advantage.
Have any tips of your own? Let us know and happy shopping!