Secondhand Shopping Secrets and Tips

An easy way to save money on clothes and shoes for yourself and your kids is to shop secondhand.  These stores once had a used stigma to them, but more and more people realize that it’s just smart shopping and being green to save green.

Many secondhand stores have guidelines and standards for what they sell, so you know you are not getting something outdated, dingy, and damaged.  Most of the items are just gently used and some are brand new with tags that consumers bought and didn’t return.

1.  Secondhand stores are great for baby clothes, shoes, and formal wear since many of these items are worn only a few times, and some even once.  So, you need a cocktail dress for a party or event, try a secondhand store to get a name brand and to save a bundle of money on something that you might only wear once.  Baby clothes are also worn a limited time since children grow so quickly, so check out specialty children consignment stores.

2.  I usually try to scope out the secondhand stores in the more expensive parts of town since the brands and fashion tend to me more recent and of greater quality.  Keep that in mind as you are deciding wear to go first.

3.  Ask the store owners if they ever have sales or email alerts.  I know that the Child Consignment store  (A chain store) I frequent, Once Upon A Child, often sends coupons and sale alerts.

4.  Only buy things that you really need or can see yourself really using.  Sometimes you will be surprised by the good deals and your findings, but you will only be saving money if it will really be of use to you.

5.  Get to know the staff at some of the stores and they will help you out.  I know that some stores will write down your name and will call you if a certain item that you are looking for becomes available (example:  jogging stroller).

7.  See if there is any room to negotiate prices with the consignment stores.  Some stores are very strict about their prices, but the local stores will be a little less strict.

6.  Use the secondhand store to sell things that are no longer of use to you if they are of good quality.  Some stores pay cash and others let you use the credit in their store with an additional discount if used that day.

7.  Try ebay and craigslist for items that you want as well, especially electronics and items not found at many consignment stores.  If you do purchase through craigslist, I always recommend meeting the seller in a public location (ex.  parking lot of Target)  for safety reasons.

8.  I just read an article where there are other online sites to purchase items.  I have never used them personally, but I browsed through them.

ShopGoodwill.com

GovDeals.com

2ChicksConsignment.com

ShopHousingWorks.com

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