5 THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN THRIFTING FOR CLOTHES ONLINE
Online thrifting can benefit your wardrobe, wallet, and the planet.
Explore More: 7 Bulk Items You Need To Buy From Sam’s Club This Summer
Find Out: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)
“Doen was the brand that introduced me to buying secondhand and also to buying sustainable brands,” said Anais Gonzalez, a mom of three, who supports brands that encourage people to shop secondhand. “Doen helped open my eyes to a world that I didn’t know existed, and I hope it does the same for others.”
According to ThredUp, an online consignment company, the secondhand clothing market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2028, and the global used apparel market will grow three times the overall apparel retail market in 2023.
However, there are risks, especially when buying pre-loved fashion and luxury goods online.
GOBanking rates talked to fashion and retail experts about the five things to look out for when thrifting clothes online.
Photos and Descriptions
Examine the photos and read the descriptions of items before you buy. Look for photos taken in natural light or against a white background, as these provide a more accurate reading of the garment’s color and other important details.
“When I list something for sale, I try to use as many photos as I’m allowed to,” said Kelly Handley, author of the upcoming book Ultimate Thrifting: The Complete Guide to Finding Secondhand Treasures. “The more information provided, the better. Things like brand, materials, any flaws, and measurements are important.”
Alyssa Beltempo, a “slow fashion content creator and sustainable stylist,” says the best photos are those with measuring tape shown against the garment.
“I recommend shopping by your own measurements since fit models and sizing changes year to year,” Beltempo said. “You’ll get more accurate results by comparing measurements.”
Seller Reviews and Ratings
Checking seller reviews and ratings is crucial before buying an item. Depending on the platform, buyers can see ratings and feedback for sellers and sometimes any issues with sales the seller has had, Handley recommended.
“Sometimes you can also see when the seller was last active, which is a huge help when you want to buy their listing but then find out the seller hasn’t been active in three years or more,” Handley said.
Authenticity
Make sure a seller has an authentication process, especially if you purchase luxury goods through a pre-loved fashion retailer.
Vestiaire Collective, eBay, and The Handbag Clinic have a reputable authentication process, Beltempo said. Jennifer Johnson, owner of True Fashionistas, a popular lifestyle resale store in Florida, employs a third party that uses AI technology to authenticate items.
“We offer a guarantee that all items are authentic,” Johnson said. “It allows you to purchase with confidence.”
Nevertheless, proving the authenticity of some items is becoming more difficult because “knock offs” are harder to spot. Know the seller’s return policy and make sure you have enough time to get the item properly authenticated once you receive it, even if it looks authentic in photos.
Trending Now: The Best $20 You Can Spend at Dollar Tree This Summer
Return Policy
Does the company offer a return policy, even for store credit?
Return policies vary by platform. For example, you only have three days from when a package is tracked as delivered to return an item on Poshmark. eBay gives buyers as long as 30 to 45 days to return items. Handley advised buyers to make sure they know the seller’s return policy, if they have one, before purchasing.
However, some online thrifting shops don’t have a return policy.
“I actually don’t mind the absence of a return policy because it forces me to be more intentional about my secondhand purchases,” Beltempo said.
Shipping and Costs
Check shipping costs before you buy, as Handley recommended.
“Some platforms, including Poshmark, have flat-rate shipping,” she said. “eBay lets sellers dictate the shipping cost, so it can vary wildly. One seller may provide free shipping on a t-shirt, where another might charge $14.99.”
Shipping and international duties can sometimes outweigh potential savings. However, Beltempo said the total cost was more affordable and economical than the retail alternative.
“Don’t be shy to offer a lower price,” Beltempo said.
More From GOBankingRates
- 10 Fastest-Cooling Housing Markets in the U.S. - 6 Are in Florida
- 7 Best Items To Buy at Five Below This Fourth of July
- 3 Things to Do This Week If You Have Debt
- 3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Things To Look Out For When Thrifting For Clothes Online
2024-06-19T16:52:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd