Tips For Thrifting

This Halloween also celebrates world thrift day, promoting savings and financial security. Since Preloved is your online source of thrifting we thought wed weigh in. When it comes to thrifting there are definitely some mistakes you can make. Which is why we are simplifying it and sharing our top tips for thrifting.

Why You Should Be Thrifting

If you have heard of thrifting you're probably thinking it's an American term; or for the very least I did. It actually comes from the phrase being 'thrifty' which is associated with being financial savvy. From that in America they call what we call charity shops, thrift stores.  However, aside from that we can save some money and get some fabulous pieces by shopping second hand there are many other perks! If you are familiar with us you will know that our mission to to help keep items out of landfill. Thrifting is one of the easiest ways you can do this, as you contribute to a circular economy. Using platforms like Preloved also gives you the chance to buy and sell, bringing in more money or getting those steals. Meaning you get to help the planet AND reap the benefits.

Now you have a better understanding of the basics for why it's important to thrift. Let's look at the best way to do it. Hunting for preloved treasures can be overwhelming if you aren't sure on how to, which is why you need to remember the rewards that makes it worth it. That being said lets get into our tips.

Make A Plan

Just like heading out for your groceries it's easier to navigate through the aisle with a plan in mind.  Making a mental list of items you need is a good place to start. Then an even better place is to write this list down, either on paper or keep saving the planet and use your smart phone. This is also a helpful tactic as it might prompt you to other items you need.

Clear Out

As we mentioned this isn't just about saving you some money but also how you can save the planet. Which is why we suggest before you start buying more items you go through your own. You might find that you don't need a new winter coat because you forgot you stored yours in the other wardrobe last year. Finding old treasures before treating yourself to new ones is just as fun! On the flip side you can also make yourself some more cash to help you afford those new items you want.

Thrifting Trends

If you want to find something that is more current then before starting fresh on Preloved or in the charity shop look more mainstream. Without delving into the breakdowns of Autumn Winter fashion weeks, just see what the high street stores on selling on their site. Then using the wording they use check out what tops and bottoms in those styles you can find. This will help you to cut out the noise of the items you don't want and tailor your search specific to you.

Honest Ads

When you are buying second hand you want to make sure that you are getting. Be sure to be vigilant when looking at adverts, if it sounds to good to be true, it very likely is. Look for adverts that show you are many angles as possible, including close ups of the items. You might want to see if the pricing seems in line with others on our website. Then think carefully about your questions, if you are getting an electrical item be sure to check that the voltage is compatible to your home, as well as it works how you expect. You have the option to speak to the seller, make the most of it!

Thrift On Socials

We encourage all our sellers to share their adverts on their social media as well to increase their cases of making a successful listed. With that in mind you might want to help to world of social media when looking for your thrifted items. They might just be hiding in plain site.

Thrifting Don'ts

Now it's important that you don't purchase everything second hand, as it's not beneficial for you. These items can be both unsafe and potentially dangerous items to get second hand, and if you do find yourself purchasing them it should only be for decorative or creative purposes. They are as followed:

• Helmets - Once a helmets has been dropped it's received impact lowering it's ability each time to keep you safe. When you get it second hand you don't know how much impact it's endured.
• Mattress - As you know bed bugs aren't just a myth, and with that in mind they can hid within the mattress and lay eggs. Avoiding buying this second hand avoids bringing this risk into your home.
• Make Up - Most make up comes with an expiration day from when it's been opened, not to mention they are full of other peoples germs. Instead look at schemes like recycle:me to send your empty make up bottles to.
• Children's Safety Items - This is because items are passed with the highest level of the CURRENT safety regulations, meaning you want to ensure that they are still in line with that.

These are the top few we think you should know, however there are other items if you want to educate yourself look further into it we would suggest you do.

More Thrifting Advice