Are you wanting to save money, reduce your impact on the environment and find more unique pieces? If the answer is yes, then shopping second hand is definitely for you. If the answer is no, we’ll…you’re missing out.
The problem lies with taking the first plunge in shopping second hand. Shopping second hand online or in-store isn’t the same as shopping from a retailer you have used for years and years. It should be approached differently, but this isn’t a bad thing.
Shopping second hand clothing and homeware can be a daunting task, especially when you are new to it. There is always a greater risk that it might not go as planned, compared to when you are shopping for something brand new, direct from a retailer.
This dos and don’ts list is designed to guide you through your first experiences of shopping second hand clothing and homeware.
Why should we shop second hand?
The Environment
When you shop second hand clothing and homeware you are reducing your impact on the environment because your purchase is preventing that item from going to landfill.
Depop made it very clear back in 2022 when they explained that by extending a clothing item’s life by just 9 months it can reduce its carbon, water and waste footprint by up to 30%.
When it comes to homewares, Hammonds UK, a fitted wardrobe and furniture retailer based in Leicestershire, found that on average each person throws away 12 homeware items a year. This adds up to 69.9 million items a year across the UK.
Thankfully 46% of Brit’s that Hammond’s surveyed said that they donate their unwanted homeware items. This is music to our ears because this means that these unwanted items are available for a new owner, therefore avoiding landfill.
Current styles for less money
There is definitely a stigma surrounding second hand shopping, that you can only find fuddy-duddy, old styles in clothing and homeware. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Through online marketplaces such as Vinted, online second hand retailers like Sunshine Thrift and even in your local charity shop you will find in style, on trend second hand clothing and homeware at incredibly reduced prices.
As an online second hand retailer, Sunshine Thrift offers discounts of up to 87% off RRP. You can see some of our biggest savings below.
What to do when shopping second hand
1. Do what is best for you
The first and most important thing when shopping second hand is to not be influenced by anyone else. The items which you choose to buy when shopping second hand is a reflection of your style and no one else's.
You can choose to shop second hand fast fashion or second hand designer clothes. Whichever you choose, you are making a positive impact on the environment by extending the life of an item, as well as saving yourself money.
2. Do a mini arm workout
When shopping for second hand finds at charity shops and car boot sales, there can be a lot of sifting through rails and boxes. Be prepared for your arms to ache, but it will be worth the pain we promise. No pain no gain!
3. Do understand the pricing
It can be easy to assume that every item being sold as second hand is a lot cheaper than it’s original selling price, because surely people don’t sell second hand items for more than their original price? Unfortunately, there is no rule to stop this.
But fear not, you won’t fall victim to this scam. We’ve got some handy tips to help you avoid paying over the odds for second hand clothing and homeware.
You can then get an idea for its original value or how much it is being sold elsewhere. You can also use this function with screenshots if you are shopping second hand online.
To get an accurate original value of a second hand item, you could also find an online second-hand retailer who does the work for you. Sunshine Thrift provides you with an RRP for non-vintage and unique items. This way you know straight away how much of a saving you are making.
4. Do make a day of it
It is not uncommon to find a cluster of charity shops and discount stores in a town centre or retail park where you can shop second hand to your heart's content, so make a day of it!
- Get your bestie involved
- Head for some brunch first
- Hit the charity shops and find some unbelievable bargains
- Get a mid-afternoon snack and a pick me up coffee
- Finish off the last of the charity shops and discount stores
- Head home to admire your purchases
5. Do get to know the best places
Shopping second hand is all about trial and error. Overtime you will find certain shopping methods and outlets to be more fruitful than others. Perhaps you find shopping online more in line with your shopping habits, so you get all of your second hand buys from marketplaces and online retailers.
Or maybe you have huge success each time you go into the charity shop and you prefer to see and feel each item before you buy it.
What not to do when shopping second-hand
1. Don’t let others tell you how to spend your money
Everyone has got an opinion on how and where people should shop more sustainably. But remember, it is your money to spend. If you choose to spend your money on an £80 hand reared sheep’s wool jacket with buttons made from recycled windscreens, then that is just as fine as spending £6 on a preloved Boohoo dress. Your impact, big or small, is still a positive step towards reducing your impact on the environment.
2. Don’t believe a deal that’s too good to be true because it probably is
Have you spotted a Prada shirt in your local Oxfam charity shop for £4.50 and it retails at £750? Whilst this can happen, it is very unlikely, and the deal is probably too good to be true. Whenever shopping second hand designer clothing, we strongly advise you have a basic knowledge of how to authenticate an item.
3. Don’t buy something just because it's cheap
Don’t buy it because it’s cheap, buy it because you love it. Buying a second hand clothing or homeware item purely because of the low price negates the environmental benefits of shopping second hand.
Buying something for such little cost can also make it easier to get rid of and then we find ourselves back at square one with items bought needlessly and looking for a new home.
4. Don’t buy anything without checking it's condition first
This is a biggie. When shopping second hand clothing and homeware, you need to thoroughly inspect the item before buying it. Even if the item has its original tags or packaging, we strongly recommend that you check the item in full for any damages or extensive signs of wear or use.
When shopping second hand online, we strongly recommend that you check the return policy first. Be aware, returns policies vary across the different online marketplaces. However, most online second hand retailers like Sunshine Thrift will offer a full returns policy.
When it comes to shopping second hand online with a retailer, they should detail any faults with the item in the product description. If they don’t, we advise getting in touch with them prior to purchasing to establish the condition of an item.
5. Don’t assume all second hand shops are the same
Each charity shop or second hand shop is different, even the charity shop chains are different branch to brand.
St Joseph's Hospice Aigburth Road, Google Maps
St Joseph's Hospice Allerton Road, Google Maps
The independently owned charity shops and second hand shops are another ball game all together and this is usually where you find the real hidden gems.
Whilst you may have little success in one charity shop, another one down the road might become your new favourite place to shop.
Our Final Thoughts
At Sunshine Thrift, we're big fans of finding a second hand shopping method which suits you because this will encourage you to shop second hand more and more. Whether to prefer to shop second hand clothing and homeware online or instore, make sure to follow our top tips on how to bag the best bargains.
