I shop secondhand in person most of the time but when I’m looking for a specific item I sometimes shop used online.
I’m sharing my best tips on how to successfully shop secondhand online.
How To Successfully Shop Secondhand Online
Use Accurate Measurements
Sizing is subjective so don’t go by the size indicated, small medium or large, instead refer to the measurements in the description. Learn how to accurately measure your body here. Knowing your correct measurements when shopping online is paramount.
What if no one is around to help you accurately measure your body? You can measure another piece of clothing you already own that fits you well and compare those measurements to the item you’re interested in purchasing. Be sure to compare similar items of clothing for the best results, (jeans with jeans, dresses with dresses).
If you’re buying a hat you will need an accurate head size measurement. Learn how to correctly measure your head here.
I find buying shoes online tricky as shoe brand sizing can vary. Most often I avoid buying shoes online unless I can return them. I make an exception for buying used boots online as I’ve come to prefer buying one full size up so I can add in thick insoles. This allows some room for error.
Pay Attention To Fabric Contents
Some fabrics have stretch which aides in proper fit. Look for fabrics that include elastane, nylon or Lycra in the contents. Some wool, polyester and most knits will have some stretch. If in doubt you can always ask the seller.
Elastic or tie waists are ideal for online shopping as they fit a variety of sizes.
Read The Reviews
No matter where I shop online I always read the reviews. I don’t expect spotless reviews because I know one can’t satisfy everyone all the time but I do expect an overwhelming majority of satisfied customers. Reviews are the easiest way to know that you can trust the seller to deliver on their promises.
Look Closely At The Photos
This seems obvious but did you know you can often enlarge the photos? Clicking the item and enlarging the photos helps you assess the wear of the item.
Ask Questions
If you’re unsure of something simply contact the seller. Sellers prefer dealing with questions prior to shipping rather than returns afterwards.
Narrow Down Your Search Parameters
Most online shops have dropdown menus to help you narrow your search parameters. Using them will save you lots of time.
I was able to locate these sequinned Anthropologie jeans on Poshmark because I knew the product name that Anthro sold them under.
Browsing to search for items on large websites works best with modifiers from the drop down menus such as color or style.
Often times when I shop for vintage items through Ebay I will narrow down my searches by opting to only look at items listed in auctions ending the soonest. You have many modifiers you can add to narrow your search parameters.
Do They Offer Returns?
Many secondhand resellers will not offer returns. Some resellers offer returns but will not cover the cost of return shipping or the initial shipping charges you paid. Some sellers also charge a restocking fee for returned items.
Shipping
Pay Attention To Shipping Customs And Duty
Often if you are located outside of the United States shipping charges can really add up. Some online sellers won’t ship outside of the US.
Most of the time if you are ordering online internationally you will be held responsible for any additional customs or duty charges. These fees are usually due upon delivery.
Places To Shop Secondhand Online
Etsy for vintage and of course my Etsy store, Vintage By Suzanne
Ebay, Poshmark (Poshmark US), Thred Up (now delivers to Canada) and Swap (US only)
High End Luxury Brands can be found at The Real Real or Tradesy
Some resellers sell directly from Instagram. Just put in the hashtag #reseller #forsale or if you’re looking for vintage items #vintage.
What about you?
Have you shopped secondhand online? Were you happy with your experience?
Please share any secondhand online shopping tips you have.
Linking up with Visible Monday
, Turning Heads Tuesday, Fancy Friday, and Spy Girl
Those jeans! they are more fabulous than I even thought they’d be – esp with your sparkly sweater and pointy heels. What a WOW look.
Thanks for the tips for shopping online. I don’t always read the return policy and get the occasional turkey. Your Etsy shop is the *best* for vintage that’s hand-picked and a friendly price point too. xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
A big thank you Patti… you are my personal freight forwarder : P
You’re looking mighty swell in your applique jeans! I just love how your sweater sparkles with the same flair.
As Patti said, your Etsy shop is a known, reliable place for us to find good quality, well-measured, AND ready-to-wear pieces. You take the time to find that quality, measure, and photograph well, and to clean everything. As soon as it comes to my doorstep, I can wear it without worry! I can’t say that for all the secondhand shops I buy from.
This speaks to the benefit of getting to know online retailers on Etsy, eBay, and Poshmark. When you buy from the same person often enough, you develop a relationship that provides more peace of mind. Using many of the tips you shared, I also take my chances with other sellers on those sites as well as Thredup and TheRealReal, but I always clean whatever I receive from these places before I put them on. Even with the inconvenience of cleaning what I buy, along with the occasional return I have to make, I far prefer shopping secondhand. I’ve become spoiled by the unique options available and it’s just hard to go back to paying full price for things.
Hugs,
Sherry
I agree Sherry. Creating a relationship with sellers will afford you even better service and sometimes additional discounts. I do this with my best customers.
You are totally right to wash everything you recieve as most resellers do not clean their items prior to shipping. Thanks for those additional tips.
Your whole outfit is so cute.
This is great information. I haven’t shopped online–I don’t even buy books online; instead I go to the local bookstore to order from them. On the one hand, online is the only option for sellers in places too small to make a go of it from the local population. On the other hand, I really like touching, looking and trying on.
Your advice might give me the courage to try.
I agree that shopping in person is preferable. I think in the near future we will see our brick and mortar stores dwindle to just a handful. The whole retail industry is set to crumble. Soon enough our choices to shop in real stores will be taken away.
I’ve had both good and negative experiences when shopping online. Lately the resellers have all exceeded my expectations which is great.
In Europe you have an alternative to Etsy and Poshmark called Vinted. My SIL in France uses it for used clothing. You might want to give that a try.
Those jeans are great. I often shop online, so understand even in the best cases there can be mishaps. Poshmark frustrates me because they don’t narrow down parameters enough. (I still shop on there, though!)
I agree that Poshmark could use more drop down menus to make shopping easier.
Love your outfit and those magnificent jeans!, love how the shiny top enhances the golden details on your jeans!. Gorgeous!
And love your tips, such a great post!. One of the reasons I keep buying at eBay is because of its search parameters, they’re fab when you’re looking for something specific. Great advice on asking sellers about details or aditional measures, I do it frequently and everybody has been very kind.
I’ve also bought at Asos Marketplace, where I’ve found some good sellers.
My experience browsing other ‘fashion marketplaces’ has been not so good. Spanish apps are quite dissapointing when you look for quality clothes. Sigh!
besos
I’ve read about ASOS marketplace but never shopped there. I’m glad you’ve had positive experiences there. Thanks for mentioning it.
You always wear jeans so well. Those look fab with the sparkly top! Isn’t it rewarding to find the thing you’re looking for secondhand. Not only do you save money but you’re recycling, too.
Ebay’s pretty much the only on-line place I shop for secondhand. I don’t find Etsy very easy to navigate and the vast majority is either way too expensive or not on the UK so the postage prices are prohibitive.
1. When I search for vintage on eBay I type my description into the “Shop by category” box at the top of the page and enter “All Categories” rather than choosing the “Vintage Clothing & Accessories” option. This often means I can find vintage clothes listed in incorrect categories which are less visible to fellow vintage enthusiasts.
2. I always select “UK Only” in the Item Location box on the left hand side of the screen (to keep postage costs to a minimum and avoid customs charges) and “Used” in the Condition box (filtering out all the imported Chinese crap registered at a UK address).
3. I search by “Newly Listed”
4. Once I’ve set up these parameters I save the search (but deselect the option for an email alert as I don’t want to be bombarded with messages) and check it regularly.
I couldn’t agree more about learning how to measure yourself and reading the description carefully. Vintage clothing sizes are very different to contemporary ones – go by the measures given in the description and never the size on the garment label.
I’m very dubious of sellers who don’t include a photograph of the garment label (if there is one) in their listing- I’ll always message and ask for a photo and failing that a photograph of the zip and the inner side seams – if they fail to reciprocate I step away as it makes me suspect they’re selling modern stuff and trying to pass it off as vintage which sadly happens a lot.
As a vintage seller it isn’t the end of the world if something I buy doesn’t fit, I simply sell it on. However, for non-sellers I suggest selecting the top price you’d be comfortable with paying in the “Price” box on the left hand side of the screen – it’s amazing what you can find for £10 or less!
These are some great tips from a pro! Thanks for sharing these with my readers Vix.
First of all, I’ve been admiring your appliquéd jeans, which are amazing and just perfect with your sequinned top. I have to admit that I have never bought any second-hand or vintage clothing online. I’ve got an eBay account simply because I used to buy lots of vintage Barbie stuff. And you don’t need measurements for that 😉 Your tips (and Vix’s) are useful nonetheless, and having one’s measurements also comes in handy when visiting flea markets and fairs as there isn’t always the opportunity to try things on. xxx
Excellent advice Suzanne! I’ve bought very little online in used clothing but my limited experience have been good.
You are looking very glamorous and lovely in your outfit; I hope you were off to somewhere fancy!
xxx
I do think the reviews can be very helpful. Especially when everyone says to size up. I bought a pair of shoes that way, and have had them for over 6 years!! I also passed on a pair of pants where most of the reviews talked about the cheap material. I think they can be so beneficial.
Those jeans are incredible Suzanne. I was wondering if you had DIYed them at first. Because I know you could.
XOOX
Jodie
fabulous golden outfit!!
no tips from me – i´m not an online shopper at all…..
xxxx
I almost always buy it on line. Because I want to search by brand. I had only once that I got a dirty stained skirt. And then I immediately block that seller so that it won’t happen again with that person. I’m always very pleased with my purchases.
I never shop second-hand online. Perhaps only the occasional vintage bag. This is because of the no-return policy most of them have. Besides, second-hand in the Netherlands is not as good as in Canada or the USA. And ordering from outside of Europe? No thank you.
Greetje
Sparkles on jeans! Love the combo. I’ve used Poshmark several times. The biggest complaint I have about it is many of the sellers don’t put measurements in their descriptions. Sometimes, if it’s an item I’m really interested in, I will message seller and wait for a response. Half the time I get an answer. The poor response rate causes me to bypass a lot of listings with no measurements. Can’t be bothered. Hopefully that will improve one day,
Theresa
This is a pet peeve of mine as well. When I was selling at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show many of my customers mentioned that they were grateful that all of the pieces I had for sale had their measurements attached. It makes things so much easier.
Those jeans are so good on you and I love the glittery gold top with them too! 🙂
I find if I forget to check measurements online I often end up with thing that don’t work out the way I expected (i used to not check length of dresses, I’m petite so it’s usually never a problem….until one time it was, ha!)
Hope that you are having a lovely weekend! We went to the beach yesterday, nice and relaxing.
Great tips… And not just for secondhand! Good for any on-line buying. The return policy is my number one. If a seller doesn’t accept returns, I won’t buy anything more than just a few dollars. It leaves a lot of items behind, and I’m okay with that!
Hey Golden Girl (and I’m not referring to age!). Love this look on you. I mostly purchase items online that don’t require sizing as I’ve not had good luck with buying clothing. Since I started selling on Etsy I’ve tried to be as detailed as possible with the measurements for things.