Clever ways to bag bargains

Become a second-hand saviour: Clever ways to bag bargains – and 5 things to remember when thrifting

By Mail Online Reporter

Published: 21:15, 30 March 2023 | Updated: 21:18, 30 March 2023

Editorial feature by 101 EasyWays 

We’re more aware than ever of the impact our throwaway culture has on the planet, and the cost of living crisis provides yet another reason to do things differently.

Charity shop fans will know there’s nothing more satisfying than digging out a second-hand bargain, particularly when it’s something you couldn’t buy new.

But hold up! Before you plunge into the wonderful world of second-hand shopping it’s best to take on board a few tips.

Firstly – know what you want.

If you’re shopping for clothes, make a note of your size and some brands you like.

Women shopping and looking for a bargain.

Women shopping and looking for a bargain.

While there’s nothing wrong with whiling away the hours browsing, going in prepared will help you stay focused and avoid making impulse purchases.

This approach is particularly handy if you’re shopping online, with most public auction sites giving the option to apply filters when you search.

You can also choose to get an alert when certain items come on sale – stopping you from having to look for hours to find what you want.

Like any form of shopping, the secret to sniffing out the cheapest prices for second hand goods is to find items that aren’t in big demand.

Alongside choosing things that are out of season (winter coats in spring for example), you should also seek out items from more obscure sources.

Not many people know that UK police forces regularly sell goods they’ve seized from criminals in public auctions, making bargains more likely.

Most forces set up pages on popular auction sites, meaning these sales are relatively easy to find.

Meanwhile, the boom in returns prompted by online shopping has led to many retailers selling items they’re unable to resell via job lot auctions.

Again, these are easy to track down with a little bit of Internet digging.

 

5 things to remember when thrifting

1. Think ‘is it too good to be true?’: Take care if something seems suspiciously cheap.

It’s usually better to err on the side of caution and not buy it.

2. Inspect the item: Take time to check it for damage, and don’t be afraid to ask the seller for more information.

3. Check if the product has been recalled: Electrical items are sometimes withdrawn from sale due to safety issues.

Visit electricalsafetyfirst.org for a list of recalls.

4.

Research the seller: Try to only buy from reputable sources, and if you’re online look at the reviews to ensure the seller is reputable.

5.

Check the returns policy: There often won’t be one for second-hand items, so try to only buy things you’re certain you need.

Tags:

buy-sheds-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukedinburgh-airport-parking listed on couponmatrix.ukelvie listed on couponmatrix.ukhouse-of-fraser listed on couponmatrix.ukjd-williams listed on couponmatrix.ukprotest listed on couponmatrix.uk
buy-sheds-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukFind every shed and garden building your heart could desire, when you shop with Buy Sheds Direct. They’ve been helping customers find sturdy and specialist products since 2005 and you could be next! Everything is an amazing price already, but with your Buy Sheds Direct discount codes you can save even more. Pick up garden storage, a new summer house, greenhouses or playhouses. There is so much possibility for your land, make the most of it with Buy Sheds Direct.
edinburgh-airport-parking listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen you’re about to fly off to some far-flung destination for a well-deserved break, the last thing you want to be worrying about is your car. With one of our handy Airport Parking discount codes, you can leave your car safe and sound at the Edinburgh terminal for a steal. Whether you plan to be gone for a while or you’re just off for a short break, you can rest assured your vehicle will be well looked after.
elvie listed on couponmatrix.ukElvie takes women’s health seriously—but it’s far from boring. Applying cutting-edge technology to breastfeeding and pelvic floor exercises, Elvie’s smart products bring women’s health products into the 21st century. Whether you want to banish mishaps with the app-powered Elvie Trainer or make breastfeeding more convenient with the Elvie Pump, we’ll help you save on whatever you need with our Elvie discount codes at Groupon. Keep checking back for the best codes, Elvie Pump sales and offers available now.
house-of-fraser listed on couponmatrix.ukWant to find all your favourite brands in one place? From fashion and fragrances to lingerie and linen, House of Fraser stocks every brand imaginable, putting prime catwalk items and designer deals at the forefront of the store. Whatever department you’re after, use your House of Fraser discount code to get all your luxury labels for a lot less. You’ll have baskets filled with bargains in no time.
jd-williams listed on couponmatrix.ukAs one of Europe’s largest marketplaces for fashion, electricals, lifestyle products and household furnishings, JD Williams can factor into every element of one’s home – from the fibres of your carpet to the threads in your wardrobe. With such a diverse range of items at your fingertips, you’ll want a JD Williams discount code to help secure savings on everything from bedding to ballet shoes. Housing some of the world’s most notable brands in a single space, it’s no wonder so many pick the convenience and quality of JD Williams.
protest listed on couponmatrix.ukFounded in 1993 in Holland, Protest is a design-led sportswear brand with a focus on board sports. Both fashionable and functional, Protest apparel and accessories combine the latest trends with long-lasting quality and practicality. Dive into savings with a Protest discount code and enjoy reductions across surf suits, swimwear, rash guards and so much more. With ranges for men, women, girls, and boys, the whole family can adventure safely and stylishly.