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 Check if the product has been recalled: Electrical items are sometimes withdrawn from sale due to safety issues.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

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