The Ultimate Guide To Shopping Secondhand Online
Why paying full price when you can shop secondhand?
Wearing clothes that first belonged to strangers has been part of my life since I was a kid, when my aunts would send my older cousin's clothes to my mom. She then would go through every item with me and my sister to see which item would fit each of us better, and I remember the joy of opening those bags and discovering amazing pieces of clothes. I never had negative thoughts towards that - perhaps because my mom would always enthusiastically announce the new "deliveries" and incentivize us to donate the clothes that would not fit us anymore. Also, coming from a tiny town in Southern Brazil, I grew up seeing my mom getting baby clothes from friends and acquaintances when she was pregnant with my brother - I was 10 years old - and she would then donate the items that didn't fit him anymore to other moms that were expecting.
Perhaps that's why I never got the stigma some people have towards secondhand. I always thought it was silly to care about "bad energy". I don't even think about the origin of secondhand clothes and who wore them. All I care about is how many outfits I will create with that item - and also the money I saved by buying secondhand. And I'm so glad secondhand is now cool - the last thing we need is making people feel bad for buying secondhand - that's ridiculous.
I don't remember exactly when I started to shop secondhand, but it has been a while. Espec, especially since secondhand took internet through a lot websites and marketplaces. Of course, vintage and secondhand physical stores are also special and magical, but I'm a savvy online shopper. That's my thing.
I've had the joy of finding so many incredible deals - and I can't wait to share some of those stories on this Substack. But, today, let's start with the basics: some of my tips and rules to shop secondhand plus some resources and favorite websites. I hope these will inspire you to embark on your own secondhand shopping journey and experience the thrill of finding great deals.
Best practices and tips on buying secondhand online
1. Use Beni - the ultimate secondhand search tool
There's no way to talk about buying secondhand online without talking about Beni! So, here's the deal: finding something you love on resale sites can take a ton of time, expertise, and energy – trust me, I think I'm mastering the art of searching, but still, it can take time! And that's fine if you enjoy the process like myself. I'm patient when it comes to secondhand, meaning I have no problem searching in more than one website for what I'm looking for. But that can discourage some people. That's why you need Beni - and this is not sponsored at all!
Beni is a free and easy-to-use extension. All you have to do is adding to your browser – as you see on the picture above, the circled area. When you open a product you have an eye on, just click the extension and Beni will look for that item in all their partner secondhand websites (like Poshmark, Mercari, The Real Real, Depop…). When you find something you like, simply click ‘View’ and you’ll be taken to the relevant resale site to check out.
When using Beni, you can set your sizes, so it will only show you options suitable for you! Other features include the possibility to set an alert so you don’t miss out a new deal. Beni is also available on mobile through their app, where you can use the search feature to see the best deals from 40+ resale sites.
Of course, sometimes it's not the accurate - for denim pants, for example, I noticed Beni shows me similar options to the item I'm looking for, which is not necessarily bad, of course. But, most of the times, it can save you a A LOT of time! I was able to find so many great secondhand items thanks to Beni!
2. Define what you’re looking for
Most of the time, I have specific goals when I shop secondhand online: I know exactly what item I'm looking for. So, the more specific, the better. If you see a cute dress at some physical store, for example, make sure to take a picture of the tag to search for the specific name. Or, if you are browsing online, copy the name and then paste it to the secondhand website. If I'm not using Beni, I usually go to Poshmark first, then Depop, then eBay. If it's a premium brand, I check The Real Real. Make sure to use the size filters so you get accurate results.
Let me give you an example. I recently discovered this brand, Margaux, and I love these shoes called "The Heel". So I went on Poshmark and typed "Margaux The Heel Shoes". Then, I used the filter to select the categories (shoes, heels), the color (black), and my size. That took me seconds. Voilà. Found 5 people selling a pair - some of them are half the original price.
By the way, Beni also showed me results from Poshmark.
3. You can also browse…
So, let's say you love to browse the Reformation website - same way you would stop at their store to take a look… You can also apply that concept when shopping secondhand online. For example, I love the dresses from Farm Rio, so sometimes, I go to Poshmark and use the filters to explore. I start by selecting "Women", then "Farm Rio" on brands, and then I choose the size, and I filter from "Price - low to high". Sometimes, you can find amazing deals.
Whatever your goal—browsing a specific brand or product—always make sure to use the filters. There are many options on these sites, and the chance of you getting overwhelmed is high…
Even if you are looking for a new pair of denim shorts - try to be specific! Besides the size, select some brands you love and perhaps even a price range. The filters are your best friends!
4. And you can look for dupes!
That's how I found my amazing pink sequin skirt. I tried the Dilo Skirt from Sezane at their store, and I was obsessed with it. But it was too long for me - and I couldn't justify paying $195 for a sequin skirt and also paying to trim it, and I knew I wouldn't wear it a lot of times to justify the "investment." So, I decided to search online for pink sequin skirts. It was not an easy task - not all the sequin skirts are made equally, lol. But I searched every week or so - until the day I found a listing on eBay. I was able to get an amazing skirt from Rachel Parcell for ~$40 - it was new, WITH TAGS, and the original price was $149! It was a reasonable price for a gorgeous skirt that fits me perfectly.
5. Know your size
I have favorite brands and know my size for each of them. I say this because sometimes our size varies from brand to brand. Knowing your size helps a lot when shopping secondhand online. But if you are not sure, don't worry: it's not hard to find the measurements. You can always check the description to see if this info is there. Regarding marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari and Depop, you can always leave a comment and ask the seller. Don't be shy!
6. Pay attention to the descriptions
Sometimes, all your questions are already answered on the description - or even in the comment section (when we are talking about marketplaces). Take a good look at the photos – and don't be discouraged by ugly photos when you know what you're looking for. Unfortunately, not everyone cares when it comes to taking pictures… And, at the end of the day, the beautiful images on the brand's website are a marketing selling tool. Use your imagination, lol!
7. When there's the option, make an offer!
Marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari and Depop allow you to make your own offer. Take advantage of that. It's the place to bargain. Many sellers already announce the price with a margin to give a discount. It doesn’t hurt to ask for less, lol. Another great tip: use the like buttons - especially on Depop and Poshmark. Most of sellers send private offers to people who liked their listings.
8. Be patient
Use the alert tools if you’re not in a hurry. It took me months to find the sequin skirt I mentioned previously – and I always searched periodically. Why is that? Cause the inventory changes every day. So, don't be discouraged if you didn't find what you are looking for. And that's, perhaps, another great thing about shopping secondhand: it makes me more intentional about my purchases, you know?
9. Check the policies
Some websites offer returns - I will talk about my favorite ones in a bit - so you can shop with more confidence. When it comes to marketplaces, there's no return policy - that's why it's important to read the description. However, if you received an item that doesn't match the seller's description, you can always complain and ask for a return/refund.
10. And finally, remember: you can wash it! lol
I know some people feel disgusted by secondhand clothing. I get it. I don't wear the clothes I buy from secondhand websites immediately. I wash them! So, remember that. It's a simple solution for that concern.
My favorite websites for Shopping Secondhand Online
Now that you know the best practices and tips, let me introduce you my go-to websites when shopping secondhand online!
Poshmark
Poshmark is one of the most popular apps/websites for buying second-hand clothes. And you will find not only clothes but also shoes and accessories from the most diverse brands. It features women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing. It's a marketplace, meaning you are buying from people like you and me!
Features:
Great filters: categories, size, color, gender, brands, and even condition of the item – you can find brand new clothes with tags, look for NWT (new with tags);
Option to make an offer to the seller;
Like button, that allows you to save all your favorites, so you can keep track of the price of something you’re eyeing, for example. Plus, sellers can send the likers a private offer!
There is a comments area to ask questions to the seller – you can, for example, ask for measurements, ask questions about the style, etc. And you can see the previous questions.
It doesn’t allow returns – you can only return if the item does not match the seller’s description;
App version available
thredUP
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE thredUP! It’s an online consignment & thrift store that sells women’s and kids’ secondhand apparel – thredUP features around 55k brands, from Gap to Gucci, up to 90% off estimated retail price. It's not a marketplace - you are buying from thredUP, which is an advantage: since they are in possession of all items and, because of that, every item they receive undergoes rigorous quality inspection before being listed. The items are sorted into the following conditions: excellent / very good / good. The prices are insane. You can check my video below, but to give you an example, you can find Madewell jeans for like $20-$30 (a new one is usually over $100!).
Features:
You can filter by categories, size, color, brands, and even condition of the item;
There's a return policy for some items. Remember that all items are subject to a $3.99 restocking fee + shipping.
There's no way to make an offer – but you can certainly take advantage of the promo codes and sales that happen every single day!
Depop
Depop is similar to Poshmark - they started as an app – its interface is reminiscent of the Instagram feed. Nowadays, they also have a website, but I do think the app experience is better. One of the advantages of Depop, for me, is the minimalist design of the interface: the information is very clear.
Features:
Depop gives you the option to search for items in the US as well as in other parts of the world.
Depop positions itself as a younger platform – so you probably gonna find cool and stylish items.
You can filter by category, size, color, gender, brand and even condition of the item,
Like button, that allows you to save all your favorites, so you can keep track of the price of something you’re eyeing, for example. Plus, sellers can send the likers a private offer!
Depop also has the functionality to save a search and receive alerts.
You can make an offer and also message the seller to ask questions - there's no comment section.
The Real Real
The Real Real is one of the largest second-hand websites in the US and focuses on the luxury market. You won’t find clothes from Zara or Old Navy – the curation includes luxury brands and famous designers. You can check the complete list of brands available by clicking here. I was able to find amazing deals from Moose Knuckles, Reformation and A.L.C. on The Real Real.
Features:
The Real Real is in possession of all items listed on the website. Every item goes through quality inspection before being listed. The items are sorted into the following conditions: excellent / very good / good.
In addition to brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Gucci, you will find other brands/designers that are not luxury but not the cheapest either, like Reformation, Acne Studios, A.L.C., Coach, SAM., Mackage and so on go.
It is not possible to make offers – but there are always sales and promotions.
There is a return policy for some items – always check the item description under “Shipping & return” to see if it is possible to return the item you wanna buy.
The Real Real has the most rigorous authentication process on the market – a team of experts evaluate items to verify that they are genuine (very important when we are talking about luxury items).
ReBag
ReBag started out as a website specializing in a niche – second-hand luxury bags. The selection includes more than 40 brands. They are still famous for selling handbags – but you can also find shoes, watches, and even clothes from luxury brands.
ReBag is in possession of all items listed on the website.
There is a return policy – you can check the details by clicking here.
It’s not possible to make offers – but sometimes there are promos and discount codes.
The selection of brands is smaller and more focused on the luxury market.
All items undergo a review process by an in-house team of experts. ReBag has been buying and selling handbags since 2014 and has acquired hundreds of thousands of items, making it one of the top websites in the world. They certify all items and offer 7-day returns for any reason.
You get 10% OFF on your first purchase when you use my link.
That's all for now! Stay tuned for my secondhand stories - I'm hoping I can inspire you to shop secondhand (you will be surprised on how much money you can save!). Also, please feel free to drop your secondhand websites, tricks and best purchases on the comments section below!
Love this!!! So many good tricks of the trade -- Beni being my favorite of course!