Getting the Most Out of your Resale Shopping Experience

Getting the Most Out of your Resale Shopping Experience

by Taffi Poirot

September 27, 2011

We all know the truth. Resale shop equals a great wardrobe on a budget, right?  It seems easy enough, almost foolproof. It is if you are well informed and have the right tools. These tips will help you to avoid potential pitfalls and have a successful and enjoyable resale shopping experience time and time again.

1) Stay informed.  Sign up for updates and emails from your local resale shop. A good place to start is to sign up in-store or visit the store’s website and sign up for email notifications and the snail mail list, if available. Check to see if your local store has a social media element you can participate in to get information on upcoming sales.

2) Mark your calendar.  What good would it do you to sign up for all of the great sale information, if you don’t make to the sale just because it slipped your mind?

3) Carry the card.  Make sure you get a frequent shopper card and have it stamped for each purchase. You will often earn a discounted shopping trip after you accumulate enough stamps.

4) Know the store’s layout.  Is there a specific clearance section? Is there a section for new arrivals? How is the clothing organized on the racks? This will help you have a more efficient shopping experience.

5) No assumptions.  When choosing clothing, keep in mind that the size on the tag is probably no longer the actual size. Sometimes you will luck out and find an item with the original retail tags still on it, but most of the clothing has been worn at least once and hence laundered. Do not assume it will fit simply because it is your size.

6) The fitting room is your friend.  Because most of the clothing has been laundered, there will likely be some shrinkage.  It is imperative that you try all of your selections on to see if each of them truly fit. While you are trying on each garment, check for loose threads, missing buttons or any other deal breaker. Though the staff is very discerning when purchasing an item, there is always a chance that you may find some imperfections even with gently used clothing.

7) Needle in a haystack.  Don’t get discouraged. You may pull ten items to try on and only purchase the one that actually works for you.  It’s best to be choosy in the store rather than take home the nine other items that you will never end up wearing. It’s like throwing money in the trash. The whole idea behind shopping at a resale store is to take a frugal approach to building your wardrobe.  

8) What’s that sparkly thing?  If something catches your eye on the return-to-stock racks near the fitting room or behind the counter, it’s not off limits. Just ask the staff if it is available for you to try. The answer is often “yes”, and it just might be the elusive piece you’ve been looking for.

9) Take the hint.  The best of the best is usually on display in a prominent place such as a window, an end-cap or on a mannequin. It might behoove you to take a closer look. Remember, it’s all for sale.

10) Accessorize.  Don’t just go in with tunnel vision and shop from the racks. Browse the shoes, purses and jewelry. You might find buried treasure.

With an organized, informed approach you can have an enjoyable and rewarding resale shopping experience. Enjoy those new wardrobe additions and return for each big sale. You’d be surprised how easily you can build a spectacular wardrobe on a tight budget!