How to Buy Used Clothing
Thrift stores and consignment shops provide shoppers with great values on gently used clothing. Wonderful bargains can also be found at online auction sites. For the majority of people, there is no stigma attached to the purchase of used clothing. Follow some simple guidelines to get the best quality for the least amount of money.
- Set your budget for the desired purchases. Many resale stores and thrift shops require payment in cash and do not accept credit or debit cards. Online auctions are set up with their own methods or use well-known payment processors. Never send cash in the mail.
- Check what you and your family already own and determine what is needed or wanted. Consider all the needs per person first, then list needs and wants separately.
- Get tips on where to find the best thrift clothing stores from friends and family if you are not familiar with them in your area. Some of these stores feature different types of sales on rotating days of the week, check them out before you go there to get your best deals. Check feedback for online auction sellers that feature the types of garments desired. Read each online seller's terms of service for returns and review shipping costs.
- Take a tape measurement of each person's garments that fit well now and mark down the sizes noted on any corresponding labels. Measure each person individually and write down chest, waist, hips, sleeve length, jacket and skirt length, and pant length. This is important because sizes differ among manufacturers. Personal measurements help determine the correct size and prevent mistakes, especially if purchasing online. Online sellers will answer questions if their descriptions are not adequate.
- Take the tape measure with you and shop by brand, style, season, color, fabric and wash or dry clean only. Check the label and measure the garment to be certain of fit. If a fitting room is available, try it on at the store. Children grow quickly, so it is often more economical to buy them a slightly larger size. Most stores do not refund used clothing.
- Examine each item thoroughly for solid seams, pattern matching at the seams, holes, burns, rips, tears, broken zippers, missing buttons, stains, excessive wear, ground in dirt and foul odors.
- Purchase only the used clothing that meets your needs and specifications.