* August 17 is National Thrift Shop Day
* Second-hand shopping saves you money and it’s good for the environment
* Whether you’re a collector or bargain hunter, there’s an easier way to second-hand shop
Today is National Thrift Shop Day, and we’ve gathered a list of the best ways to thrift online, whether you’re an amateur antique collector or you just like a good bargain. While e-thrifting won’t always yield the cheapest prices, you’ll get a more streamlined shipping experience, and a more tightly-curated selection of items to choose from than second-hand shopping IRL.
Plus, let’s face it: not everyone has the time or patience to deal with the hit-or-miss nature of thrift store shopping or the allergy-free physiology required to handle the dusty interiors of second-hand brick and mortars.
Whether you’re looking to score some authentic 90s mom jeans or want to add some eclecticism to your apartment with a vintage home decor piece, read ahead for best second-hand shopping sites to score big on today.
1. eBay
The original online auctioning giant still ranks at the top for those looking to score rare collectibles or lower priced pre-owned goods, despite the recent surge of similar e-commerce platforms. You won’t likely find discounted Yeezy’s or other hyped limited-edition products here–they’ll be triple the price, but you can still score some unbeatable deals. eBay uses a default auctioning system, so you have to stay alert if you want to win an item. Many sellers are now switching to “buy it now” models with a fixed price, which guarantees your purchase without having to bid.
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BUY: Vintage 70s Gunne Sax Maxi Dress ($124.00) | Canon AE-1 Program Film Camera ($122.88) | Vintage David Bowie Concert T-Shirt ($164.00)
2. One King’s Lane Vintage
When it comes to vintage collectibles, One King Lane offers a curated selection hand selected by their appraisers and antique experts. The brand also sells new home furnishing items too, but has recently expanded its vintage category, which now offers a wide range of one-a-kind items, from rare books, to fine art compositions, and antique and estate jewelry. For those who love to collect and are intrigued by items with history, One King’s Lane offers a wide range of valuable products hand-selected by their appraisers and curators. It’s a great place for an investment buy, but not ideal for bargain hunters.
BUY: Antique French Arm Chair ($549.00) | Joan Miro ‘The Bird’ Art Poster Print ($109.00) | Petite Brass Mirror ($129.00)
3. ASOS Marketplace
The UK-based e-com giant not only sells a massive range of apparel, but they also have a Marketplace website that offers second-hand and vintage apparel and accessories from independent sellers. You’ll only find clothing, accessories, and jewelry on Marketplace, with a huge inventory of 90s styles. Another advantage is that unlike eBay, sellers have to apply to sell merchandise and are thus subject to more regulations, so you don’t have to worry about flaky sellers (or fakes). Each purchase is also backed by the ASOS guarantee, meaning that if a seller doesn’t send the item or it showed up and wasn’t as described, you get your money back.
BUY: Vintage Tommy Hilfiger Jeans Shorts ($42.66) | Vintage Christian Dior Shirt ($36.18) | Vintage Casucci Denim Jacket ($38.77)
4. The RealReal
While you won’t leave with a $10 leather bag in your cart after browsing this consignment site, you will pay significantly less for high-end and luxury apparel, accessories, jewelry, and home items. The Real Real is committed to extending the lifecycle of luxury goods, by offering steep discounts on gently-worn items. Buying designer goods online can be daunting thanks to the prevalence of counterfeits on the market, but you won’t have worry about getting duped and winding up with a knock-off–the RealReal team is staffed with authentication experts from horologists to gemologists, who approve and certify items for their authenticity and re-sell value.
BUY: Yeezy x Adidas 350 V2 Zebra Boost ($636.00) | Isabel Marant Leather Moto Jacket ($425.00) | Gucci Suede ‘Britt’ Bag ($596.00)
5. Swap
Swap is probably the closest thing to an online version of a conventional thrift shop, with low price points that are on par with brick and mortars. In addition to men’s and women’s clothing, Swap also offers pre-owned kid’s and infant clothing, as well gently used toys, games, and sporting goods. You won’t find many designer pieces or stylized merchandising on this site, but you will find deals on well-known brands like H&M and Gap. Swap also allows you to save on shipping; you can buy multiple items from different sellers and combine shipping for most orders. Plus, they’ve got a solid money back guarantee and return process, so you don’t have to “trust strangers.”
BUY: Men’s Unlisted Chelsea Boots ($51.00) | Harry Potter Scene It DVD Game ($40.00) | Lululemon Tank Top ($26.00)
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