Resources
How to Buy or Consign
Find the places, resources, and tips to find the best savings! Whether you’re looking to buy quality secondhand items or consign items you no longer need, we’ve got you covered.
How to Consign
Consignment Apps & Platforms: Poshmark, ThredUp, and Mercari are great for clothing and accessories. These platforms make it easy to list items, connect with buyers, and handle shipping. High-quality photos and detailed descriptions increase your chances of selling quickly.
Local Options: Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood consignment shops can help you avoid shipping costs and connect with buyers in your area. Many local shops offer consignment services where they handle the selling process for you, taking a percentage of the sale.
Tips for Successful Consigning: Clean and inspect items before listing, take photos in good lighting, write honest and detailed descriptions, research similar items to price competitively, and respond quickly to buyer inquiries.
How to Buy Secondhand
Thrift Stores & Resale Platforms: Thrift stores and online resale platforms often have brand-new items at a fraction of the cost. Check out local thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces before buying new.
Cashback & Rewards: Use apps like Rakuten or Honey for online shopping to earn cashback on purchases you’re already making. These tools automatically apply coupon codes and track your savings over time.
Buying Tips: Inspect items carefully for quality and condition, check return policies, compare prices across platforms, look for items with original tags for best value, and don’t be afraid to negotiate on local marketplace listings.
Best Platforms & Resources
For Clothing & Accessories: Poshmark, ThredUp, Mercari, Depop, and The RealReal (for designer items). Each platform has its own fee structure and audience, so research which works best for your items.
For Local Sales: Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and local consignment shops offer great opportunities to buy and sell without shipping. These are perfect for furniture, home goods, and larger items.
For Everything Else: eBay, OfferUp, and Craigslist remain popular for a wide variety of items. Always meet in safe, public places for local transactions and use secure payment methods for online purchases.
Maximizing Your Savings
DIY Repairs: Simple fixes like sewing a button, polishing shoes, or cleaning items can make them look new again and increase their value when consigning or make them perfect for your use when buying.
Seasonal Shopping: Buy off-season items at deep discounts. Winter coats in spring, summer clothes in fall—timing your purchases can save significant money.
Bundle Deals: Many sellers offer discounts when you buy multiple items. Look for bundle opportunities when shopping, and consider offering bundles when consigning to move inventory faster.