Navigating the World of Online Thrifting: Tips and Tricks from a Thrifting Enthusiast
Today I want to share some insight on how to navigate the world of online thrifting. Whether you're new to this concept or just looking for some tips to enhance your thrifting experience, these tips should be of help. Thrifting online allows you to discover unique and inexpensive treasures; but first and foremost, allows you to make the conscious decision to shop second hand. By participating in online thrifting, you're actively contributing to waste reduction and environmental sustainability. Your effort deserves recognition, so here's a virtual round of applause or a gentle hug—whichever you prefer. So, let's dive into my tried-and-true methods for successful online thrifting!
getting started…
Don't Judge a Listing by Its Photo: Sometimes, the photos on listings can be misleading or poorly taken. To overcome this, try using photo editing software to cut out the item and insert it into a picture of your space. It's a helpful hack to see past bad photos and discover hidden gems
check out programs like photoshop, procreate or even canva to do this trick!
Research the Original Value: If the original value or brand of an item isn't clear, take some time to research it online. This will help you determine if you're getting a good deal. Understanding an item's original price can provide valuable insights into its worth and/or give you reason to haggle the price! If you are having a hard time finding the item, try reverse image searching it!
Consider Upcycling Opportunities: If you come across an item that needs a little love or minor repairs, ask yourself if you're willing to put in the effort to upcycle it. Sometimes, a simple paint job or replacement part can transform an item into a unique treasure and potentially save you money.
Explore Pinterest for Styling Ideas & Create a Pinterest Board of your own: When uncertain about how to incorporate a particular item into your home, turn to Pinterest for inspiration. Looking at how others have styled similar pieces can help you envision how they could enhance your space. Additionally, creating a Pinterest board dedicated to your thrifting endeavours can also be helpful. Pinning items that resonate with you will refine your personal style and give you a clearer idea of what you're looking for when you search across the world of online thrifting.
Knowing Your Personal Style: Similar to creating a personal Pinterest board, understanding your personal style is crucial when thrifting. If you're unsure about your preferences, consider taking our course or exploring resources that can help you define and translate your style into your living spaces.
User Experience
Understand the Algorithm: Facebook Marketplace's algorithm operates similarly to TikTok's For You Page or YouTube's Homepage. It learns your preferences over time and tailors recommendations accordingly. To make the most of this feature, click on, save and interact with items that interest you, even if you don't plan to buy them. The more information you provide, the better the algorithm can match you with suitable listings.
Save Items for Future Reference: Saving items that catch your eye is essential for two reasons. Not only does it help the algorithm learn your preferences better, but it also gives you a notification if a seller reduces the price of a saved item, which could save you some money!
Explore Different Locations: To expand your search results, experiment with different locations and search radiuses. Moving your search within smaller circles in various cities or zones can lead to more refined results.
Utilize Friends and Family: If you have friends or family members in different areas, consider asking them to check out local listings for you. This way, you can expand your reach and potentially find unique items in different regions. For example, major cities have a higher rate of people snagging items immediately, so looking in rural areas allows you more of a relaxed buying experience.
Buying Discourse
Stand out in your messages: When reaching out to sellers, use a personalized message rather than the auto-suggested ones. Highlight your ability to pick up the item quickly or offer a deposit to secure the purchase.
Be the first to message: If you're interested in an item, don't hesitate to send a message right away, even if you are not sure you want it. Some sellers honor the first person who contacts them, giving you an advantage.
Bargain wisely: When negotiating the price, it's generally a good idea to offer a slightly lower amount than what the seller is asking for if the item is normally easy to find, or higher if its more of a rare item that you are willing to pay a bit more for. Mentioning that you can pick up the item today might increase your chances of getting a favorable deal. However, if you're unsure about the condition or the item is expensive, it's best not to commit to a guaranteed sale, instead say something along the lines of “I can come take a look at 5pm!”.
Consider bulk deals: If you like multiple items from the same seller, propose a bulk deal to see if they're open to offering a discounted price for all the items.
Picking up / Delivery
Explore delivery options: Inquire about the possibility of delivery, as some sellers may offer it. If the seller lives outside your area but commutes to your city, they might be willing to bring the item along and meet you.
Ensure safety during the transaction: It's generally recommended not to go alone when picking up an item. If you can’t find a friend to go with, at the very least, inform someone about your plans and consider meeting in a public place, such as a mall parking lot. Alternatively, some police stations have designated safe zones for online sales.
Prepare for transportation: Before heading out, ensure that the item can fit in your vehicle or that you can handle it on your own. If necessary, consider renting a van or truck for larger items.
Last but not least
Screenshot item photos: Take screenshots of the listing's photos before picking up the item. Some sellers delete their listings promptly, and having the original photos will be useful for showcasing your thrifted finds later on, especially if you want to make that thrifted vs. styled TikTok.
I hope these tips will help your online thrifting experiences to make the most out of your purchases. Remember, online thrifting can be a fantastic way to find unique items while saving money and reducing waste. If you have any additional tips or insights, feel free to share them in the comments section of our YouTube channel in the video attached below. Happy thrifting!