7 Tips For Navigating Second Hand September

Whether you’ve taken up the ‘5 Things’ challenge, sworn off the high street or simply want to bag a bargain, shopping secondhand is a great way to hit your personal fashion goals. It’s never been trendier to pick up your wares from a digital neighbour – or easier, thanks to the likes of Vinted, Vestiaire, eBay, HEWI and Sellier. And the resale market is only set to get bigger, with forecasts suggesting it will double in size by 2027. It’s a lot to take in, especially if you’re only just starting to dip your toe into resale retail. Lucky for you, we’ve got an expert on side. We asked Hanushka Toni, Founder and CEO of preloved luxury platform Sellier, to share all her tips and tricks for shopping secondhand.

Secondhand Shopping: Tips & Tricks

Use A Trusted Resale Platform

There are lots of options for shopping resale online, especially during Second Hand September when brands might capitalise on momentum with promotions. But make sure that you’re buying from a company that has good authentication credentials. Unfortunately, online shopping can be a bit of a Wild West – and the pieces that seem to be too good to be true, often are. 

Authenticate & Verify

The most important rule when searching for a luxury item is to verify the reputation and credibility of the seller or platform. Look for reviews, rely on word-of-mouth recommendations, and consult platforms like Trustpilot. Additionally, ensure the platform uses a reliable, verified authentication service to avoid counterfeit items. At Sellier, for instance, we use Entrupy, an AI-based authentication tool. Carefully examine item descriptions and photos for signs of wear, damage, or alterations, and don’t hesitate to ask for more details if necessary.

@chloe_plumstead Secondhand shopping makes me feel like a treasure hunter but I know the process online can be tricky, so I’m rounding up my top tips for finding the things you *really* want and how to influence platforms to serve you items which suit your style to a T 🤌 #vinted #depop #secondhandfashion #secondhandclothes #prelovedfashion ♬ Sky Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Condition Is Everything

Whilst some of the most amazing pieces do show a sense of history and time, you also want to be buying something that will last. In the case of bags and accessories, for example, look carefully at the corners as well as the wear to the leather and the hardware.

Invest In Timeless Pieces

For investment value and pieces that will remain desirable in the years to come, look for the rare vintage models from brands like Chanel. Chanel bags from the 90s were not only produced better, but these rare models have become collector’s items and will continue to appreciate in value. There’s also a certain satisfaction in knowing that you have something that will no longer be made and is one of only a few in existence. 

Fastest Finger First

When shopping for preloved, remember that things go really quickly. So if you find something you love, don’t hesitate, because chances are if it’s a really desirable piece, it will be snapped up by someone else if you spend too long thinking.

@elliot_duprey Replying to @kc! Lets get to shopping better! #fashiontok #fashiontiktok #shopping #onlineshopping #secondhandfashion #sustainablefashion #onlineshoppingtips #ebay #poshmark #mercari #therealreal #vestiaire #etsy #vinted ♬ Lofi/NightTempo/10 minutes(1463898) – nightbird_bgm

Go In-Store

Nothing beats seeing that special purchase in person so look for businesses, vintage stores and charity shops that also have physical locations where you can go and see the items and decide if they’re really for you. It also gives you comfort that if there are any issues you always have somewhere you can go to resolve a problem.

Stay Engaged On Social Media

Follow secondhand luxury accounts on Instagram or Facebook. Some influencers and brands have exclusive flash sales or drop announcements for their followers during this time.

Featured image: Karolina Grabowska, Unsplash