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Expensive Second-hand Items

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I was trying to assess whether the gorgeous white linen tunic I saw at the second-hand shop is worth the asking price. As a rule, I think the item is worth the amount I'm willing to pay for it, but I think this particular shirt is priced too high for the second-hand item and, heavy hearted, I am letting it go. It's an unknown to me Italian label, maybe I should look it up, it's beautifully fluid and long (almost a mini dress on me), but the price tag is way too high.

Actually, I had a look around and have noticed the stuff is generally quite pricey at that store. Certain things from certain brands I recognise are only 30-40% cheaper than the similar new things from the same brands. Mind boggling. The store is privately owned, it's not charity shop, maybe that plays a role.

This got me thinking. Although I haven't bought anything second-hand in a while, I love the idea of buying second-hand as a cheap(er) way to try something different and experiment before the real splurge.

Question - What are your experiences and thought processes in determining what a good deal for the second-hand item is?

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from Ornella

Quietgirl

Veteran

It seems to me...do you LOVE it? and does it fit your budget? and does it fill a gap? would be the most logical questions. I wonder what others with experience with this will say?

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

quietgirl :: I love it, but I also love much more not doubting whether I was tricked. I also don't actually need it, although it would be perfect for my summer and I'd happily replace several so-so things with it. But, my instinct was that it was (is) an expensive item and a quick scan of other price tags showed me I was probably right.

Kim

Veteran

How much would you pay for it, if it was full price in another store, but never used? What condition is it in? (Like new, I'm assuming?) Would you have bought it at a 40 percent off sale at the other store and thought you got a great deal?

How many years will it reasonably work in your closet, and how many times a year would you expect to wear it? These are all factors in what I'm willing to pay for a piece.

The store is not a charity store, so is in business to make a profit. Nothing wrong with that. That's not tricking you, they are doing what any business does.

All that being said, only you know what is good value for your dollar. Just don't rule it out because it's not cheap for second hand, if it's perfect otherwise. Second hand may have only been worn once or twice, and then passed on. The condition will tell you more about that. We all have had an orphan or two in our closet. LOL

missvee

Veteran

I agree with Kim - there are lots of factors to consider here, but don't rule the piece out entirely until you've checked out the label. Last summer I bought a linen dress at a local high end boutique - even on sale it was still pricey for me, but I liked the colour and fit. I wasn't familiar with the make - Riani - but when I googled it at home, sure enough it's a higher priced Italian brand.

Runcarla

Veteran

My mother used to shop at a consignment store regularly. She discovered that a well-to-do woman of similar size and taste turned her designer wardrobe over seasonally and didn't 't like to be seen wearing the same evening wear repeatedly. The dresses she wore to my wedding and my brothers wedding were both from this store.

The prices were 'high' for sure when compared to thrift shop purchases, but the clothing was always in pristine condition.

Joy

Veteran

It depends on what it is worth to you, including your feelings. If you feel cheated each time you wear it or even see it in your closet, it definitely should be left. I once bought a dress at a high end consignment shop out of town and even had them make alterations and ship it to me. I like it and think it's classic enough to hold a place for several seasons. I was seduced by it being long enough when everything was far too short, polkadot-ish, and a Kate Spade look alike. Cost per wear is still pretty high but it is more for special occasions.
On the other hand, I still mourn the loss of a DVF dress at a consignment store that I wasn't ready to pay $100 for used but since have wished that I had.
You were wise to think about it before buying though.

Neel

Veteran

If you think you could buy something new similar non designer at a much lesser price then that's what I would do :). But I am a cheapie and I don't own anything designer new or second hand (except for my gifted MK tote may be!). So take it FWIW

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Kim and Joy said. So many factors to consider. Generally, I only buy what I would buy at a similar price new (it might be a sale item, new) and/ or something that is quite unique and offers me a chance to experiment I might not find at any price, elsewhere.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Used or new doesn't matter to me. I buy based on how much I love it and if I will wear it. I generally find high-end consignment stores price higher than uncurated thrift stores because the owners spend time selecting and ensuring quality, authenticity, and condition. Also they tend to be local stores, which I like to support.

crutcher

Veteran

You know I would trust my instincts..If you don't feel right about it, let it go..There will be many and other wonderful clothes out there..
That said, what would it hurt to approach the owner of the consignment store and ask if she/he was willing to reduce the price...
I would also research the item to see where the higher price is coming from (i.e.is it owner greed? of is it from actual designer worth?...)
Good luck as you ponder the whys and wherefores of consignment shopping...

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I frequent a high end consignment store. I got my pristine proenza schouler PS 1 bag for about 40% off retail. It may have been used a few times. She has a tightly edited and well curated collection. Yes it's far higher than standard second hand shops but I think still worth it.

shedev

Veteran

I do all my second hand shopping though 2 consignment stores. They are a little higher than thrift, but the clothes are in much better shape. I also sell some of my orphans there.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I really do wonder if consignment store owners mark items up because of "greed," you know?

What is the label?

Cindy S

(website)

I do a surprising amount of shopping at 2 high end consighnment stores in a nearby city and I totally get your concern about not being taken, especially for a fabric like linen where the condition could be a bit "disguised" with a strong dose of starch. I tend to look harder at linen, cotton and silk items for that reason, and walk away from pieces that seem overpriced for secondhand, but if you keep revisiting your decision to walk away, go ahead with some online research, I will do that as well when on the fence and can't get past the potential of a piece in my wardrobe...and I agree with the comment about asking the owner if she can come down. Consignment stores like to keep their inventory fresh and many of them have a required markdown progression at the 30 and 60 day points, so if its been there awhile, it could be due for a markdown.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

So many valid points, thanks all.

I will return to check the label. I am curious. And the shirt again. My favourite white linen skirt is "made in Italy" and I have soft spot now for anything with the same tag sewn on.

I would pay a more for the same item if it was new. But, I have no way of knowing how old or worn this shirt is. I have tried to assess the merchandise there and they vary a lot.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

No clue, so I'm learning along with you, Ornella. Where is Shevia?? She is an expert at getting amazing designer pieces second hand.

Echo

Veteran

It depends on the item and the shop. If the shop is well organized and clean and pleasant to shop in, that alone demands a higher price tag than a traditional thrift or second-hand shop. Then, if they carry labels that are in demand, then they know they have valuable and coveted merchandise, which also commands a higher price. Overall, only you can decide if the item was worth it, but for something that could replace several items you already have at a significant percentage off new, it might be worth it.

Deborah

Veteran

Ornella, it really comes down to what it's worth to you. I don't buy much in thrift stores these days but I do often browse. I have a few amazing (well I think they are) items that I thrifted. Some were cheap and some were pricey for second hand but each of them have become important players in my closet. One of them is quite a statement piece. My rules for second hand purchasing are they must be in pristine condition, good brands, and they must fit my style goals (unless of course I'm trying out something new). If I find I am balking at the price of a second hand item, there is usually another reason and it's often because I don't want it that badly. What is the store return policy? Some stores do allow returns which means you could take it hime and see how it plays with your other items and how you feel in it.

unfrumped

Veteran

I usually have to watch out for being sucked in by the label( " but it's -----!) and get something I don't need or that is no better than another brand.
The best way for me to use these stores is to luck into something I just wouldn't usually come across ( without intensive online buying and returns), so I get to try on stuff IRL and see. Next , I occasionally find my size in a current , common brand and here I have to eval price and condition and do I need it-- avoid sakes goggles. Finally there are " vintage" items that may have surfaced from a time when fabrics or construction were better, or when the style really suited my shape, and I need to see if it can be worked in a modern way.

chadya

Veteran

Not a thrift store shopper at all, but listen to your instincts. Take another look and evaluate.
To me the lifetime of white linen is not long
HTH

Beth Ann

Veteran

I rarely shop consignment --- as a size 14, there are few items of value in my size, so I mostly look at bags and other accessories.

As for used/new issues, I think I would need to feel like I was definitely paying less than I would for a similar item new. In recent years, it seams like consignment prices has been rising in my area. Even garage sales have had higher prices!

That said, I think the value to you is based upon the item's condition, but also the function it serves in your wardrobe. A HEWI or a linchpin piece would be worth a few extra dollars (or euros). I'm made the mistake of spending hours of my time to save a small amount of money -- as if my time had no value at all! I'm learning to figure time in the equation, too!

rachylou

Veteran

It has to be over 40% off for me. And I'm not really enticed until we're beyond 50% off.

I was discussing Kitchen Aid mixers with a co-worker, who really wants one. She could get a refurbished Artisan for $239. A new one costs $349. At that point, one might as well make the stretch and get brand new. It's not much off for something that's needed the once-over.

catgirl

Veteran

I often feel this way. In thrifting or consignment, I will assess whether the item is filling a hole that I would pay full price to fill, or if I will waste more time seeking the right item. If it's not a need I tend to let it go on principle. I feel the same way about garage sales. I'm not paying $40 for a barstool I know you got for $45 new at the local Fred Meyer!

Anonymous

I find myself in these kinds of shops quite often. At first I went a little nuts, scooping up this and that. Now I'm a bit more discerning. I almost have to use the same criteria that I do for a new, full-price item (providing it's in immaculate condition). I look for either 1) statement/trendy pieces that might move my style forward or 2) really high quality basic things that I would wear in an everyday way. Both would have to be at least 50-75% less than their regular retail price to offset the fact that they are used and a season or two old. My budget remains the same, but if I can get something much nicer than what I could afford new in a fast-fashion type store, I'll go for the consignment item.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

This is a great thread, thanks for starting it. I'll have to come back and read replies later. Since I'm on a severely limited budget for the rest of the year, I'm investigating buying from ThreadUP. I'm being extremely picky about brands and fabrics and fits. I want to avoid that trap of buying pretty things because they aren't expensive and ending up with closet orphans. In the case of the beautiful tunic, I'd guess I'd have to make decisions based on the garments worth, it's condition, and how much you're going to get out of it, in terms of wear and enjoyment. I've never bought something expensive used before, so this is good food for thought.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

For me the fact that it is second hand in itself does not reduce its value. It enhances it! Many things in a consignment shop are never worn closet orphans and some are quite recent. The devaluation comes if the item is worn enough that it is no longer in pristine condition, or it will wear out sooner. If a designer piece is priced the same of its equivalent Zara new item, and I like it, and I would pay the Zara price for the same sort of item, I am in. More than that rarely happens but I would consider it for the right piece.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and wisdom. You have made me rethink the shirt and think more openly about the second hand items in general. The store reopens today (closed on Mondays, boo), so if I have time between the doctor's appointment and school run I'll check the shirt out.