Second-hand shopping should be your first stop
My 6-year-old daughter’s lengthening limbs might bankrupt me. Every few months my growing kid needs longer pants, bigger shirts and, if I’m really unlucky, a new pair of kicks.
Over the years, I’ve spent big money just keeping pace with the price of raising a kid. But I have a money-saving secret — I rarely buy anything new. Most of my daughter’s clothing and gear are sourced through the secondhand economy for 50 to 99 per cent less than new.
For example, I bought her BOB Revolution stroller for $250 and a few years later resold it for $250. Best deal on a stroller ever.
Canadians share my enthusiasm for other people’s old stuff. According to a 2018 report by classified website Kijiji, 85 per cent of Canadians participated in the second-hand economy last year. On average, we earned $1,135 by selling our unwanted things and saved $825 by buying goods from the neighbour’s garage.
If you’ve ever bought, sold, traded or donated an item, you too have participated in the second-hand economy. And resale isn’t just about online classifieds; it also includes social media groups, consignment shops, trading apps and thrift stores.
Deals can be found by bargain hunters and luxury shoppers alike for such things as cars, appliances, bicycles, homewares, clothing and big-ticket items like designer fashion and jewelry.
After thrifting my daughter’s wardrobe, I grew to love the second-hand market so much I now shop there for myself. All of my television dresses and designer shoes were once owned by another gal, and many were bought unworn with tags.
The term “second hand” can often mean “brand new” or “bought on impulse.”
To make the switch to the second-hand economy, take my 80/20 shopping rule for a spin. Aim to buy 80 per cent of your needed items used, and 20 per cent new.
Take a tour of these reseller haunts and save money by making the second-hand economy your first economy.
Facebook buy and sell groups: Some Toronto-area groups boast more than 7,000 members, while other regions contain a few hundred. I’ve bought and sold within groups for parents, fashionistas and cyclists and made profitable connections with families interested in buying my gear. Facebook members are often vetted by moderators and are local, so picking up an item is often a short walk away. You may need to haggle a little, but you keep all the profits.
Kijiji.ca: Reach a large audience in your local area with Kijjiji. I’ve sold my car, bought kids toys and even swapped a bike for a scooter using this classifieds website and app. Clear photos and honest descriptions sell stuff fastest, especially in competitive categories. For safer transactions, download the Kijiji app and use its messaging feature to communicate.
If you don’t like a seller, your contact information is kept private.
Bunz Trading Zone: No money? No problem. Swap your stuff with bartering app Bunz Trading Zone. The premise is you post a list of things you’re looking for and make a cashless trade in person. There are now open-air trading zones across the country — just find your local spot to safely set up an exchange.
eBay: From rare designer purses to the latest electronics, eBay is a great go-to site to sell higher-end and luxury items. Always include photos of authentication certificates, serial numbers, original receipts, store tags or designer labels to prove you’re selling the real deal.
Don’t forget to calculate “seller fees” since eBay and PayPal can take a bite out of your profit.
Local consignment stores: Many people are reselling their high-end threads and gently used kids gear through local businesses such as Once Upon a Child. Items are often clean and current, and you can try on the threads before buying. If you have items to get rid of, become a consigner and earn up to 50 per cent on your sale.