The secrets to second-hand success

Charity shops are booming at the moment and the high-street stalwarts are packed with great-value items from fashion to homeware. Jo Dunbar finds out how to bag the best bargains

With energy bills and the cost of living forcing us to tighten our purse strings, rifling through the racks in a charity shop has never been more appealing.

The Salvation Army has seen a 22 per cent rise in sales in its shops this year, showing bargain-hunting has never been more popular.

According to Clothes Aid, 350,000 tons of used clothing ends up in landfill each year so aside from the financial advantages, there’s a sustainability boost from sourcing second-hand too.

Whether you’re keen on picking up paperbacks without the usual price tag, hunting for vintage fashion, or want to stock your plates cupboard while upping your eco credentials, one of the UK’s 11,000 charity shops could have just what you need.

How to find a gem

Buying second-hand is not always straightforward, says Dr Sarah Montano, senior lecturer in marketing at the University of Birmingham.

“There is always a bit of luck involved. My key advice would be to shop often as you never know what you might find. Get to know your local shop – then you’ll find out their schedules for putting out new donations.”

And when’s best to bag a bargain?

“Weekdays can be a good time as retail is often quieter than at weekends,” says Sarah.

“Also, there will often be donations after Christmas and when people are spring-cleaning. There are some charity-shop customers who say to try more affluent places, but you never know what you might find in any area.

“Charities may have their own internal supply chain and move goods around various stores, and there’s also the risk an upmarket charity shop will raise its prices.”

Roll your sleeves up

Charity shops don’t have the resources to display or light the store like a high-street chain. You need to be able to use your imagination as you browse and be prepared to delve around.

For example, scarves or accessories are often kept in a big tub, so roll your sleeves up. Trying on or measuring garments is also sensible as sizes can vary from brand to brand. But, just like traditional high-street shopping, Sarah says it’s important to think before you shop, even if it’s cheap.

“It is only a bargain if you will wear it or use it,” she says.

Know the lingo

Pre-loved? Reclaimed? Upcycled? They’re all a great way to give a lease of life to an existing item, but each means something different.

TRAID’s CEO Maria Chenoweth explains: “While second-hand and pre-loved are often used interchangeably, upcycled is slightly different, as it means taking an item and making it into something of higher value. The word reclaimed could refer to an item, like a piece of furniture or wood, that has been saved.”

What are my rights?

Consumer rights expert Martyn James says used goods bought in a charity shop can be returned – but consumers need to apply common sense.

“If you buy second-hand goods through a retailer, laws cover you for disputes. The Consumer Rights Act gives you the right to return faulty or misrepresented goods,” he says. “The retailer must simply tell you about faults or problems. But be realistic – second-hand items will have wear and tear.”