Latest news with #secondhand
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Grandma's trash turned Gen Z's treasure: Estate sales are the newest craze
VIENNA, Virginia ‒ At noontime on a recent summer Friday, about two dozen cars were parked along a tree-lined culd-a-sac in this suburb 30 minutes outside of the nation's capital. A blue yard sign directed people to a house at the end of the street with a simple, beckoning message: 'Estate sale this way.' Women in their 20s and 30s meandered to their cars carrying cardboard boxes piled high with books, holiday decorations, clothes and picture frames. Across the country, scenes like this are becoming more common, as young people looking to shop in more sustainable ways are gravitating toward estate sales – rather than large retailers – to find low cost well-made products. In the past six months, the online estate sale marketplace Everything But the House saw a 28% increase in business, with much of that driven by young people, Chief Commercial Officer James Ferguson said. The company saw an 18% uptick in sales among people aged 25 to 35 in the first half of the year, he said. "There's a concept of quality and value from things that maybe are older or were gently used in a previous life. We call it pre-loved," he said. "They're seeing the opportunity to get something unique." Estate sales on the rise Raquel Sobczak, 25, began attending estate sales after the COVID-19 pandemic to find deals on clothes and trinkets she could use to decorate her house. This year, she said she made a commitment to buy only secondhand goods. Now, the Arlington, Virginia resident said she attends sales at least two or three times a month. 'It's better for the environment, but it's also better for my wallet to go and buy stuff secondhand,' Sobczak said, while shopping at a July 18 estate sale. 'I am not in a place where I could afford to go pay a few hundred dollars for this,' the 25-year-old said, holding up an ornate cuffed bracelet with a price sticker dangling from the side. 'But I could swing 20 bucks.' Gen Z consumers' rising interest in estate sales follows a broader demand among the age cohort over the last decade for thrifted goods. Young people began frequenting resale stores like Goodwill out of a desire to reduce their carbon footprint and shop more sustainably. In 2021 alone, 42% of Gen Z and millennials said they had shopped for secondhand clothes, according to a survey conducted by the online consignment site ThredUp. Some young people told USA TODAY they are now turning to estate sales after finding the inventory at thrift and vintage shops overrun with fast-fashion and cheap goods. 'I know if I'm going to an estate sale, I'm probably going to find real treasures that have been cared for by people,' said 27-year-old Edie Guy, who lives in Mount Vernon, Virginia. 'Sometimes you'll find that at thrift shops, but I feel like less and less because everyone and their mother is kind of donating to thrift stores just to get stuff cleaned out of their house.' Guy begrudgingly visited estate sales with her mom and grandmother when she was a child but said she didn't become interested in them until after college, when she needed to decorate her new apartment. As she and her husband look to furnish their first home, Guy said estate sales have become a life- and money-saver. 'The quality you get is unmatched,' she said. 'We can get an incredibly high quality crafted piece for $300, versus something online that was mass produced for like, you know, $5,000." Attracting young consumers Some estate sale companies have begun to capitalize on the increased interest from younger generations. an online marketplace and directory for in-person estate sales, has taken steps to attract Gen Z and millennial consumers on social media, company general manager, Marika Clemow, said. 'We can appeal more to them in that, not only are you buying something at a fairly decent price that's durable and long lasting ‒ but, you're not putting more plastics into the earth,' Clemow said. 'This generation is a little more open to items at estate sales not feeling like old, worn stuff, but being old reusable stuff.' Rising inflation and tariff concerns also may have a hand in Gen Z's new attraction to estate sales. In the past six months, Clemow said she's seen an uptick in people searching the digital marketplace for durable goods, like furniture, tools, school supplies and baby ware. Meanwhile, searches for luxury goods, like Rolex watches, have dipped. Diane Rotondo, who runs a Blue Moon Estate Sales franchise in Fairfax County, Virginia, said she's seen a similar demand for furniture. A couple of years ago, Rotondo said she couldn't get people to buy antique four-poster bedframes and now, young consumers are snatching them up early. "The cost of goods are going up and up and up and it makes it even more impossible to get the things you like," Rotondo said. "When you can go to find something that you really like and pay so much less than what you would in a store, it's just a pleasant experience." When asked about what she believes is drawing more people to estate sales, Rotondo said: 'the adventure.' 'It gives somebody the opportunity to treasure hunt in the modern day,' she said. 'It's like a little museum, but you get to purchase it and give it a new journey instead of it ending up in a landfill.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grandma's trash, Gen Z's treasure: Young shoppers love estate sales
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Four items you should NEVER buy on Facebook Marketplace and the surprising one that could save you money
FROM second-hand clothing to antique furniture and even cars, you can find almost anything nowadays on Facebook Marketplace. Millions of people in the UK use the platform to snap up some great bargains or sell their unwanted goods, but it's important to stay savvy when buying or selling to avoid fraudsters. 1 A shopping expert has revealed the things you should never buy from Facebook Marketplace, as well as the top items that could end up saving you cash. Consumer expert at Rebecca Bebbington says: ' Buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace is a great way to shift some unwanted items, make a quick buck or uncover a gem you've been looking for, but there's still some things people should be aware of. 'When you buy on Facebook Marketplace there's no buyer protection. "Unlike platforms like eBay or Depop, Facebook doesn't offer buyer protection for Marketplace transactions, so purchases are entirely at your own risk." Rebecca has shared her tips for the best things to buy on Facebook Marketplace, and the four you should stay away from to make sure you always get the best bargains. Top Facebook Marketplace buys Pet supplies Pet accessories are one of the best things you can buy on Facebook Marketplace, according to Rebecca, and you could save loads of cash compared to buying them new. "Dog crates, cat towers, pet carriers, and even unopened food or litter often come up when people no longer need them," she says. "These essentials can be surprisingly pricey new, so it's worth checking Marketplace before heading to a pet store." Home gym equipment Fitness gear like dumbbells, kettlebells, rowing machines, and even Pelotons pop up regularly on Facebook Marketplace. "Many sellers list them after losing motivation," Rebecca says, "which means you can grab barely-used kit for a steep discount." Spot a Rare £1 Coin Worth Up to £500: The Key Details Every Collector Should Know If you want to workout at home, you can save hundreds on home gym equipment buying from Marketplace instead of high street stores. "Just be quick, as these are in demand," she adds. Garden furniture and tools Now is a good time to snap up things like deck chairs, lawnmowers, planters, and patio sets, as many will be getting rid of them after their spring or summer clear-outs. " Buying second-hand can save you hundreds compared to new garden centre prices," Rebecca says. "Just make sure that any electronic or gas-powered tools that you buy are in full working condition before handing over any money." Kitchen gadgets Facebook Marketplace can be a brilliant way to update your kitchen on the cheap. " Air fryers, mixers, slow cookers and even fridges often appear in listings when people are upgrading or moving." However, if you are buying anything electric, be sure to test it out before you buy it. You'll be able to do this if you meet the seller in person to buy the item - something a lot of Facebook Marketplace users do. Other top buys Rebecca suggests are items like dining tables, dressers, and bookshelves, as these "are often high-quality, pre-loved pieces that would cost a fortune new". "People clearing out quickly or downsizing will sell them for far less than their true value, sometimes even for free if you can collect." Things you should never buy on Facebook Marketplace Makeup or skincare Makeup is "by far one of the worst things you can buy" on a platform like Facebook Marketplace, Rebecca warns. It poses serious safety and hygiene risks, as it's hard to know if they're genuine, expired, or have been previously used. She says that for the sake of a couple of quid, "you're best buying new from the store". Child car seats Child car seats can set you back hundreds of pounds nowadays, so it might be tempting to try and find one second-hand. "While it might seem like a good way to save a couple of pounds, you should never skip on safety," Rebecca adds. "With these items, you can't verify their safety history. If they've been in an accident, they may be compromised." Electronics with missing chargers or packaging Electronics are one of the most popular things to buy on Facebook Marketplace, but if they have missing chargers or packaging it might not be the best buy. "These could be stolen or faulty, and there's often no comeback if they stop working," Rebecca warns. Be sure to check with the seller that the equipment comes with chargers and original packaging before buying. Event tickets recent rise in ticket scams. "We've all learnt from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and now Oasis' ongoing tour. "Concert tickets, or any event ticket for that matter, are commonly faked or sold multiple times. "You're better off using official resale platforms," she says. What are my rights on Facebook Marketplace? WHILE it can be a great place to bag a bargain, buying on Facebook Marketplace does come with risks. According to Which?, if you buy from a private seller on Facebook marketplace, you have fewer consumer rights than if you were to buy from an online store. The principal of "buyer beware" applies, whereby the goods must be as described but the seller does not have to disclose any faults. But the seller would be in breach of contract if they didn't send you anything after taking your money, or if the goods were misrepresented. Unlike sites like eBay, Amazon or Depop, Facebook Marketplace doesn't offer extra buyer protection, so you're not guaranteed a refund for damaged or faulty items, or if the item doesn't turn up. .
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Shoppers baffled as Vinted is flooded with more than 120 identical Zara skirts in perfect condition
Second-hand shoppers are scratching their heads after noticing dozens of units of the same Zara skirt are being listed on Vinted. The yellow sequin skirt, designed by the Spanish-owned retailer, has been listed more than 120 times on the platform for second hand purchases, according to one shopper. The bizarre phenomenon has led to speculation that the item may have been reduced instore, prompting a flurry of business-minded thrifters to pick it up for a cheap rate and resell it on Vinted at a profit. Yuliya Kyrpo had been researching ways to build her own reselling app by 'monitoring and observing' what is happening on Vinted when she spotted this trend with the skirt as well as other Zara clothes. The reseller posted several screen recordings of skirts to her TikTok, @ where some were selling the clothing for more than £60 and writing over it 'how many yellow sequin Zara skirts can you spot?' She added: 'Is it me or has Vinted turned into Refund Centre?' She then went on to comment: 'Can someone please explain why did 124 people bought this skirt and selling it on Vinted full price and brand new? 'Surely it can't be that everyone missed their return deadline? I'm seeing more and more of this, this shopping phenomenon needs to be studied!' Ms Kyrpo told Femail: 'I started to notice that the algorithm is pushing similar things to me and then I saw there several of the same item. 'It made me think "what's wrong with it, why do so many people want to resell it" 'Sometimes people wear it once and it doesn't fit quite perfectly, or there's something else that's wrong with it, or people miss the deadline to return it. 'So there are multiple, different reasons that people sell it on. The small business owner added: 'But the more it looked, it seemed like people were just buying a piece of clothing and selling it straight away. 'I'm starting to see people then selling these clothes at full price, which just takes away from the whole idea of from second-hand. 'I mean, I don't mind paying for something full price if I really really want something like, but there's so many of these that it actually becomes comical.' She joked: 'It may be sold out in Zara, but it's certainly not sold out on Vinted.' People online were just as shocked as Ms Kyrpo, with one user saying: 'Drives me insane it's from the sale and people are doing it for profit! See it so much.' Prices from the skirt varied from around £30 to more than double that at £60 Another wrote: 'This skirt had 70% off the original price in my Zara the other day, probably why!!' One person added: 'People did the same with kids clothes in the next sale bought them and sold them for double the price. joke' While another said: 'Resellers. Buy in the sale then re-sell on vinted for more £' However, some others thought there might be so many of the same skirt because people kept missing their returns date, with Ms Kyrpo herself writing in her comment 'surely it can't be that everyone missed their return deadline?' But one user chimed in explaining that 'I have adhd and forget to return them in time all the time'. Others made more of a dig at people who would have bought the item to only wear once and wanted to make up for the loss. The excessive posts of the clothing led to some people speculating online that the skirt was reduced in store and savvy thrifters wanted to sell it on Vinted for an increased price or had worn it once and wanted to make up some of their money One user joked: 'All the people who wore to Ibiza & now need to recoup some ££!' But then another woman agreed, adding 'I wore this skirt to Calvin Harris at Ushuaïa in Ibiza on Tuesday there were 5 of us wearing it in just our little area no wonder there's so many for sale!!' However, some people said the sizing was an issue and that may be why so many were being resold. 'I got this skirt and love it, but I didn't realise when I tried it on, how massive it is!! I'm an L and I could have easily got in an S,' one woman wrote.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Evri cashes in on second-hand boom with record number of deliveries
Evri delivered more parcels than ever over the past year as it cashed in on the growth of 'bedroom CEOs' selling second-hand items and newer delivery opportunities like car parts and flowers. The West Yorkshire-based group said it delivered more than 807 million parcels over the year to the end of February. This was 11% more than the 730 million the previous year, and represents a 25% increase in parcel numbers in the last two years. Revenues for the company jumped by 12% to £1.85 billion year-on-year, it revealed. Evri said sales growth was partly fuelled by the booming popularity of second-hand marketplaces like eBay and Vinted, which has shown no sign of easing. The trend for buying and selling items online has created more opportunities for the parcel firm, with social media platforms like TikTok's shop helping change shopper behaviour, it said. Martijn de Lange, Evri's chief executive, said: 'It was a year that saw us expand our client base into new sectors, including fresh food, car parts and floristry, and grow our presence in existing ones. 'We continue to meet increased demand for customer-to-customer deliveries for online marketplaces, as buyer and seller behaviour changes – fuelled by scroll and spend social commerce sites such as TikTok's shop. 'Evri's tech-enabled convenience is equipping a growing army of bedroom CEOs who are shaping the future of ecommerce.' Evri, which was previously part of the Hermes parcel group, revealed that it spent £57 million over the financial year on its operations and technology in a bid to improve service levels. It has previously highlighted an improvement in its ratings over recent years but said there was 'more to do' to improve with some customers continuing to report delivery issues. The group recently announced it was joining forces with DHL's UK ecommerce arm to form one of the country's biggest delivery firms. The deal means Evri will enter the UK business letter market for the first time, bolstering its competition to Royal Mail.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I've made £5.6k on Vinted & here are the 7 items you need to upload NOW – a particular skirt sells instantly for a start
A SAVVY Vinted seller has revealed the seven items and brands that are selling well on the second-hand platform. Chloe Chandler, 25, a side hustler from the UK, has made over £5,600 on Vinted thanks to her very simple tips. 6 6 6 6 So if you've got a wardrobe full of clothes and shoes you never wear, you've come to the right place and will need to listen up. The fashion fan who has cashed in £5,641.07 through the marketplace app, confirmed that not only are white maxi skirts selling instantly at the moment, but there's an old brand that is sure to fill your wallet. The content creator and Vinted enthusiast, who buys and sells on the app 'every single day,' took to social media to share her top tips and tricks, leaving many totally stunned. The blonde-haired beauty, who is a top Vinted seller with over 500 five star reviews, said: 'These are the brands and the items that are selling really well on Vinted at the moment. 'I add things to my favourites and then wait and see what sells - and all of these have sold and are doing really well as listings on Vinted at the moment. 'So whether you are selling your old bits and bobs or you are a reseller, these are the things that you should be listing.' Maxi skirts First things first, Chloe stressed that maxi skirts in any colour are selling 'so well on Vinted at the moment.' In particular, she recognised that white tiered maxi skirts will move fast, as she beamed: 'I buy maxi skirts all the time, but specifically the tiered ones that are becoming more popular. 'Specifically ones that are vintage - so if you have one with an old label in or it's Jane Norman or any sort of quirky brands, they are selling so fast. 'Every single maxi skirt that I add to my favourites is sold in 30 minutes. It's insane. I'm a Vinted whizz who's made £5k in less than a year - the top 5 items currently selling & how to boost low views 'So if you have an old maxi skirt or if you are wanting to make a profit, maxi skirts are really really good at the moment.' Jane Norman Secondly, Chloe revealed that Jane Norman is one brand that is popular on the app at the moment. She continued: 'This brand was really popular back in the early 2000s, but it's slowly coming back into fashion and it is doing so well on Vinted. 'Just make sure you price your items correctly, do your research. 'I've seen some people uploading stuff that is Jane Norman, thinking that it's not worth anything for about £2 and then it gets sold and relisted for £20 plus. 'It's a very, very popular brand at the moment.' Do you need to pay tax on items sold on Vinted? QUICK facts on tax from the team at Vinted... The only time that an item might be taxable is if it sells for more than £6,000 and there is profit (sells for more than you paid for it). Even then, you can use your capital gains tax-free allowance of £3,000 to offset it. Generally, only business sellers trading for profit (buying goods with the purpose of selling for more than they paid for them) might need to pay tax. Business sellers who trade for profit can use a tax-free allowance of £1,000, which has been in place since 2017. More information here: Jellycats If you're in need of some cash and your little one has shelves full of Jellycats, you may want to think about selling some, as Chloe recognised: 'These always do well on Vinted. 'Just make sure that if you are clearing out your children's toys, you are checking the tags - even if it's books, some books are by Jellycat, so have a look at the labels. 'Make sure that you aren't giving anything away or selling something at a car boot sale that is actually worth quite a lot. 'Jellycats are increasing in popularity, so these do so well on Vinted.' She also advised: 'Just make sure that they are genuine - there are a lot of fakes. Google how to tell if they're real.' Trainers As well as this, Chloe urged sellers to upload their trainers to the marketplace app, as she explained: 'Trainers always do well on Vinted. 'If you have a pair of old New Balance or Nikes, specifically vintage, early 90s sort of shoes, they do really well. 'Some of the newer designs do quite well on Vinted too, so if you have some trainers, don't just think that they're not worth anything and sell them for 50p at a car boot. 'You need to actually do your research and make sure that you price them accordingly on Vinted. 'People buy and sell them all the time. So if you are looking to sell for profit, check out car boot sales and have a look and just see what trainers people are selling.' Sheer tops But that's not all, as according to this Vinted user, mesh, embellished and sequin sheer tops do 'so well on Vinted.' 'It's specifically the brands, you know, Lipsy, Miss Selfridge, old New Look - those sorts of brands are doing really well. 'Make sure you do your research - don't just sell it for £2,' she voiced. Crochet items Similarly, if you've got crochet items you haven't worn in years, you'll need to get uploading them quick. Chloe claimed that 'anything crochet,' including bags and ponchos, will sell fast. Why I hate Vinted, a real-life view Fabulous Associate Editor Sarah Barns opens up on why she hates Vinted: It's the king of second-hand fashion but I hate Vinted. There I said it. Yes, it stops items going into landfill. Yes, it helps create additional side-hustle income for many. And yes, you can get things at bargain prices. But it is just not my (shopping) bag. From personal experience, I've bought 'cheap' bundles of children's clothes only for them to arrive dirty and misshapen. Plus, with postage and buyer protection they didn't feel like such a great deal. I much prefer going to my local charity shop or supermarket for kids' stuff. I've also bought more premium high-street items - a dress from Arket and a skirt from Cos - only to find they didn't fit properly and the colours were faded. I attempted a bout of selling stuff but gave up after my £110 Veja trainers got lost in the post and I spent two hours on the phone to Royal Mail. A major gripe with it is that it still encourages you to spend, spend, spend. I'm not sure I needed the items I did purchase, I just didn't want to miss out. Also, the reselling of fast-fashion items - a £5 Shein top on Vinted for £17.50 - makes me feel a bit queasy. Clothes shopping has become a daily hobby for a lot of people when really it should be something that's done once or twice a year as a necessity. But the 18 million Vinted app users clearly disagree with me. She acknowledged: 'People wear a lot of crochet items just as a little cover up for holiday and festivals and things. 'I'll add some ponchos to my favourites and they sell so quickly. 'Specifically ones from Per Una, old Marks & Spencer, those sorts of brands." Silk items from Monsoon Finally, Chloe revealed that anything silk from Monsoon is sure to make you cash fast. She concluded: 'Anything that is Monsoon that is silk - I have sold so much of this. 'I think I've sold about five silk Monsoon items within the last month, it does really, really well - specifically little cami tops and dresses. 'Make sure you check your labels, because nine times out of 10 people don't realise that they are silk and then someone else gets a bargain, looks, sees that it's silk and then puts it on for double the price.' Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ chloe_chandlerx, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 101,500 views, 1,282 likes and 146 comments. Social media users were thankful for Chloe's advice and raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'Great advice, I have a few Jane Norman dresses to list.' Another added: 'Yep I put an asymmetrical maxi skirt out and it sold really quickly.' A third commented: 'I wish I'd kept all of my extremely noughties clothes now.' Meanwhile, a Vinted beginner beamed: 'New to Vinted. Loving everyone's tips, thank you.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 6
