Mastering the Art of Online Thrifting: 9 Pro Tips from the Experts

While many people swear by online thrifting, the prospect can be intimidating for newcomers. Concerns regarding sizing accuracy, fabric quality, and the risk of purchasing items that don’t look as described are common. To help demystify the process, we asked five experts to share their best strategies for finding high-quality secondhand gems.

1. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. “I rarely pay the full asking price for secondhand items,” says Kaitlyn Teer, editor at Big Salad. “When deciding on a counteroffer, I factor in the cost of shipping, taxes, and any necessary alterations—which is important for me since I often need items hemmed. This helps me determine a total price that feels fair. Sellers are often open to negotiation, so you can propose an amount and see if they are willing to meet you in the middle.”

2. Check the children’s section for high-end outerwear. “I frequently find premium brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Hunter rain boots in the kids’ section at significantly lower prices,” notes Teer. “If you are looking for specific brands, you can filter your searches by size and brand to find high-quality gear in near-new condition.”

3. Bundle items to save on shipping. To minimize costs, Teer suggests looking for sellers who offer bundles. “You can search for listings that already include multiple items, like a set of t-shirts. Alternatively, if you find several pieces you love from a single seller, message them to create a bundle. It is much more cost-effective to pay one shipping fee for five items than to pay individual fees for each one.”

4. Target heritage brands and specific designers. “I keep an eye out for timeless pieces and high-quality materials,” says Kate Lindello, founder of Noihsaf Bazaar. “I specifically look for vintage Wrangler, 100% cotton pieces from L.L. Bean or Lands’ End, and designers like Norma Kamali. High-demand items like Rachel Comey sweatshirts also tend to sell very quickly on curated platforms.”

5. Use physical stores to inform your digital alerts. “I like to try items on in person first,” suggests writer and product advisor Youngna Park. “If I find a piece I love at a brick-and-mortar shop, I will set up digital alerts for that specific item in my size online. It’s a great way to find exactly what you want at a better price.”

6. Use unique keywords for niche searches. Creative searching can lead to unexpected finds. Photographer Leela Cyd shares, “I once searched for ‘seahorse’ on Poshmark just out of curiosity and discovered a beautiful straw bag for only $20. It has since become my favorite summer accessory.”

7. Scout for professional workwear. Mya Hansel, a writer and stylist, recommends searching for high-quality fabrics and reliable brands. “I use platforms like Poshmark and eBay to find office staples. I always search by material—such as silk, linen, or cashmere—and look for dependable brands like Ann Taylor or Banana Republic. You can often find luxury materials for a fraction of the retail price.”

8. Be patient and persistent. Finding the perfect item often requires time. Hansel shares that she searched for two years to find her ideal pair of Frye boots, eventually scoring them for $100 after they originally retailed for $500.

9. View unsuccessful purchases as part of the process. “Shopping is always a bit of a gamble,” says Park. “However, the upside of secondhand shopping is that if an item doesn’t work out for you, it is usually easy to resell it to someone else. Don’t let a bad purchase discourage you!”

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