Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Although definitely not a new concept, it’s become in vogue the past several years to shop secondhand (also known as resale) for back to school clothing. As evidenced by flourishing upscale resale stores, what was once viewed as only for people who “couldn’t afford” to buy all new, shopping secondhand, or upcycling, has become chic for all income levels.
In recent years, shopping secondhand has gotten an even bigger boost. It used to be that you had to physically go to resale shops in your area and scour the racks in search of the right deals. Of course, you can still do that – and I highly recommend it – but now you can shop anytime, day or night, and find the bargains you seek much faster and more easily – all online.
Some online secondhand sources we love:
Schoola.com – We’ve become big fans of Schoola because they have paired upcycling with support of local schools. By handling the listing and resale of gently used clothing, Schoola offers one of the easiest and greenest school fundraising program concepts ever. And, by buying from them, you can both help your budget, and numerous school budgets throughout the county!
Savings of 70% or more off regular retail can be found, with the added bonus that 40% of the proceeds from purchases goes back to the school that sent in the clothing. Additionally, for a limited time, only $25 in purchases gets you FREE shipping!
One example we played with had the makings of an outfit for a label-conscious elementary-age girl: Polo Ralph Lauren Jeans ($15.23; regularly $57), paired with an Arizona Jean Company blouse ($7.80; regularly $26), and overlaid with a Calvin Klein fashion jacket ($19.23; regularly $65). This outfit would retail for $148, but from Schoola, it would cost 71% less: $42.62, PLUS $16.90 of that money would be divided up and sent to the schools the donors chose to support.
Schoola is known for additional discounts, too – which are accessible @ http://SavingsAngel.com/schoola. You’ll get a 25% off coupon via email when setting up your new account. If you create a custom collection, you’ll get a $10 credit on any order. Finally, using the coupon code GEARUP will give you free shipping.
ThredUp.com – Touted as the largest online consignment and resale store, ThredUp offers up to 90% off new prices. They only offer high-end selections that are defect-free, trendy, and top name. Any clothing not up to ThredUp standards are passed along to other sellers, or recycled through textile partners, so you can count on the quality.
Savings depend on the type of clothing, the name brand, and whether or not it has been placed on sale for additional savings, but savings from over 50% up to 90% can be found. Free shipping is available on orders of $70 or more. To fund your back to school budget, you can send items in to be sold, then use those earnings as credit on ThredUp (or you can always cash out via PayPal).
Facebook community yard sales – Throughout the country, Facebook groups have popped up expressly for the purpose of providing a platform for individuals to buy and sell locally. Many groups are very specific, to narrow down what is offered for sale, saving you time in looking for what you need. One example are strictly mom-to-mom style groups, meaning that you’ll only find children’s clothing and baby items, no adult clothing or miscellaneous merchandise.
Savings vary depending on what people want for their clothing in your area, but finding whole bags of items for only $10 on Facebook are not unheard of. Shipping doesn’t apply, of course, but you’ll have a little time and gas into meeting someone in a public place. Joining and participating in a group is a great way to sell unwanted things to turn cash and purchase items you do need.
