aibu to ask how you bag a second hand bargain?

[TheoneandObi]

I've always been rubbish at sniffing out bargains even in places like TK Maxx. But I'd really like to grasp the spirit of the times and buy some quality pre loved stuff. Maybe a little christmas party sparkle. DD is dead keen too. Is it just time I need, or are there top tips I should know.

Facebook market place is fab, eBay, charity shops in affluent areas...

I get loads from tk Maxx abc also love a mooch in the next and m&s outlet stores!

Life a bargain!

Charity shops in posh areas

I’ve had a lot of charity shop bargains, but you need to put a bit of effort in. So many people tell I’m “lucky” with charity shops and all they find is bobbled Primark, but you need to go often, go to lots of shops and be thorough while you’re there.

Know your brands (or grab your phone and do a quick search while in the shop), check what the fabric is, check zips and buttons, look at the wear and tear areas, armpits, between the legs, at the back where bags rub.

I don't live in a particularly affluent area , however, nearly all the charity shops around here have rails of Christmas sparkle, glittery, bling type dresses, tops and skirts ready for nights out, just keep going regularly. I've even burnt a hole in a dress that I was due to wear on a works party night and gone out that afternoon and bought something to wear for about £6 !

Charity shops in areas that have a mix of posh and poor - generally have selection of good donations but priced ok.
I live just outside a market town like this and I've found some cracking stuff.
However for good kids stuff you need posh / middle class areas.

Another one for charity shops in posh areas! The estate next to mine is where all the "snobs" live (im sure they're all lovely people really) and the charity shop there is a gold mine. Especially as ALL the clothes are a flat rate of £1.99 😁 I always get some right good stuff in there for me and my baby daughter. They also do regular clear outs where everything is 99p so I always hit the day after as it's full of fresh stock.

Aside from that I usually scour FB marketplace as it's a lot better than ebay these days.

Brilliant. Thanks! So I need to invest time and seek out a better heeled area than the one where I live!