Do you prefer shopping at Vinted or charity shops?

[whiterabbity]

I used to work in a charity shop and loved going into them. However, I’ve lately been using Vinted and I now much prefer it due to the filter system and children’s clothing on it is relatively very good for a bargain. I’ve recently bought my DD (8) about 25 items from there as she’s had a growth spurt, all brilliant condition for about £170 including shipping and fees. Brand new it would’ve cost me closer to £500 and a lot of it you can’t tell hasn’t just had the label taken off. This is mainly stuff from Next, a few individual bits from M&S/Zara/Primark/John Lewis. Only one thing I got a refund for as it wasn’t in a good condition. I can’t imagine how long it would be taken me to find this amount for the value in charity shops, not to mention things I like and correct size. I’m totally converted to Vinted now and have made donations to charity instead of going into the shops but curious to know what others think?

I promise I don’t work for Vinted 😂

Charity shops are great for a browse and finding something unexpected but if I need a particular item or size of clothing I'd check vinted first.

Vinted. My local charity shops charge a fortune. The last item I bought cost £10 for a pair of shoes and they don’t really fit me!
I’ve had some bargains from vinted, been really pleased with what I’ve bought.
I also sell on there. Things that don’t sell I donate to charity shops.

I use both but if I need something specific and our local charity shops don’t have it then I go to Vinted first, before I’d look at buying new.

I like that I can see an item of clothing and try it on before buying, whereas you obviously take a chance on Vinted. I bought a top off there advertised and labelled as a size 18 but it had clearly shrunk in the wash and was no bigger than a size 12. The only other issue I have had was a casual dress that turned up with bobbles all over it and stinking of cigarettes.

I also find that it’s usually more affordable to buy brands that are a bit out do my usual price reach second hand, plus the recycling is good for the planet.

Charity shops. Fed up of buying clothes and shoes online and having to return them. Some charity shops price badly, some are still reasonable. I go to the latter.

Charity shops. Forever finding things I would never have thought to look for on Vinted. My local ones are reasonably priced and have regular sales.

You can’t really blame the charity shop if the shoes didn’t fit! Surely you tried them on?!

Both.

Specific things I need for something particular - Vinted.

Browsing or looking for a ‘want’ with no time frame - charity shops.

I only really use Vinted for clothes as well, for anything house based I’d go to a charity shop first.

Vinted, theres much more choice and great bargains.
I live in a small town full of charity shops. I don't really use them for clothes because around here they are mostly older people's style clothing.

Charity shops - love a good rummage!

Vinted for convenience and being able to sort and filter. Theres nothing i hate more than rummaging through smelly clothes! However, theres nothing stopping charity shops setting up on vinted?

Vinted for the filters.

I prefer to see/touch/smell an item before I buy it, so avoid vinted.

BBQBertha no I’m not blaming the shop at all. What I mean is I probably would have been more cautious if I was buying from a regular shop. With it being a charity shop I was more of the mindset well they are slightly too big but I’ll give them a go. No one else’s fault but I was a sucker.

Vinted without a doubt. Because I can search for exactly what I need...size, condition, brand, colour etc. I also find it much cheaper. I occasionally look in charity shop windows near me and the prices are outrageous....not an especially affluent area. Primark boots for £20! They were probably cheaper new

Both.

if I need something specific - eg my choir have a “uniform” of black and a particular colour. I’ll look on Vinted for that because it’s a specific requirement.

i do love a good rummage in charity shops though.

Charity shops I upmarket areas, where you can find interesting things.

Vinted in preference to the ones near me (not a wealthy area), where they smell of BO and stock ancient Primark.

Vinted. It’s far cheaper

Charity shops. Can't be arsed with Vinted and waiting for stuff to arrive. Plus I want my money to go to a good cause rather than an individual.

Sometimes money going to an individual who maybe struggling is a good cause.

Definitely vinted as I have never seen anything I would want to buy in a charity shop clothing wise and it would just take too long to trawl all of them locally.

I doubt many people who have the stuff to sell on Vinted and the wherewithal to do it are in that category though. It's mostly people who could choose to give the stuff to a charity shop but want a bit of extra cash for themselves. I'm not supporting that.

What a strange perspective.

There are often threads when people are struggling financially and others suggest selling stuff online. It's not difficult to do...and even when you're skint, it's perfectly feasible you'll have old clothes your DC will have outgrown or stuff you no longer use.

I love a good charity shop! Sadly the ones near me aren't very good. But I have had a lot of great finds on Vinted. A clothes shop near me also had a great initiative - they have a scheme where you can exchange worn items from their brand in their store - bring something in for the swap rail and take something else. Once a year they sell off everything that wasn't taken at a knock down price and donate the proceeds to charity. It's brilliant and almost as good as a chazza rummage.

Never bought from a charity shop, just drop off. I find them overwhelming and unorganised with outdated fashion. I sell loads of my kids clothes and toys on vinted once used if in good condition or popular brand. I've made loads back! Bought the odd item if almost new / new condition. Love you can filter on condition/ sizes etc. No time or patience to trawl a charity for bargains.

You can't try the clothes on online.

I can't see how people make any money selling items for a pound online.