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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

For not paying nearly £20 for a second hand coat?

263 replies

Sbrown32 · 25/10/2025 16:09

So, today I went charity shopping for the first time in a while as I needed a winter coat for the last few months of my pregnancy. I found a really lovely one that I wanted, it was a nice colour and the quality wasn't to bad, a few imperfections but overall I was happy, until I went to go look at the price 🙃 £18.50!! I don't know if I am just being cheap but that seemed expensive for anything second hand!

Most of my clothes are second hand and I rarely buy brand new, I am used to paying a few £ for any item of clothing and have gotten many coats in the past for £5 - £10 depending on type of coat. I just can't get over it and may have embarrassed the OH with my rant inside the store 🤣

OP posts:
Dartmoorcheffy · 25/10/2025 16:10

How much would it have been new? I don't mind paying that sort of money for good quality.

BedlingtonFloof · 25/10/2025 16:11

I’ve paid more than that for a second hand coat more than once. Several of them are still going strong many years later, so I sort of think you’re being unreasonable, but we all pay as much as we’re willing I suppose.

Bagsintheboot · 25/10/2025 16:11

Surely it depends on the brand and the quality.

£18.50 for a second hand polyester Primark coat is a rip off. £18.50 for a second hand woolen Aquascutum is a bargain.

AnnaQuayInTheUk · 25/10/2025 16:12

Is it good quality? Id pay that for a good quality coat. But not for a crappy New Look one.

TartanMammy · 25/10/2025 16:12

It's really depends, that's pricey for a high street shop second hand like new look, h&m, etc. But...if it's higher end or designer then that could easily be a bargain.

FuzzyWolf · 25/10/2025 16:13

A good quality second hand coat for £18.50 that is still in good condition sounds fine to me.

LoudSnoringDog · 25/10/2025 16:15

Look on vinted. I’ve just picked up an amazing next winter coat for £8

SusanChurchouse · 25/10/2025 16:15

I think under £20 is fine for a decent 2nd hand winter coat (though maybe a lot for a cheap high street one). And you’re also helping out a charity so win win.

Tiredofwhataboutery · 25/10/2025 16:16

I think in general I’m willing to pay up to 20% of the original value of a second hand item in good condition. I prefer to pay closer to 10% if I can. So if it was £100~ 150 originally I’d definitely consider it however I’d be happier if it was £150+ originally.

GarlicHound · 25/10/2025 16:18

I bought two last week - a new one for £90 and a Vinted one for £25. Both the same fabric. I love them both, but probably love the Vinted one more. If you like it, will wear it and have got £20, buy it!

Clarinet1 · 25/10/2025 16:19

I agree - a reasonable secondhand price depends mainly on the brand and quality; £18:50 for something that cost, say, £100 new would be quite good but for something that cost £30 would be a ripoff.

hmmnotreallysure · 25/10/2025 16:19

I'd check Vinted. You might be able to get it cheaper. Most charity shops charge crazy prices and I tend not to shop in them much nowadays because of this.

Poonu · 25/10/2025 16:20

£20 for solid winter coat sounds like a bargain to me.

Notmycircusnotmyotter · 25/10/2025 16:22

That's really cheap.

WatchingTheDetective · 25/10/2025 16:24

As others have said, it depends on its original price. On Vinted I'll pay up to 25% of the original price if it's from certain brands and as new.

Done2much · 25/10/2025 16:24

prices have gone up everywhere including in charity shops!

I agree with PPs that all depends on the quality and condition of the coat as well as the brand. I've paid over £20 for a warm coat from a charity shop but I've also been able to buy one for less than £10

Maybe try vinted as suggested

Good luck!

BarbaraHavers · 25/10/2025 16:26

When faved with a pricey item in a charity shop, I always ask myself "Would I pay that for it on Ebay?" And if the answer's yes, I buy it. I think the days of buying clothes from charity shops for pennies are over.

liamharha · 25/10/2025 16:27

Sbrown32 · 25/10/2025 16:09

So, today I went charity shopping for the first time in a while as I needed a winter coat for the last few months of my pregnancy. I found a really lovely one that I wanted, it was a nice colour and the quality wasn't to bad, a few imperfections but overall I was happy, until I went to go look at the price 🙃 £18.50!! I don't know if I am just being cheap but that seemed expensive for anything second hand!

Most of my clothes are second hand and I rarely buy brand new, I am used to paying a few £ for any item of clothing and have gotten many coats in the past for £5 - £10 depending on type of coat. I just can't get over it and may have embarrassed the OH with my rant inside the store 🤣

Some Charity shops are ridiculous these days , sometimes cheaper to buy new

TheGoddessAthena · 25/10/2025 16:27

Obviously depends on the coat.

100% wool, originally sold by Hobbs for £250 - total bargain.

100% polyester, originally sold by Primark for £30, not so much.

BallerinaRadio · 25/10/2025 16:27

I'd say yeah you're being cheap.

What do you get for £20 these days?

illsendansostotheworld · 25/10/2025 16:27

I just bought a 2nd hand Next one from a charity shop for £25 but it is in mint condition and a really good quality coat so depends really

GarlicHound · 25/10/2025 16:28

Tiredofwhataboutery · 25/10/2025 16:16

I think in general I’m willing to pay up to 20% of the original value of a second hand item in good condition. I prefer to pay closer to 10% if I can. So if it was £100~ 150 originally I’d definitely consider it however I’d be happier if it was £150+ originally.

I get what you're saying - but it's not like you're buying antiques or investments. Unless you're running a resale business, you buy clothes to wear and enjoy! A coat that keeps you warm and dry, looks good and makes you feel nice is worth what that is worth to you, no matter the original price new.

caringcarer · 25/10/2025 16:28

It's still a lot cheaper than a new one. I don't think £18.50 is unreasonable if it's a decent coat. Prices have gone up everywhere even charity shops.

luckylavender · 25/10/2025 16:29

I paid £20 for a nearly new M&S one recently.

housethatbuiltme · 25/10/2025 16:31

I only own one winter coat that I have had for near 15 years now, its worn all through autumn, winter and spring so 3/4th of the year and was bought in a charity shop second hand and still going strong.

I have had WELL more than £20 worth of wear out of it tbf.

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