CONSIDER BUYING SECOND HAND

Second hand is such a big thing at the moment. There’s no longer a need to have brand new to feel fabulous. Pop down to your local charity shop, drop off a donation and have a rummage for a one-of-a-kind bargain. You can almost guarantee that you won’t turn up to the party in the same outfit as anyone else plus you’re supporting a good cause while you’re at it, win win.

Over the last year or so, while the shops have been closed, I’ve discovered re sell apps and quite simply have become engrossed! The benefits are two-fold, not only have my cupboards had a clear out and my bank balance a boost but unwanted items find a new lease of life. This second-hand culture renews perfectly good items that would ordinarily be discarded and removes the need to buy new; think raw materials, manufacturing processes and transport, for each item resold. There are bargains to be found with some items reselling brand new and in perfect condition.

It’s fair to say that my Dr Marten collection has never been so fantastic!! After all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!

Here’s a guide to just two marketplace platforms out there:

VINTED

An app created to buy, sell or swap secondhand fashion and accessories! It has recently branched out into homeware too. This app is really simple to use. Once you’ve created an account simply browse for what you’re looking for using the search filters or scroll through your feed at recently posted items. You can follow other sellers to see their items and easily keep track of items you have your eye on by adding them to your favourites. Notifications keep you up to date on new items, price drops or new offers. These can be easily managed in settings, that way you aren’t too overwhelmed. In my experience I have turned off most of these as I found them a little too relentless and far too tempting!

Communications between buyer and seller are set up well with an introductory message sent if you add an item to your favourites to encourage a chat. There’s also a handy “make an offer” button that allows both the buyer and seller to haggle!!

Payments are quick and easy and can be managed to your preference, plus customer services have a resolution centre ready and waiting should you encounter any problems. Any sales will be pending in your Vinted balance until the buyer confirms delivery and that they are happy the item is as expected. After this your cash sits in your Vinted balance. I’ll be honest, I was dubious of this at first but a withdrawal is a click of a button and in my experience has shown on my statement very quickly.

EBAY

Perhaps the most well-known e-commerce site, or at least the one that springs to mind first for me. Launched over a decade ago, eBay provides a platform for you to buy and sell anything from valuable collectibles to unwanted items that you may even give away. The possibilities seem endless with eBay, it seems to me that you can find literally anything here!

It’s free to set up an account to buy and if you choose to sell fees are applied relative to how much your item sells for and how long you choose to list your item for. In short you don’t need to pay up front. There are several ways to sell including auctions with an option to fix a reserve price, buy it now where you can set your price, or you could even open an eBay shop and start a business!

Buying couldn’t be simpler, set up your account and search for the items you’d like. Once you’ve found them place your bid or buy it now. Choose to link payment details to your account for a faster checkout then wait for your item to be delivered.

Dubai flea market is great for second hand goods, whether it be clothing, homeware, electronics or accessories. The location changes every weekend. Retold offer beautiful pre-owned clothing and accessories for all budgets. Their expansive store, with two-floors, on Umm Suqeim is a must-visit. Garderobe, on Jumeirah Beach Road, and TheLuxuryCloset.com is your place for second-hand designer goods. They have a team of experts who ensure every item is original, so you don’t have to worry about authenticity. While the latter is an online store, the former has an online and as well as a brick-and-mortar store in Dubai. Goshopia. UAE’s best ethical store has a curation of amazing conscious brands from around the world. The online store is one of the most popular in the UAE. Dunesi is another UAE based sustainable fashion brand to look out for. They have a 100% no plastic policy and use deadstock fabrics, and recycled materials to make their clothes.