how to buy second-hand on the platform?

To do good business, or to have more ecological habits, to consume better… Each person has reasons to be tempted by the second-hand market. Some take the opportunity to buy a new piece of furniture at a low price, others start looking for fashion nuggets seen in stores at a high price or vintage pieces… The second-hand market offers the possibility of developing one’s style at lower cost ! Many platforms have been created to allow people to be in contact and to sell clothes or objects they no longer use to other people ready to give them a second life. In fashion, there are, for example, Vinted, Vestiaire Collective or even certain brands that are starting to develop second-hand. This is the case of the Cosmoparis shoe brand, the sports brand Dada Sport, Maje or Bash for example. This market is growing every day.

How to buy second-hand? We asked the question to Natacha Blanchard from the Vinted platform, who gave us many tips for buying second-hand in order to get the best deals without being cheated. “Across all markets, there are around 300-500 million items on Vinted, so you can find what you want”, says the expert. She gives us 7 tips for buying second-hand.

Complete the registration form correctly

“When registering, you must complete your profile in order to be able to be oriented towards the products that interest you the most“, explains Natasha. Indeed, you can enter your clothing size, your tastes, your desires, your shoe size… “This allows the algorithm behind the platform to see more clearly. It will direct you to the products that will please you the most.”

Know how to use filters

To buy well in second hand, you have to know how to target your tastes. So, when you are looking for a particular product on the platform, you must use the filters: the size you are looking for, the size, the brand name, the category of clothing or accessory…”You’ll find it easier.” The expert also indicates that you can use keywords and hashtags. “It works if you have a very specific idea in mind. If you fancy a particular type of clothing, then just select that category from the search bar.”

Set alerts and follow your favorite sellers

“The alerts are very useful if you are looking for a particular fashion item. You can put an alert on a product in the size you need so you can be the first person to know if she’s available”, explains Natasha. Following one or more sellers is also very useful. “If you bought a fashion piece for someone, other pieces in their wardrobe may also go. It’s reassuring, especially for pants, pieces that are complicated to find.”

Look at the photos and analyze them

“A saleswoman can put up to 20 photos, and this allows really show the whole articleseams, labels, any certificates of authenticity, and to reassure the buyer”, explains Natasha. If you want more information and photos because there are not enough for your taste, do not hesitate to ask to be reassured.

Take a good look at the seller’s profile

You want to buy a safe second-hand item ? Then the profile of the person selling you the part can give you valuable information. “This is the whole point of the evaluations left by buyers. You will be able to see if the seller has been on the platform for a long time, if he has had good transactions before thanks to the comments left by previous buyers… The profile of the person is a mine of information, it is a confidence criterion.“If the seller only has one piece in his dressing room, if he doesn’t have a photo, if he doesn’t have an evaluation… It may seem more “suspicious”, but not always So ask for more information before buying.

Benefit from buyer protection

Almost all platforms offer protections for buyers. “On Vinted, this allows him to be protected if the transaction goes wrong or if there is the slightest problem. If some sellers or buyers want to outsource the sale so as not to be taxed by the platform, that’s up to them, but as a buyer, you will no longer be protected and this can be a problem”, warns Natasha. In the event of a problem with an external transaction, it will be impossible to contact Vinted, the platform will not be able to do anything: “We don’t have access to money or chat, so it’s impossible to help someone who made a purchase outside of the platform.”

Negotiate, but remain respectful

“Negotiation is the game on this type of platform, but to make a good purchase at the right price, you have to remain respectful of the product and the seller”explains Natasha. “It’s necessary have an awareness of the article: the condition, the brand… All these factors must be taken into account when making an offer. If we want to negotiate, we have to remain benevolent.

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