Secondhand shopping is having a moment. Here’s how one savvy thrifter scores designer deals on ShopGoodwill.com, and you can too.
In today’s uncertain economy, secondhand shopping isn’t just having a moment – it’s getting a full-on glow-up. Recent stats show tariffs and higher costs for new goods are pushing 62% of American consumers to choose secondhand options instead of buying new. And honestly, who can blame them? It’s estimated that by scoring Goodwill finds or a NWT (that’s ‘new with tags’ for you thrifting newbies) item on Poshmark, secondhand shoppers save an average of $1,760 per year by buying thrifted items. That’s basically a weekend getaway, an emergency fund boost, or the seed money to start your investing journey.
While secondhand is gaining steam, I’ve always been a proud thrifter – not only to save cash, but also for the thrill of the hunt and because it’s more eco-friendly. And, one of my favorite places to score deals from the comfort of my couch? ShopGoodwill.com, the national auction site where Goodwill stores across the country post their best stuff.
Over the past year or so, I’ve made a habit of browsing (okay, obsessively checking) the site, and let’s just say the thrift gods have been good to me. Here are my all-time favorite Goodwill finds.
TORY BURCH BUNDLE
Some of the best Goodwill finds come in bundles – like this one, which included Tory Burch Metal Miller Sandals (which were new in the box!), Tory Burch frames, and Tory Burch Miller Hoop Earrings. Here’s what each item would cost new:
- Tory Burch Metal Miller Sandal: $250+
- Tory Burch Frames: $100+
- Tory Burch Miller Hoop Earring: $180
My cost? Just $50 for the whole lot. Now, I’ll have to pay $20 to get my prescription lenses added to the frames, but taking that into account, I still saved $460.
KATE SPADE COLORBLOCK POPLIN DRESS
Is there anything better than a twirly, colorful sundress at a jaw-dropping price? This one from Kate Spade retailed for $298. I paid just $9.99. This is one of those Goodwill finds that came with an interesting twist. The listing said it was Lilly Pulitzer, but a quick scan of the photos showed it was actually Kate Spade. A mislabeled listing = my secondhand win.
LONGCHAMP LE PILAGE SMALL CROSSBODY TOTE
Longchamp is known for its Le Pilage totes. I couldn’t resist this one in purple, which included a handy crossbody strap. Purchased new, it would retail for over $250. I was able to score it for $43, and it looks brand new.
MADEWELL GWENDA PLATFORM ANKLE BOOT
Pro tip – shop off-season for better prices and selection. Case in point, these Gwenda Platform Ankle Boots from Madewell, which I snagged earlier this summer for $21. They retail for over $220…and are just hanging out in my closet waiting for cooler weather to arrive.
TORY BURCH GEORGIA PUMPS
I’ve been shopping for Goodwill finds for just over a year now, and this is my priciest purchase so far – but it was worth every penny. The Tory Burch Georgia Pump is a very comfortable basic that I find myself wearing at least a few times a week. Depending on the style, they retail for up to $375. I paid $52.
THE NORTH FACE REVERSIBLE THERMOBALL HOODED JACKET
If you have kids, you know they seem to outgrow their clothes as soon as you buy them. That’s why I’m always scouting for Goodwill finds for my daughter. This North Face Reversible ThermoBall Hooded Jacket would run me $100 new. I paid $7.99.
J. CREW SCHOOLBOY BLAZER
A true closet staple. Retailing around $175, I found this one with tags still attached for $15.
KATE SPADE DEVI EMBROIDERED LOAFERS
This is the perfect pair of shoes to give a boring outfit a little pizazz. But I’d never pay full price ($175+), because they’re not a style you’d wear on the regular. That said, I would pay $7.99, which is what I was able to get them for on ShopGoodwill.com.
MY TIPS FOR SCORING YOUR GOODWILL FINDS
Want to go on your own successful Goodwill shopping spree? Here are some key tips to follow:
Set your favorites – then your alarm: ShopGoodwill doesn’t remind you when auctions end (though you will receive an email when you’ve been outbid). I “favorite” all the auctions I want to keep an eye on and set alarms on my phone for when they end. Like any savvy bidder knows, bidding last minute is key.
Don’t trust the title – zoom in: The listing title might say “men’s shirt,” but the photos could reveal a women’s designer blouse. Always double-check the pictures.
Search smart: ShopGoodwill can be a bit of a rabbit hole, and if you’re not careful, it can be a major time suck. I have a shortlist of favorite brands that I search every couple of days. When I do so, I sort by “newly listed” to save scrolling time.
Google Images is your new BFF when it comes to Goodwill finds: With nearly every item I purchase, I take a screenshot of one of the listing photos and then reverse-image search using Google Images. More often than not, a stock photo of the item will pop up, giving me a clearer idea of what the item is, how it really looks and how it would fit.
Expect to get a dud or two: Yes, my list of Goodwill finds appears awesome, but I’ve definitely had purchases that were disappointing – for example, a Tory Burch sweater with a hole in it, a pair of shoes that were too big, etc. As you embark upon your Goodwill shopping journey, remember to always look at photos closely and know that every purchase is somewhat of a gamble, as the individual stores that list items generally don’t allow returns.
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