The Best Secondhand Shopping Platforms for Sustainability on a Budget
As someone who absolutely loves finding unique gems and sustainable deals at my local thrift shop, I know it can be difficult when you need something more specific. Don’t let that dissuade you from buying secondhand! There are now so many online thrift shops, that navigating which ones to use might even seem overwhelming. This is why we have put together this comprehensive article! We can help you find the right thrift stores online – including used clothing apps and secondhand shopping platforms for outdoor gear and your home.
jump ahead
How Secondhand Shopping Supports Sustainability
Best Platforms for Pre-Loved Fashion:
Affordable Online Thrift Stores | Secondhand Luxury & Designer Items | Clothing Resale Apps | Vintage & Up-Cycled Goods
Best Places to Find Thrifted Travel Gear & Used Outdoor Equipment
Ethical Secondhand Shopping for Your Home
More Canadian Second-Hand Platforms
Tips for Eco-Conscious Bargain Hunting
Why Secondhand Shopping Supports a Sustainable Lifestyle
The environmental benefits of buying pre-loved items
As we all know, manufacturing clothing comes with many costs to the environment. Massive amounts of water are used to make one single item. Chemicals in dyes make their way to the water system, and synthetic materials shed microplastics that can now be found in every tissue of the human body. The (fast fashion) “industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.” By embracing the slow fashion movement, practicing minimalism and conscious consumerism, and opting for quality, used items over quantity, we can make a difference.
How thrift shopping saves money and reduces waste
Did you know that estimates show that a truckload of abandoned textiles is dumped in landfill or incinerated every second? When we purchase secondhand items, we are essentially extending the product’s life cycle, and keeping it out of the landfill. Not to mention the cost to your wallet was lower than buying the same item new. True, there are many fast fashion platforms that sell extremely cheap clothing, but the quality is just not up to par – not to mention how poorly the people making those garments must be paid.
The role of circular fashion in sustainability
Although we, as consumers, are accountable for the choices that we make, the fashion industry shouldn’t be totally let off the hook. In order to create a circular fashion economy, brands need to start taking ownership and responsibility for the water use, emissions, and waste they create. Steps towards more sustainable products include a shift to more eco-friendly materials, production transparency, and made-to-measure manufacturing. Many brands are targeting waste reduction through resale platforms, offering a space for customers to buy and sell the used items they bought from the brand.
Best Secondhand shopping Platforms for Fashion Lovers
Discover where to find cheap sustainable clothing, used luxury and designer goods, budget-friendly fashion, and vintage and up-cycled finds, all in one place!
Online thrift stores for affordable, sustainable clothing
You’re sure to find sustainable wardrobe essentials using the following secondhand shopping platforms!
$ ThredUp – This pre-loved fashion shopping platform has a Rescues program where you can buy discounted bundles of items that didn’t qualify for marketplace to keep them out of the landfill. Also, anything that doesn’t sell goes to Aftermarket, their fibre-to-fibre recycling partners. Their partnership with AZEK company ensures that 100% of the Clean Out bags received back from customers are recycled into TimberTech composite decking.
thredup
- Currently ships to the US and Canada.
- Amazing filter tools to find exactly what you want.
- Founding member of the American Circular Textiles Policy Group.
- 73% of workforce identify as minority, 44% board of directors female and 22% racial minority.
- Eco-friendly packaging – FSC certified paper made from 10-100% PCW.
- 50% off your first order and free shipping with code FIRST50.
$-$$ Community Thrift & Vintage – This secondhand shopping platform sells a tightly edited collection of recycled fashion at a low price point.
Community Thrift & Vintage
- Canadian, not for profit, social enterprise based in Vancouver.
- All profits are donated to the PHS Community Services Society.
- Monies collected go to support ongoing PHS housing, healthcare, harm reduction and health promotion projects in Vancouver and Victoria.
- Free shipping in Canada and the US for orders over $85. Worldwide shipping at discounted flat rates.
- All sales are final.
The best marketplaces for pre-owned luxury & Designer Goods
Who said you can’t have high fashion goods on a budget? Buying luxury items secondhand is the perfect example of quality over quantity shopping!
$-$$$ The Real Real – secondhand shopping platform designed for buying and selling designer fashion goods on consignment.
the real real
- Support climate-friendly banking alternative GreenFi.
- Recycle unsellable items and confiscated fakes with SuperCircle, the industry leader in fibre-to- fibre recycling.
- Sellers receive up to 85% of each item’s sale price.
- You can refer a friend to sell and get $100 for both of you if they sign up and list an item for $200 or more.
$$$ Rebag – A luxury resale platform that offers investment-worthy handbags, watches, fine jewelry, and more. Rebag is a membership program where 100% of your monthly, yearly, or additional contributions become store credit that can be used for future purchases.
REbag
- Shipping is free in the US for Rebag⁺ members and $20 in all other US cases.
- International shipping available.
- Import Duties and Taxes calculated and added at checkout for international orders so customers do not pay any fees upon delivery of order.
- Rebag offers three easy selling methods— Consign, Trade, and Buyout.
$$$ Vestiaire Collective – A global marketplace for pre-owned luxury and designer fashion that managed to reduce their carbon intensity and absolute emissions by 6% in 2023.
vestiaire collective
- Certified B Corporation
- Goal to achieve 30% reduction of absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2027.
- Packaging materials are 98% recyclable with 63% being made with recycled, organic or bio-sourced materials.
- Committed to paying all employees a living wage.
- Use code WELCOMEVC for 10% off your first order.
Clothing resale apps for eco-friendly style on a budget
There are plenty of used clothing apps and resale platforms to choose from. Here are the ones we have researched and recommend for finding cheap, sustainable clothing:
$-$$ poshmark
- Canadian company.
- Get a $15 Posh Credit if you sign up and use my code JNAVITKA.
For buyers:
- All orders are shipped using Canada Post with a flat rate of $12.49 fee and GST/HST on expedited shipping for all orders.
For sellers:
- For sales under C$20, Poshmark takes a flat commission of C$3.95.
- For sales of C$20 or more, Poshmark’s commission is 20%.
$-$$ koop
- Canadian company.
For buyers:
- Ship for free on all orders over $75 to Canada & US.
- Canadian returns are free for orders over $75 (U.S. returns must pay for shipping.)
For sellers:
- Sellers order a clean out kit for $20 to send items to Koop.
- All non-accepted items are donated to charity.
- Koop has a team of experts who price your items.
$ vinted
- 99% of office electricity comes from renewables.
- Impressive greenhouse gas emissions targets for 2030.
- Aiming to use electric vans exclusively to ship parcels from warehouses to pick-up points in nearby cities.
For buyers:
- Tons of filters to easily find what you want.
For sellers:
- Seller prices and sells the item and ships it themself with prepaid label.
- Zero selling fees.
$ depop
- Member of Tech Zero – a group of tech companies of all sizes who are committed to fighting the climate crisis.
For buyers:
- You can make an offer rather than accept the listed price.
For sellers:
- Package and ship your item yourself.
- Can purchase sustainable Depop-branded packaging from partner EcoEnclose.
- Selling fees dependent on home country.
$ starluv
- Women-led Canadian company.
- Buy and sell new and gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories.
For buyers:
- You can negotiate the price with the seller on Starluv.
For sellers:
- Packaging and shipping with Canada Post done by seller, or Meetups can be arranged to save shipping fees.
- Selling fees for orders up to $25: $1.95 flat, for orders over $25: 7.5%
Vintage and upcycled fashion marketplaces
Some of the best secondhand shopping platforms are those that sell vintage and up-cycled clothing. Here, you’ll find hidden gems that will be sure to make you stand out from the crowd!
$-$$ Thrifted – The UK’s largest online vintage clothing store.
thrifted
- Offer worldwide shipping. Costs depend on location and weight of order.
- Orders are shipped in biodegradable and reusable mailbags.
- Fantastic filters to easily find what you’re looking for.
- Also have sportswear for outdoor lovers and active shoppers.
- 30 Day Return Full Policy
$-$$ Beyond Retro – Their parent company, Bank & Vogue has been managing the trade of secondhand goods between hundreds of suppliers and customers around the world for over 25 years.
beyond retro
- Largest vintage retailer in the UK.
- International shipping, free UK delivery when you spend £75 or more.
- Countless stores across the UK, Sweden and Finland.
- Exchange program – sell them your best high street and vintage pieces, and get up to 40% off your next vintage purchase.
Where to Find Affordable Outdoor & Travel Gear Secondhand
We’ve vetted the best resale platforms to find secondhand gear and used outdoor equipment. Enjoy!
Best gear swap communities and outdoor resale platforms
$-$$ Worn Wear allows you to trade in eligible Patagonia® products for credit and buy quality, affordable, used eco-friendly gear that has more life to live.
worn wear
- Available in the US only with $7.50 flat-rate shipping fee.
- All items sold on Worn Wear are completely functional and backed by their Ironclad Guarantee.
- Send your quality, used Patagonia gear and you’ll receive a Worn Wear merchandise credit up to $180.
- Learn more about the sustainability of Patagonia products here.
$-$$$ Resail offers outdoor enthusiasts a unique place to shop and resell second-hand clothing, footwear and equipment.
Resail
- Canadian Company.
- Partnership with Earth Day Canada.
For buyers:
- Lots of filters and a search option to find what you’re looking for.
- Separate shipping fee per seller.
For sellers:
- Set your own price within a range.
- Self-shipping with a prepaid shipping label.
- Receive 70% of the resale price in cash, or you can choose to receive a SAIL gift card valued at 100% of the resale price.
$-$$ Geartrade is a user-friendly, centralized hub for buying and selling outdoor gear and apparel.
geartrade.com
- U.S. based company.
For buyers:
- Always lots in stock.
- Generous no-questions-asked 14 day return policy.
For sellers:
- Send it to them, and they take care of everything.
- You can adjust the price and edit your listing.
- You can cash out at any time, or use your earnings to shop the site with your store credit.
$-$$ Re/Supply by REI provides an opportunity to buy budget-friendly gear and used outdoor equipment for delivery in the US only.
REI re/supply
- REI inspects gently used items that have been returned and offers them for resale.
- Free U.S. standard shipping only (no international shipping.)
- You can trade in your used gear in exchange for an REI gift card.
- Must have a $30 lifetime membership to participate.
Budget-friendly travel essentials from secondhand shops
You might luck out with thrift store finds for travellers at your local secondhand shop, but if you’re in search for something more specific, we’ve got you covered! Find minimalist travel essentials and thrifted travel gear from these fantastic secondhand shopping platforms:
$$ Béis – a place to shop secondhand bags and your path to giving fresh life to old styles.
Second Béis
- Ships to many countries (but not Canada).
- Duties and taxes are collected at checkout for a more transparent transaction and easier delivery for customers.
- From luggage to backpacks and accessories.
- Points rewards and refer a friend programs.
Want more sustainable travel packing tips? Check out our article “What to Pack for a Year of Sustainable Travel.”
$-$$ Unclaimed Baggage – if it’s packed in a suitcase or left on a plane, it could wind up for sale at Unclaimed Baggage.
unclaimed baggage
- Based in the US, international shipping available.
- Five decades of experience processing large volumes of one-of-a-kind items.
- Merchandise is a combination of unclaimed baggage and cargo, primarily from commercial airlines.
- Millions of dollars’ worth of clothing, eyeglasses, medical supplies, and other useful items are refurbished and donated to those in need each year as part of their Reclaimed for Good program.
$-$$$ Backmarket – every electronic device sold on Backmarket has been tested and restored to perfect working conditions according to industry standards.
Backmarket
- Back Market is currently available in 13 European countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and the US.
- Certified B Corporation
- BBB accredited business
- Students get a $20 gift code when they create an account.
- Military, veterans, and their families get an extra 10% off everything.
Find more sustainable devices in our article “Eco-Friendly Electronic Devices – Planet Positive & Sustainable Gadgets.”
eco-friendly thrift shopping for your home
I’ve never really been a fashionista, so most of my thrift store finds tend to be items for my home. From decor, to kitchenware and furniture, buying used can save you tons of money. When it comes to larger items like these, online secondhand shopping platforms aren’t always your best bet. Here are some other options that can save you (and the environment) shipping costs:
- Your local thrift store
- Social media groups ie. look for “Buy & Sell (My Neighbourhood)” or Facebook Marketplace
- Stores run by charitable organizations such as ReStore by Habitat for Humanity
- Local re-commerce platforms or apps like Kijiji, VarageSale, Karrot, etc.
- Garage sales! My absolute favourite way to shop for housewares.
More Canadian Second-hand shopping platforms
Thriftsome provides a small selection of unique, stylish, up-cycled, thrift clothing. Based in my hometown of Winnipeg!
Love to Thrift is the online shop operated by the Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop in Winnipeg, and ships nationwide.
Mama Loves You Vintage is filled with beautiful hand-picked vintage clothing from a variety of eras and periods. Based in Toronto, ships worldwide.
Love That Bag etc sells designer bags, jewelry and accessories on consignment out of Montreal and ships internationally.
Fabrick Collective is a social enterprise that simplifies shopping for secondhand kids’ clothes based out of Ottawa and offers Canada-wide shipping.
Chosen is a vintage clothing boutique located in Toronto that offers shipping through their Etsy shop.
Tips for Smart, Sustainable Secondhand Shopping
Here are our best tips to help you spot high-quality secondhand finds without overspending and over-consuming.
- Try finding the item locally first to save on shipping costs and emissions and to support local thrift stores and re-commerce businesses.
- Adopt a minimalist mindset and ask yourself these questions before you hit that “Pay” button: Do I actually need this item? Can I afford it? Do I already have something similar?
- Practice quality over quantity shopping and find online reviews that speak to the quality of the brand of the item.
- Investigate the shipping, taxes, and customs costs that you might incur before you order.
- Do your due diligence and investigate the platform’s authenticity before entering your credit card number!
Final thoughts on the best secondhand shopping platforms
When we practice conscious consumerism and buy secondhand, we save money, water, emissions, and avoid more waste in landfills. I’d say that’s a terrific reason to buy used sustainable wardrobe essentials, housewares and outdoor gear!
All products recommended to you on Successfully Sustainable are independently researched in depth. To avoid waste and lead a minimal lifestyle, we test products only when required. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about this here.
