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bbb's holiday hq

Deck the halls the thrifty way

If you're looking to thrift or shop second hand this holiday season, BBB has tips.

Back to BBB's holiday HQ

Between gift lists, holiday parties, and decorations, expenses can add up quickly this time of year

With prices going up on various products, you may be looking for a way to stretch your holiday budget.

Thrifting offers a way to celebrate the season without overspending. You might even uncover one-of-a-kind treasures that can make your wardrobe, decorations, or even extra-special gifts.

If you’re not looking to buy but instead want to make some extra cash this holiday season, you can consider selling items you no longer use that are still in good condition.

Whether you’re thrifting or selling online or in person, BBB has tips to help you have a thrifty holiday.

  • Know your items' worth. Check auction and e-commerce sites to learn the value of what you’re selling. Depending on the condition of your items, set your price accordingly. If any item is new or still has tags on it, be sure to note this.

  • Polish your listings. Snap clear photos, list accurate details and measurements, and be upfront about any flaws. Clean your items before posting them and protect any that are fragile so they don’t break.

  • Sell what people want. Holiday shoppers may be looking for gently used toys, decorations, or party wear. If you’re looking to declutter, prioritize selling these items early on in the holiday season.

  • Choose the right platform. Based on what you're selling, choose the right platform to get the best chance of making a sale. Choose used clothing vendors, or use social media platforms for large items like furniture or décor. If you’re selling electronics, look for tech-focused resale websites.

  • Check refund and dispute policies before listing your items. Sometimes, not every sale goes smoothly. Check the platforms’ policies to know how buyer disputes are handled.

  • Use secure payment methods. Stick with what the selling platform offers for payment methods and avoid accepting checks or wire transfers for payments.

  • For local, in-person sales, meet in safe locations. Avoid giving out your home address if you’re selling smaller items that can be taken to a public, safe location. Many people who buy and sell items meet at police station parking lots to complete the transaction. You can also bring a friend or family member with you.

Whether you’re selling or buying, beware of scams that happen on buy/sell platforms:

Decline to accept unconventional payment methods

Payment methods like checks or wire transfers are difficult to combat fraud. If you’re using a digital wallet payment app, watch for signs of scams before sending money.

If you're buying, watch for fake shipping scams

Sometimes, scammers will tell you that you need to pay additional fees (after you already made your purchase) in order for your item to ship. If you’re being asked for additional payments, take that as a red flag.

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