Be careful for dropshipping
Dropshipping is the place a vendor doesn’t preserve the merchandise they’re promoting in inventory or personally personal it. The vendor buys the product from a 3rd celebration after which ships the merchandise to the client. Individuals have began utilizing second-hand websites to promote items that aren’t second-hand.
Methods to identify dropshipping:
- Do the images appear real? Do they appear to be inventory photographs/taken from an Instagram account? If that’s the case, ask the vendor to ship extra images, no images – purple flag!
- Are there a number of sizes and hues? Dropshippers have limitless quantities of inventory. Usually, somebody promoting their very own garments received’t have!
- How lengthy is the transport time? Dropshipped objects usually take 2-4 weeks to obtain. Keep in mind that real small companies could take some time to ship when handmade.
Undertake the 20x rule when shopping for garments
Spot a pleasant pair of denims, snazzy t-shirt or cosy jumper? Ask your self for those who’re prone to put on it 20 occasions? If sure then go forward and deal with your self, if no, ask your self if you actually need it – or are you able to lease it as an alternative? The magic quantity is 30 occasions when shopping for new however because the merchandise has doubtless been worn earlier than I really feel a little bit of leeway could be made with second-hand – so long as it’s rehomed while you not put on it.
Assume prematurely
The merchandise you need won’t be obtainable while you need it so for those who anticipate needing one thing then begin trying to find it prematurely. I preserve an inventory of issues I want now and within the close to future. That is particularly necessary for getting presents. I used to be in a position to keep away from shopping for new over the festive interval, however it did imply hours spent making presents and being extremely ready – dedication!
Don’t journey until vital
Have you ever pushed miles to choose up one thing secondhand? Until you might be heading that means, spare a thought for the carbon and different emissions of your journey.
Go for a greener supply
At try, if given the choice to have the merchandise delivered to a retailer as an alternative of your own home this might save the fumes emitted from driving across the streets to achieve your home. Additionally, in case you have direct contact with the vendor ask for restricted packaging the place doable.
Take a look at our Second Hand September weblog for extra tips about shopping for second hand, and my fellow group member Louise’s weblog on stocking up while you’re anticipating a child.
When it’s a must to purchase new
It’s inevitable we have to purchase new at occasions so listed below are just a few tips about shopping for new as sustainably as doable.
Converse to retail workers
See in case your chosen retailer has offcuts, spares, returns, ex-display, and end-of-line – which they’ll promote at a reduced charge. We obtained ‘wonky’ wooden at a DIY retailer for our raised planter!
Hunt down the leftovers
See if the retailer has an ex-display/end-of-line vary. We picked up a refurbished extractor fan with a dent in it, and fortunate for us the dent made it cheaper!
Verify how moral an organization is
Moral Shopper is a dependable web site (restricted information obtainable with out paying for a subscription) for ranking manufacturers and merchandise when it comes to their sustainability.
My spotlight
Throughout the 12 months we got down to enhance our backyard for us and wildlife. We upcycled an outdated tub right into a pond, outdated pallets into furnishings, a washer drum into a hearth pit, and wooden offcuts right into a raised planter. We purchased photo voltaic lights, vegetation, and steel for the planter however principally we managed to supply free and used stuff for our ‘new’ backyard.
Shopping for nothing new was a wholesome problem, however it’s been good to tackle and get my companion concerned. He appreciated the money-saving facet! I nonetheless haven’t rented something and that is an avenue I’d prefer to discover extra in 2023.
