Online Vintage Shopping Tips
When it comes to virtual vintage shopping, patience is everything, and it’s often the hardest part. Finding specific pieces at good prices takes time and scrolling through hundreds of secondhand websites feels overwhelming. That’s where I come in. I’ve been shopping vintage since middle school, and over the years I’ve picked up a few tips that make the process easier, and a lot more enjoyable.
The first tip is how you search. You’ll often hear that being extremely specific is the best way to find vintage deals, but I actually recommend the opposite. For example, if you’re looking for a YSL Mombasa bag from the Tom Ford era, don’t search that exact phrase. Sellers who know exactly what they have usually price accordingly. Instead, try broader terms like “Saint Laurent horn bag” or “YSL wooden bag.” Some of my best finds have come from these vague searches. Being specific helps you find the item; being vague helps you find it for much less.
Next: always make an offer. If you find something you love on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, or Vestiaire Collective, don’t buy it outright without negotiating, unless it’s already heavily discounted. I almost never pay the listed price. Just keep in mind that platforms like Poshmark and eBay require your card information and will charge you immediately once an offer is accepted, so only negotiate if you’re fully committed.
Third, pay attention to sellers. When I find an item I love, I always click through to the seller’s profile. About half the time, I end up loving most of what they’re selling and save their page. Over time, this can lead to better deals, early access to items, or insight into what they plan to list next. My favorite platforms for this are Poshmark and eBay because they consistently have some of the best finds.
Finally, sort your searches. When scrolling on The RealReal, don’t use filters, make sure you can see everything. Simply sort items from least to most expensive. This saves time and surfaces pieces that are often overlooked but still in great condition and priced far below market. I’ve found Manolo Blahnik heels for $40 and Bottega Veneta sweaters for $100. This is my best trick, and it’s especially effective on The RealReal, since the platform is organized much more simply than others.
I know how difficult it can be to sit down and search for these pieces, that’s exactly why resellers like me start vintage brands. We want to take the search off your plate. While LEI is still new, I want my customers to know exactly what to expect when opening the website, or, one day, walking into a store.
