If you're anything like us, your closet is probably overflowing with gear that you aren't sure what to do with. Some of it's probably nice and most of it's probably struggle. Either way, odds are you want to get rid of some shit, but aren't exactly sure where to start. Maybe you can reap a few bucks on eBay selling high-end jawnz to the highest bidder, but that requires time and effort and PayPal fees assuming you aren't on Grailed yet. You could also always just donate it to a good cause, but what if you're short on rent? That's where secondhand stores come in. Racked has you covered with an insider's account of what's happening at the leading clothing drop-off spots.
The process is actually a bit more intense than you likely think it is. These spots don't want your summer camp rags or that Old Navy sweater your grandma bought you even though you clearly asked for Junya. With the secondhand market on the rise since the recession, it's all quite the highly calculated process. The business model for these shops isn't necessarily having great designer stuff on racks either, but flipping cheaper pieces more quickly. Think, ASOS, Zara and TopShop, but the gear has to be recent. Anything too old won't sell no thanks to the hyper-trendy nature of fast fashion. Collectible stuff isn't right either. That's what Flight Club is for. Your limited edition kicks will be listed for $30 if just you drop them at Buffalo Exchange. One clear lesson to take home with you: If you bought something and you're not sure if you like it or will ever wear it, it's better to get rid of it asap. Most clothing, like cars, depreciates the minute you buy it. That is, of course, until it doesn't.
