4 ways you can buy second-hand for first-rate deals

If you are prepared to rummage through old clothes in charity and vintage stores and markets, special bargains may await you. Here are four simple tips that might help you find exactly what you're looking for at a fraction of the price!

If you're not buying second-hand from a store, you can't be sure that the clothes have been washed, so make sure you check them carefully and wash them as soon as you get home.

• It's quite acceptable to haggle for a better deal. First find out what the asking price is and offer less.

Vendors at weekend flea markets sell second-hand clothes and other items.

• These markets tend to be on the outskirts of towns and cities.

There's a lot of great clothes to be picked up at garage sales. The owner will often give you a history of the garment, which becomes part of the fun of the purchase.

• Lots of streets or neighbourhoods hold annual garage sales, so watch for posted notices or look in the local papers.
• The better neighbourhoods will tend to have the better clothes.

• Consignment shops are the places to find second-hand designer clothes, bags, shoes and other accessories at savings of 50 percent to 75 percent.
• They are also an excellent way of recouping cash on garments you no longer wear.
• The stores usually split the sale price with the owner and you can reclaim or donate clothes to charity that are unsold after a few months.
• Most shops won't consider clothes that are more than two years old.
• Items must arrive dry cleaned, with absolutely no wear or damage.
• They will accept only certain labels or brands.
• Shoes must be brand new or barely worn.
• Much of the clothing has been worn only once, either purchased for a special occasion by someone who doesn't think he or she will need it again, or by someone who goes to a lot of fancy functions but doesn't want to be seen in the same dress or outfit more than once or twice.

You could find nearly new clothing, shoes and accessories for as little as 10 percent of their original prices. Follow these tips and look great while spending less!