Op shops – love ‘em or hate ‘em?
For a long time I have hated them. It’s not that I don’t love a bargain, cos believe me I do, but the time it takes to find that bargain… it’s just not in me.
I have always felt a pang of envy towards those who have op shop abilities. I know they pick up some great stuff at a fraction of the original price, leaving me feeling totally ripped off by retail. Yet every time I walk into an op shop, I am utterly overwhelmed. There is just so much and the idea of having to sift through it so that I MAYBE find a winning item… It’s too much for my brain to handle.
However, in the last few years technology has delivered a fantastic alternative to op shops and I’m hooked.
Facebook Marketplace.
Like most people, I am on social media and find myself randomly checking in to see if anything remotely interesting has popped up on my feed. It’s a total time waster and a bad habit. Yet Marketplace has given me a whole new purpose for this app.
That’s right – sorry friends. I am no longer really interested in what and where you had lunch. Now I’m looking for what the people in my city have to sell.
You might say that finding a bargain online is just as time consuming as finding one in store. And you are probably right. The difference is how the information is presented - one item at a time. It’s easy to scroll through Marketplace because I can view each item individually and decide in a nanosecond whether I am interested. A very different scenario to the overwhelming presentation of an op shop.
So, what is it I’m looking for? Anything. Purchases have included clothes and shoes; glass sliding doors, which are now part of the outdoor kitchen; kneeboards and life jackets; photo frames; books; the list goes on. Honestly, it’s a bit like shopping at Kmart – I don’t know what I need until I’m in.
Marketplace shopping also gives me the warm fuzzy feeling that I have saved the environment (just a little) from more landfill, so when I log in I remind myself I’m doing my environmental duty.
Let’s not forget, it’s more than shopping. It’s selling too. I now have a place for all our unwanted items, and with two growing boys, those items pile up fast.
I’m not making a fortune, not by any means. The Marketplace community is one of bargain hunters so there’s no point trying to sell anything for a lot of money. However, unlike the old days when I’d have to take items away myself, or pay someone to do it, I now have people coming to my house for the items and paying me.
What’s not to love?
To those who are yet to try Marketplace, or are nervous about it, I understand. There are no guarantees on the item and no returns. And while it hasn’t happened to me, there are plenty of stories about people paying for items via transfer and then never receiving anything. So here are my tips to keeping your transaction low risk:
Limit your purchases to your hometown. That way you can view the item before agreeing to pay. You also avoid additional postage and PayPal fees that the seller will charge.
Ask for more photos to get a better overall view of the item. When buying clothes, ask for measurements.
Stick to cash and only pay on collection.
Be prepared to invest some time, but bargain hunters in any scenario will be used to this.
If you’re selling, expect a few no shows. That is, people cancelling their meet time or simply not showing up to collect at all.
If you’re not comfortable going to people’s houses, or having them come to yours, choose a neutral meeting location, during day light hours of course.
Have someone with you at the time of the transaction if you can.
Have some fun. See what you can find, or sell, and let me know. I love hearing your stories.
Do you have your own tale to tell? Perhaps you have an idea for my next piece? Or a story for Ballarat Living? Contact me and we'll work together.