Buzz
Lately, there's been a boom in secondhand shops, with more people than ever selling their goods on Instagram. Naturally, TikTok is following suit, offering a marketplace for vintage finds and unique pieces.
While browsing through TikTok, you might encounter influencers selling everything from vintage trinkets to home decor. It’s fun, but be cautious—these items might not be worth the price you're paying. Here's how to avoid overspending while shopping on TikTok.
Shopping smart on TikTok means avoiding overpriced items, even if they come with a trendy appeal or influencer endorsement. Here’s how to find good deals without getting caught up in the hype.
Whether you're an influencer or not, TikTok offers great deals. But like any online shopping platform, it also has overpriced products, dishonest vendors, and scams. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them:
Do your research
This advice isn't exclusive to TikTok, but it’s wise to spend at least a few minutes researching before making any online purchase. Use any details you can find in the product description or images—such as the brand, designer, model number, or year—and perform a quick search online for the item or something similar. You can also check eBay for more information.
Still no luck? Try uploading the listing's photo to Google Lens. The results depend on factors like the rarity of the item and the photo quality, but it’s generally an excellent tool to help you find other instances of the item.
The purpose of your research is mainly to compare prices elsewhere, so you can determine if the TikTok listing is really a good deal. It also gives you a better understanding of the item's condition, originality, and other important aspects.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions
If, after doing your research, you're still uncertain about an item, you can reach out to the seller (politely) with your questions. These could be about simple things anyone can clarify, like the size of a clothing item, whether a chair is black or navy (if the photos aren’t clear), or if there’s any staining on the back of the chair.
Remember, not every seller is a designer, vintage expert, or knowledgeable about the items they’re selling. They may not even know much about the product, and might just be looking to clear things out of their home. The goal is to gather more information to help you assess if the price is reasonable. Just make sure to respect the seller's time.
Be quick to act
The demand for vintage and secondhand goods can vary depending on the area, but as a general rule, if you find something you're interested in at the listed price, acting quickly is key to securing it.
Yes, that means contacting the seller immediately to express your interest, but also letting them know you're ready and willing to buy the item that day (if they're available)—especially for larger items like furniture that may be taking up space.
Making the payment
In a recent episode of the Antiques Freaks podcast, hosts Kenneth Henry and Dee Leger discussed how to safely purchase antique and vintage items from Craigslist (though the advice applies here as well), focusing on the process of exchanging money for the item.
Leger recommends using Venmo or CashApp for purchases over $20, and advises making the payment (through the app) in person, just before the seller hands over the item, which you should be able to see with your own eyes.
On the other hand, Clinton Tharp—who restores and sells vintage furniture and posts tutorials on TikTok—takes a different approach. He suggests reaching out to the seller and offering to pay for the item via Venmo or PayPal before meeting them to pick it up.
In a 2021 interview, he shared that paying for items without seeing them in person (other than the photos in the listing) has helped him secure pieces at a lower price, allowing him to outbid other buyers in a competitive market and get the items he wanted.
However, it should be clear that this approach comes with risks, such as losing your money if the item doesn’t exist or has already been sold. While we wouldn’t personally recommend this strategy, it's something that people do. No matter what, always prioritize your safety during the transaction.
