Fashion expert reveals the best time to find bargains on Vinted

Secondhand September is encouraging shoppers to give pre-loved fashion a chance rather than buying new – whether that means searching charity shop rails or hunting for bargains online.

Stylist and fashion expert Lauren Bulla has shared her advice for finding the best secondhand buys, including the time shoppers could have the greatest chance of spotting newly listed items on resale apps such as Vinted.

Speaking to Heart Bingo Online, she said persistence was one of the most important things to remember when visiting charity shops.

Rather than relying on a single store, she recommends choosing three or four shops to visit in succession.

“Thrifting is not like normal shopping,” she said. “It takes a certain grit and determination to find those good pieces, and they can often be buried deep.”

Shoppers should also look beyond the sections they would normally browse, with accessories, belts, ties and other pieces sometimes turning up in unexpected places.

Lauren also recommends checking whether charity shops are running discount days or special promotions before buying.

For those shopping online, she says making resale apps’ algorithms work in their favour can help narrow down the search.

Using keywords, preferred colours, fabrics and designers can encourage apps to recommend more relevant pieces, while filtering searches by size can dramatically reduce the amount of scrolling needed.

Shoppers who find something they like should also check the seller’s other listings.

Buying several pieces from the same person can unlock bundle discounts while potentially reducing delivery costs.

Timing could also make a difference.

Lauren says Sunday afternoons and evenings can be particularly good periods to watch for new listings, with 7pm to 9pm on Sundays among the peak times to browse.

“Think of Vinted like any other form of social media,” she said. “There are peak posting times to take advantage of.”

Following favourite sellers can also give shoppers an advantage, particularly if sellers announce when they are preparing to upload new stock.

For anyone using Secondhand September as an opportunity to clear out their own wardrobe, presentation matters too.

Lauren recommends photographing clothes in good natural light and against an appealing background so buyers can get a clear idea of how an item looks.

Sellers should be upfront about marks, damage or other imperfections, helping to establish trust and reduce the chances of disputes or returns.

Small personal touches can help encourage repeat customers too.

“I’ve always found I’m more likely to go back to sellers after receiving a handwritten note or a nicely packaged item,” Lauren said. “The details go a long way and really matter to buyers.”