When I’m not browsing the aisles of my favorite Goodwill Akron locations like State Road and Lakemore, I’m enjoying the thrill of the hunt on Goodwill Akron’s online retail stores from the comfort of my home! As more consumers move towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle, online thrifting has become a viable option for those treasure hunting for every style, genre, and niche.
Online thrift shopping is great for both new and avid secondhand shoppers. While seasoned thrifters can still enjoy the thrill of the hunt online, newbie thrifters can get their feet wet without having to dig the traditional way. Want to learn how to thrift online? We’ve got some tips to help you thrift Goodwill Akron online like a pro:
Get to Know Your Goodwill Online Thrifting Options
Goodwill Akron has three great online thrifting options: a storefront on Shop Goodwill’s website, an eBay store, and an eBooks store.
- For antiques, artwork, collectibles, jewelry, vintage & more: check out ShopGoodwill.com/akron.
- For brand-name clothing and shoes, check out their eBay store.
- For deals on books, DVDs, CDs, and video games, check out their eBooks stores.
Examples of the treasures you can bid on at ShopGoodwill.com
Create an account
Start by creating an account on the website that you plan to browse. This will allow you to bookmark things for later, set up alerts, save keywords, sizing, and more. All of these features will help make your online thrifting experience a little easier.
Remember that your purchase helps do good in the community
Shopping any of Goodwill Akron’s retail locations, whether online or in-person help Goodwill’s mission to provide employment preparation, training, rehabilitation, employment and support services to persons with barriers to employment.
Skip the shipping and pick up in-person
When you shop at Goodwill Akron’s online store on shopgoodwill.com, you can arrange to pick up your item in the store. Click here to learn more.
Use the Keywords and Search Filters
Searching a large selection like Shop Goodwill can seem overwhelming, so it helps to apply the same approach to online thrifting as in-person thrifting: narrow it down! Use all of the search filters available to you to narrow down your selections.
Mirror your traditional thrifting strategies
Use the same skill set you use when you’re thrifting in-person and apply them online. The more you browse and understand how each website functions, the more comfortable you get thrifting online.
Look for things you can’t find in a typical thrift setting
Online thrift stores can be great for vintage, retro, collectibles, special sizing and more.
Shop for gifts
Set a spending budget and narrow items down by New with Tags to search for one-of-a-kind gifts for less.
Stick to brands you already love
If you’re hesitant to buy something because you can’t return it or try it on, use the search filters to browse brands and styles you know well. Already being familiar with a brand’s quality and sizing will reduce the element of surprise when you receive your item in the mail.
Know your measurements
Whether you’re shopping for clothing or furniture online, knowing the necessary measurements will ensure that your next favorite coat or dresser will fit nicely. If the item does not list the measurements, contact the store or seller and request that information before making your purchase.