I was at a tip shop looking for a whisk, expecting to find one for $1, maybe $2, when a small pair of tongs caught my eye. The price, written on the metal with permanent marker, was $10. This surprising discovery is not an isolated incident. Many shoppers are finding that secondhand prices are sometimes higher than buying new.
After snapping a photo of the tongs, I sent it to a group of op-shopping friends. “Tip shop pricing!” I wrote. “Tell ’em they’re dreamin’,” one quipped. After all, a similar pair on Kmart’s website, but cleaner, cost just $1.75. This is a growing trend where secondhand items are priced higher than their new counterparts.
Secondhand Pricing: A Growing Concern
I’ve since heard numerous stories of op-shop and tip-shop pricing that’s so high it’s often cheaper to buy identical items new. One friend saw a Spider-Man toy at an op shop for $15, then at a supermarket for $10. Many report Anko clothing costing more secondhand than new. The allure of vintage items sometimes justifies higher prices, but often these items are more unique trash than treasure.
For instance, “Willow” bakeware might be sought after on Etsy, but is that grounds for charging $12 instead of $2 for a rusty cupcake tin? German-made Kakuro trucks might be collector’s items online, but what are the chances someone will pay $27.50 for a grimy one in a tip shop that, as noted on the label, is also cracked?
The Dynamics of Secondhand Pricing
These examples highlight a broader issue within the secondhand market. Jaharn Quinn, an expert thrifter, has noticed prices rising over the last five years. She notes that the cost of secondhand items—furniture especially—is often close to retail price. Quinn worries that some op shops and tip shops are pricing out those in need and forgetting their purpose but acknowledges their contributions to local communities.
“They are doing so much to help local communities and I value all the hard work they do, even if I don’t agree with their pricing,” she says.
Ryan Collins, the head of impact and research at Planet Ark, emphasizes the delicate balance required in pricing secondhand goods. Pricing too high can make them inaccessible to those who rely on them, while pricing too low can undermine the value of reuse and sustainability.
“Those setting prices should consider quality, durability, brand, condition, functionality, and market demand, as well as the environmental and social benefits of keeping materials out of landfill,” Collins advises.
Understanding the Value Beyond Price
When consumers encounter higher-than-expected prices, it may be because an item is better quality and will end up being cheaper per-use than a newer version. Even if that’s not the case, Collins suggests that purchasing secondhand is about more than just buying a product; it’s about investing in a system that reduces waste and benefits the community.
Rena Dare, a director of the Recovery Circular Hub, home to Australia’s longest-running tip shop, explains that saving the Earth costs money and sacrifice. Her business runs without tax breaks and pays wages to a team of experienced workers. Prices are determined using detailed guides, and when an item isn’t covered by a guide, staff consider its quality and search for comparable items online.
“Some things don’t deserve to be put back into circulation because they shouldn’t be made in the first place,” Dare states, highlighting the environmental considerations in pricing decisions.
The Future of Secondhand Shopping
Over 35 years, Dare has learned what items will sell and which will end up in landfill. Her team prices accordingly, with some items priced higher due to rarity. This nuanced approach to pricing reflects a broader understanding of the secondhand market’s role in sustainability.
As secondhand shopping continues to evolve, the balance between affordability and sustainability remains crucial. While some may balk at paying $110 for a hat, understanding the broader impact of such purchases can shift perceptions. As consumers, recognizing the value beyond the price tag can lead to more informed and sustainable shopping choices.
