Stacy Davis
The Paw Print
If you have ever heard of the term “retail therapy” and know what it means, then you also know shopping has become one of our Nation’s biggest addictions. Having a bad day? Go buy a new blouse. Lost your job? Hit up the nearest mall and spend your blues away. Though this may not be the most logical way of approaching a bad day or a bad situation, retail therapy is something many of us have taken habit of.
For some reason the fresh, exciting sensation of buying something new seems to make the harsh moments in life appear a little less harsh. So what happens when even retail therapy, something you relied on to chase the blues away, has your bank account down and out? Online swap shops, that’s what happens!
If you are not already aware of the world of online thrift stores, I would like to introduce them to you. These new little inventions have revolutionized the idea of retail therapy, and have also helped shopping addicts keep their bank accounts intact. Let’s start with the general concept of an online thrift/swap shop. The idea is this: sell items from your closet, receive either cash or credit, and spend the credit you receive on items from other people’s closets. Simple!
Now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular online swap shops where you are free to browse, “want,” sell, buy, and trade. First, there is Tradesy. By going to www.tradesy.com and setting up a quick account you can browse through thousands of gently used, like new, and new items from every brand imaginable. This includes everything from clothes to jewelry to purses to wedding dresses. With Tradesy you can take your time browsing through the items, and “want” any item you would like the web store to keep track of for you. Then, when and if you are ever ready to purchase the item, simply add it to your bag and buy!
As for purchasing, you also have a few options on how to do so. If you chose to sell items on Tradesy, when an item sells you receive Tradesy cash. You can then either transfer that cash to an outside bank account, or use the cash within Tradesy to make your own purchase. One of the best things to keep in mind, as well, is that the purchase you are making is already financially smarter than buying something brand new from an over-priced store.
Then, there is the ever popular Poshmark. By going to www.poshmark.com and setting up an equally easy account, you can accomplish all the same amazing things and a few more. One of the best and most notable concepts among “Poshers” is the ability to trade. If another seller is willing to trade their item with you for an item you are trying to sell, then the transaction can be completely money free. And who doesn’t love a free transaction?
Don’t let your need for retail therapy cause your bank account to break. Instead turn your need for retail therapy into a self-sustaining habit that is fun for all!
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