Buffalo Exchange Trading/Selling Experience
My first experience shopping at a Buffalo Exchange was last year in New Orleans. I immediately fell in love with the store which sells handpicked, used clothing. According to the company’s website, 80 percent of the store’s merchandise is purchased from local shoppers. I decided to try my luck on the trading/selling side today at the Buffalo Exchange in Allston. For those of you who have never traded or sold merchandise to Buffalo Exchange this post will prepare you for what to expect. First of all, while the 
experience is rewarding ($$) it is awkward. You have to watch someone sift through your clothes–some of which are your former favorites that you are parting with–and observe the growing reject and/or accept pile. At times I caught myself thinking “oh, she will definitely want that blouse” but I was quickly disappointed when it hit the reject pile with a thud. Bottom line is, the buyers are shopping for the store. 
They are not making a judgement of whether or not they like the item but instead whether or not the item will sell. I see this trade/sale being more beneficial for people who buy designer clothes and who shop often. For myself, a perpetual thrifter, attempting to trade used and “not-so-gently-worn-but-super-cute” clothes is not really worth my time. My worn vintage clothes are not what they are looking for. I actually think they would have taken several pairs of my shoes if they weren’t as “worn.” Don’t get me wrong, I did not bring in clothing with holes or tears, just signs of “wear.”
Anything Buffalo Exchange doesn’t purchase you can either take back or they will donate the items to a local charity for you. Buffalo Exchange isn’t a consignment store – it’s quicker than that – if they accept your items, you can get cash or trade on the spot. You’ll get the most money for your clothes if you’re willing to accept trade instead of cash. At the Allston store today I was given the choice of getting 30% of the retail value of my items ($17) or getting 50% of the value in store credit ($29). I chose the credit. I am happy I was able to sell some of my clothing but I now know what they are looking for and the next time the whole process will go much faster and less awkward.
So here are my tips for trading/selling at Buffalo Exchange:
- Bring a valid US license identification card (for registration).
- Bring only clean and lightly used clothing/shoes/accessories.
- The more well known the designer…the more money you will get.
- They are more interested in items that have been purchased within the past two years. However, they did buy vintage earrings from me.
- Prepare for the awkward event and realize that the buyers are not making a judgement call about your style but rather what the store needs.
- Call ahead to see what the store is currently “looking for.” Most stores right now are looking for more fall/back-to-school clothing.
- Visit the store before you go to see what they have and compare what you can offer. If they have a rack full of men’s striped shirts, don’t bother bringing yours in (unless it is just amazing?).
- GOOD LUCK