Online thrifting has taken our favorite treasure hunt and moved it right to our couch.

Now, we can browse vintage dresses, designer bags, barely worn shoes, and one-of-a-kind finds without digging through a single clothing rack.

But, online secondhand shopping takes away one important advantage of traditional thrifting: we can't pick something up and give it a good look before handing over our hard-earned money.

Before your next secondhand score turns into a secondhand regret, watch out for these six online thrifting mistakes.

1. Trusting the Size on the Tag

If you’ve ever found yourself buying used clothes online, you’ll know that a medium isn't always a medium.

Sizing varies between brands, and vintage sizing can be particularly unpredictable. An older dress labeled a size 10, for example, may look nothing like the size 10 hanging in a store today.

Instead of relying solely on the tag, look for garment measurements. Compare the waist, chest, hips, inseam, or length with something you already own that fits well.

2. Falling for a Price That's Too Good

Finding something wildly underpriced is part of the thrill of thrifting. But, when you’re shopping for designer goods, an unbelievable bargain deserves a closer look.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that expensive brand-name items offered at bargain prices could be counterfeit or even stolen. 

Before jumping on that suspiciously cheap designer bag, compare the price with similar listings and take a closer look at the seller, photos, and description.

A great deal is half the fun of online thrifting, but it’s important to know you’re getting the real thing.

3. Not Looking Closely at the Photos

Online thrift shopping is one occasion when zooming in is mandatory.

Look beyond the main photo and examine the seams, labels, zippers, soles, hems, and anywhere else that wear might be hiding. Listings should include detailed photos from multiple angles, including any rips, stains, or signs of wear and tear.

If the pictures aren't giving you enough information, ask for more. A few extra photos can reveal quite a bit about what you’re really buying.

4. Ignoring the Seller

The person selling the item deserves attention, too.

Before you take the plunge, take a look at the seller's ratings, feedback, and previous sales. eBay, for example, will give you access to the seller's feedback score, number of ratings, and detailed reviews of things like communication and whether previous items matched their descriptions.

A new seller isn't necessarily a reason to walk away, but a long history of happy buyers will give you a little more confidence before handing over your money.

5. Paying Outside the Platform

If a seller asks you to leave an online resale marketplace to complete your purchase, think twice.

Sites like Mercari offer buyer protections when you pay through their platforms. 

If you send money directly to a seller instead, those protections may disappear if the item never arrives or isn't what you ordered.

6. Assuming You Can Just Return It

This is one of those secondhand shopping tips worth checking before you buy.

Return policies can be quite different on secondhand marketplaces. For example, Poshmark offers protection if an item arrives damaged or isn't as described, but generally won't accept a return simply because something doesn't fit or you’ve changed your mind.

Before you commit, take a minute to see exactly what the marketplace will and won't let you return.

A Better Secondhand Score

Online thrifting is still an exciting treasure hunt. A few extra checks will give you a better chance of ending that hunt with something you love, rather than something truly disappointing.

Check the measurements, study the photos, look at the seller, and keep your payments protected.

Then, get ready to do a little twirl in 5 - 7 business days.

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