We get it: you are busy working, organising the kids’ school and activities, they are driving you crazy… and you still need to get the food shopping in. Your phone is handy, you're waiting outside the karate class on a Saturday morning, there’s a great app, so why not get some life admin done and some clothes shopping for the kids while you're at it. It all feels very satisfying to tick a few jobs off at once. I mean, who wants to drag the kids around the shops? They don’t want to be there and you don’t want to be shopping with resistance.
I'm hearing this more and more from friends, family and customers, with most saying they, and some of their kids, are on Vinted. For convenience and ease, Vinted is becoming the first port of call for most of us who are looking for a preloved bargain.
I came home the other day to two Vinted parcels purchased by my 15 year old daughter. To be honest, I am so delighted that teenagers are selling and shopping preloved and am certain this is becoming the new norm. They are probably the most connected to being resourceful than any other generation, often budget driven - pocket money only gets you so far.
But there is a downside to all this for ApparelXchange… people don't shop as much with us. We are seeing the impacts of this trend already. So - while we aren’t begging - we did want to remind you of all the great things we do for Glasgow, your community, social justice and our local neighbourhood.
Here’s a little list of the benefits that we bring:
Why us, why not Vinted?
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After paying operational costs; 100% of profits recirculated back into our community.
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Our items are always clean and without faults from a trustworthy source.
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You can try things on!
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We are a local responsible business.
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Our lovely shop keeps local services available to the community.
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We sell low cost too, are competitive with Vinted prices after you take into account postage and buyers’ protection (did you know you can order online and click and collect from our warehouse or shop, for free?).
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We work with schools and local community groups to share knowledge and expertise on how everyone can make a difference to the impact of clothing on climate change.
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We help families with clothing packages using donations, alleviating poverty and helping children in need.
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We have a great website, with a comprehensive returns policy.
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We have a volunteer programme at our warehouse.
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We employ local people, and pay REAL Living wage.
By comparison, these are some of the things we know and hear about Vinted, whether you are selling or buying:
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No sellers fees which is great.
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Uploading is easy.
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The choice is massive, you can find anything you want.
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However, people expect a low price so more people are getting haggled for items, there is now a 40% cap on offers.
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Things go missing with delivery agents and getting refunds doesn’t always happen.
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Getting your money transferred can take over a week.
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There are more and more scammers too, buying or selling.
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Dealing with people can be stressful if things don’t go quite right.
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There are postage costs and buyers’ protection which are both necessary but also fees for the buyer, which adds up.
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If you don’t like it, it doesn’t fit, you have to resell or get rid of it. There are no returns unless it is faulty or not as described.
So, back to our motto; ApparelXchange gives you Preloved with Purpose!
Donate and buy with us, and do social and environmental good locally. Thank you!