The secondhand market has professionalized considerably. Where it used to mean local thrift stores and garage sales, it now spans dozens of specialized platforms covering nearly every product category. Here’s where to look by what you’re buying.

Clothing: ThredUp, Poshmark, Depop

ThredUp is the largest online consignment store, carrying women’s and kids’ clothing from hundreds of brands. Items are quality-checked and listed at 30–90% below retail. Poshmark is a peer-to-peer marketplace with a social shopping element — good for finding specific brands and negotiating directly with sellers. Depop skews younger and is strong for vintage and streetwear. Between these three, you can find virtually any style at a fraction of new prices.

Electronics: Swappa, Back Market

Swappa specializes in smartphones, laptops, and tablets. All devices are verified working before listing, and the community-based selling model keeps prices competitive and sellers accountable. Back Market focuses on certified refurbished electronics from professional refurbishers and offers warranty coverage comparable to new devices. Both are significantly safer and more reliable than buying used electronics on general marketplaces.

Furniture and Home Goods: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist

For furniture and large home items, local platforms remain the most practical option because shipping costs make long-distance purchases impractical. Facebook Marketplace has largely replaced Craigslist in most markets for volume and ease of browsing. Items are often sold well below retail simply because the seller wants them gone, particularly during moves. Patience is rewarded — the right item at the right price shows up regularly if you check frequently.

Books, Games, Media: eBay, ThriftBooks

eBay remains the most comprehensive option for specific used books, games, and physical media. ThriftBooks is particularly good for reading — they carry a wide selection of used books at $3–$7 per book with free shipping over a low threshold. For video games, eBay, DKOldies, and local game stores all offer used titles at meaningful discounts.

Tools and Equipment: Local Gear Shares, OfferUp

Many cities now have tool libraries or community gear shares where you can borrow tools for free or low cost. For purchasing, OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace have strong local inventory of used tools, lawn equipment, and home improvement gear — often from homeowners who used something once and have no need to own it long-term.