The Ethics of Thrift Flipping:
In our digital-loving world, I am fairly certain that you are familiar with second hand-prominent sites like Depop, Poshmark and Vinted. Within this gig economy, thousands of creatives flock to these sites for well-loved, quirky pieces, familiar or vintage brands, and/or hidden gems not easily available to look for within in-person, vintage storefronts. These spaces are a mecca for accessible, niche fashion; who wouldn’t love to shop creatively within the confines of your cellphone! That being said, it is wise to think about these spaces within the context of thrift flipping; this phrase colloquially refers to the idea of purchasing (typically in bulk) pieces from the source: a Goodwill, a thrift store, or a second-hand outlet. Sellers, after buying their pieces for a low price, will then take to the digital storefronts, taking creative photo shoots to model each item, and creatively marketing their finds to targeted audiences; these pieces, within the ideology of the thrift flip, are sold at an exponentially higher rate than their price when initially purchased by the seller, creating a profitable outcome for the initial thrifting savants and discoverers.
There is much that can be said and socratically discussed about this thought process. On the one hand, it can be argued that part of the elevated price is indebted to the seller’s labor and energy going into sourcing each piece, creating marketing schemes, and going through the process of photographing and posting each article online. Often, second hand spaces can seem daunting, with the sheer volume of clothing and opportunity offering a time-consuming afternoon. Additionally, proponents could argue that thrift flipping contributes positively to the sustainable fashion industry, adding to the buzzing and expanding popularity of second-hand fashion and contributing to an escalation of pieces leaving the landfill.
On the other hand, a buzz of opposition may stem from the very idea of purchasing from a predominately low income space; the ethos of Goodwill and affiliate non profits lie on a foundation of upholding and strengthening communities, increasing employment opportunities, and supporting the circular economy through an encouragement to recycle, with the showcased clothing items coming from community-based donations. What does it mean to convert Goodwill-based clothing to then be sold and associated with a surge in prices on a completely different website? An article in Forbes, published on September 15th, documented the prevalent “boom” in secondhand shopping, estimated to reach $73 billion in market profits by the year 2029. Additionally, secondhand shopping has gained popularity within higher-income communities; Forbes describes an attraction to the thrift world’s unique “treasure-hunt atmosphere.” Arguments have been made that the ideology of the thrift flip in turn contributes to the ever-heightening prices of second hand stores; it is common knowledge that recently, the influx in demand for second-hand clothing has shown a growth in luxury-oriented or elevated thrift spaces.
This debate is a necessary one, through understanding the nuances that are integral to the heart of thrift flipping itself; perhaps both arguments showcase equal truths. The evolution of the thrifting space has clearly transcended its initial form. Is it beneficial and understandable for thrift flippers to have recognized the continual increase within this community; does this formulation, in turn, benefit a diversion from the land fill? On the other hand, does this formulation contribute to a continual elevation of prices, in turn making second hand shopping less accessible for community members it was meant to prioritize?
What do you think? Feel free to take this discourse as a thought piece to bring into your own communities!
Lillian Worley
