Sept. 24, 2016

The definitive guide to UBC's used clothing market

Written by Rachel Ong

Remember that Black Friday sale you went a little too overboard last year? Or how about that frilly blouse your aunt bought you that just wasn’t your style? What about those shoes that you wore for an hour to your best friend’s birthday six months ago? Imagine a world in which all of these forgotten garments magically transformed themselves into cold, hard, cash.

As a student, extra funds are hard to come by. Luckily, selling new/gently used clothing is one of the easiest and quickest ways to make money. Campus life makes it even easier than ever before, so you don’t have to lug your clothes in garbage bags to a consignment store. UBC students have taken to Facebook groups to sell their clothes (and well, just about anything).

Find a group

Here are some of popular groups to get you started:

Know the lingo

  • BNWT or NWT — Brand New With Tags
  • BNWOT — Brand New Without Tags
  • BNIB — Brand New In Box
  • PPU — Pending Pick Up
  • OBO — Or Best Offer
  • “Try Ons” — Seller allows the buyer to try on the item on the spot
  • “Holds” — Seller puts a “hold” on an item for specific buyer, usually for over a week
  • “X-Posted” or “Cross Posted” — Seller has posted this item to multiple groups
  • EUC — Excellent Used Condition (usually a 8/10 to 10/10)
  • GUC — Good Used Condition (usually a 6/10 or 7/10)
  • PM — Private Message (via Facebook Messenger)

(For more common sales slang, Craigslist has compiled a comprehensive list.)

Three steps of making a post

Now that you’re an expert in buying/selling slang, post your stuff:

1. Include all pertinent info

  • Brand + name of item + size
  • Condition of item
  • Price
  • Where to meet up (e.g. The Nest, in front of McDonald's, IKB)
  • If you allow “try ons”/refunds/holds

2. Include a clear photo of your item(s)

3. Pick which groups you want to post on

And that’s it! The waiting game begins… good luck!

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Group etiquette

  • Most groups operate on a “first comment gets dibs” basis. If you’re the first to comment, you’re first in line — second to comment, second in line, etc.
  • Sellers not following the commenting order can get banned from a selling group.
  • Do not offer more than the selling price to try and break commenting order! This isn’t eBay.
  • Don’t lowball a $200 item for $50. Don’t be that guy.
  • Usually, the buyer messages the seller after they have commented, then a time/date/place to meet up is discussed.
  • Buyers are allowed to ask questions and for additional photos.
  • Buyer and seller should exchange cell numbers.
  • If the buyer doesn't show up, the seller may report the person and have them banned from the Facebook group. It’s common courtesy! Please don’t waste other people’s time.
  • Refunds are up to the discretion of the seller. But generally speaking, used goods are always final sale.
  • Every group has a separate set of rules — make sure you read them!

Meetup safety

Always meet in a public place, preferably in broad daylight. Some great UBC spots are Starbucks, the Nest, the UBC Bookstore, Irving K. Barber, McDonald’s, the Buchanan courtyard, Woodward's, etc.

Bring a friend if you’re uncomfortable! There’s safety in numbers.

If it’s a huge transaction, ask the seller if they’re okay with an e-transfer. It’s safer than carrying $1,000 in cash for both parties.

Confirm with your buyer/seller the night before or on the morning of.

Watch out for scams/fake merchandise, especially with designer goods, smartphones or any electronic devices.

Inspect your merchandise before you leave!

And that’s it! Happy buying and selling!

Rachel Ong author

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