Thrifting Made Easy: QueenCityThrift
Keeping up with the latest trends while trying to be environmentally-conscious is difficult, especially as a college student. With the nearest Goodwill a solid 35 minute T ride from BC’s campus, thrifting isn’t exactly convenient. However, the Instagram page @queencitythrift provides vintage and name brand styles for much less than retail price. Even better, they ship right to your door within a week!
How Does It Work?
To shop QueenCityThrift, pull up Instagram on the mobile app or web browser. Then go to @queencitythrift’s profile and start browsing! The most recent posts are usually most available, as the company sells their clothing through auction sales, like eBay. They also post collection announcements, or “drop posts,” to preview what items will be posted in the future. Below is an example of a drop post! Most collections have themes with coordinated colors and styles. The caption will state when the items will be available for bidding and purchasing.
What do “BID” and “BIN” mean?
Since each item is sold auction-style, the payment process is much different than that of traditional thrift stores. The item starts at a low BID price, and followers who are interested in the article comment below the post how much they are willing to pay. For example, if the BID starts at $9, someone can comment $11, and the next person who wants the item comments $12 or higher and so on. After 24 hours, the highest bidder wins the item at the price they commented. BIN is an acronym for Buy It Now. If a customer is dying to purchase an item and does not want to be outbid by other followers, they can comment BIN, and win the item automatically. Though BIN prices are much higher than the bidding prices, they are usually still cheaper than retail prices. Below is an example of what an individual item looks like up for sale.
How do I pay and receive my item?
QueenCityThrift accepts Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal. Once they receive your payment--which consists of your bid amount plus shipping costs--they ask for your address so that they can ship it ASAP. All packages are shipped through USPS and buyers are provided with tracking information. Buyers are also encouraged to send in selfies and photos wearing their new apparel!
Steering clear from fast fashion is made more accessible by Instagram thrift accounts like QueenCityThrift. Bottom line, students should not be deterred from sustainable fashion just because they don’t have the time for transportation and searching through racks!
