Thrift Shopping and Secondhand Economy in Canada: Save Money and Credit

Money Management

Thrift Shopping and Secondhand Economy in Canada: Save Money and Credit

Mar 20, 202625 min read

The secondhand economy in Canada is booming — and for Canadians working to rebuild their finances, it represents one of the most powerful tools available for saving money, reducing expenses, and accelerating debt payoff. From Value Village and Salvation Army thrift stores to Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and Poshmark, the opportunities to buy (and sell) secondhand in Canada have never been greater.

This isn’t just about penny-pinching. The secondhand economy is a mainstream, growing market that Canadians of all income levels are embracing. Whether you’re furnishing an apartment after a difficult divorce, clothing growing children on a tight budget, or looking for ways to generate extra income to pay down debt, the thrift and resale market can save you thousands of dollars per year — and potentially earn you money too.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about shopping secondhand in Canada: where to shop, what to buy and avoid, how to sell your own items for extra income, and how to connect the money you save to meaningful financial goals like debt repayment and credit score improvement.

The Canadian Secondhand Marketplace: An Overview

Canada’s secondhand economy spans physical thrift stores, online marketplaces, consignment shops, and community exchange networks. Understanding the landscape helps you shop smarter and find the best deals.

Physical Thrift Stores

Online Marketplaces

The digital secondhand market has exploded in Canada, offering convenience, selection, and often better prices than physical thrift stores.

Facebook Marketplace: The dominant platform for local secondhand buying and selling in Canada. Free to list and buy, with no platform fees for local pickup transactions. Best for furniture, electronics, baby gear, sporting equipment, and household items. The local focus means you can inspect items in person before paying.

Kijiji: Canada’s original classifieds platform (owned by eBay) remains popular, especially in provinces where Facebook Marketplace has less penetration. Kijiji’s “free” section is a goldmine — people regularly give away furniture, appliances, and household items they don’t want to bother selling. Check the free section daily; items go fast.

Poshmark Canada: The leading platform for secondhand fashion. If you want brand-name clothing at a fraction of retail, Poshmark is the place. Sellers list items with photos and descriptions, buyers can make offers, and Poshmark handles shipping and buyer protection. Especially good for women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, though men’s sections are growing.

Depop: Popular with younger Canadians (Gen Z and millennials), Depop focuses on trendy, vintage, and unique fashion items. Good for finding vintage pieces, streetwear, and designer items at secondhand prices.

eBay Canada: The original online marketplace still has a massive secondhand market. Best for electronics, collectibles, brand-name items, and specialized equipment. eBay’s buyer protection program provides security for online purchases.

VarageSale: Canadian-created platform for local buying and selling. Operates through community groups with vetted members, providing a safer local marketplace experience. More popular in some communities than others.

Thrift stores receive new inventory constantly, but many process and stock donations on specific days. Ask your local store when new items hit the floor — many put out new stock first thing in the morning. For Value Village, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings often have the freshest inventory. For the best selection, shop when stores open. For the best clearance deals, shop just before or during seasonal transitions when stores need to move inventory. Many thrift stores also have weekly half-price days — Salvation Army stores commonly offer 50% off certain tag colours each week.

What to Buy Secondhand (Best Value Categories)

Not everything is worth buying used. Some categories offer extraordinary value secondhand, while others are better purchased new. Here’s your guide.

1. Children's Clothing — The Single Best Secondhand Buy

   Children outgrow clothing so quickly that most secondhand children’s items are in near-perfect condition. A onesie worn for 3 months, a winter coat worn for one season, or shoes barely broken in — these items sell for $1-$5 at thrift stores versus $15-$50+ new. For growing children, buying new clothing is essentially throwing money away. Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace parent groups, and kids’ consignment stores like Once Upon a Child are goldmines. Many communities also have children’s clothing swaps.

2. Furniture — Massive Savings, Often Better Quality

   New furniture from budget retailers is often cheaply made and doesn’t last. Ironically, secondhand furniture — especially pieces from 10-30 years ago — is often built with real wood and superior craftsmanship. A solid wood dining table that would cost $800-$2,000 new can be found for $50-$200 on Facebook Marketplace. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is excellent for furniture, as is Kijiji. Always check for structural soundness, odours, and signs of bed bugs or other pests before purchasing upholstered items.

3. Kitchen Equipment and Small Appliances

   Kitchen items are heavily donated — many are barely used (impulse purchases and wedding gifts). Cast iron pans, baking sheets, mixing bowls, utensils, small appliances like toasters and coffee makers, and even high-end items like KitchenAid mixers regularly appear at thrift stores for 80-90% less than retail. Test small appliances before purchasing (most thrift stores have outlets available for this).

4. Books, Media, and Games

   Books at thrift stores typically cost $0.50-$3 versus $15-$35 new. Board games, puzzles, and video games are commonly available at deep discounts. Check that board games have all pieces before purchasing. DVDs and Blu-rays are practically free at this point — excellent for families who want entertainment without streaming subscription costs.

5. Sporting Equipment and Outdoor Gear

   Bicycles, skis, hockey equipment, camping gear, golf clubs, and other sporting equipment are excellent secondhand buys. Children’s sporting equipment is especially good value since kids outgrow it quickly. Play It Again Sports is a Canadian chain specializing in used sporting goods. Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji also have extensive sporting equipment listings. Check for safety recalls on any children’s sporting equipment before purchasing.

6. Adult Clothing and Fashion

   Quality secondhand adult clothing requires more patience to find but offers incredible value. Focus on natural fabrics (wool, cotton, linen, silk) and well-known brands that hold up well. A wool blazer that costs $200+ new might be $8 at a thrift store. Denim jeans, leather jackets, winter coats, and business attire are all excellent secondhand buys. Check seams, zippers, and fabric condition before purchasing.

What to Avoid Buying Secondhand

Some items are better purchased new for safety, hygiene, or value reasons.

Bed bugs are a real concern when buying secondhand upholstered furniture, mattresses, and fabric items. Before bringing any upholstered item into your home, inspect thoroughly: check seams, folds, and crevices for small brown bugs, tiny white eggs, or dark spots (fecal stains). If possible, leave upholstered items outside or in a garage for a few days before bringing them inside. Consider avoiding secondhand mattresses and upholstered furniture entirely — the risk often outweighs the savings. Hard furniture (wood, metal) is safe as bed bugs can’t live on these surfaces.

Selling Your Items: Turning Clutter Into Credit Card Payments

The secondhand economy isn’t just about saving money — it’s also about making money. Most Canadian homes contain hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ worth of sellable items. Turning clutter into cash provides money you can use to pay down debt, build savings, or cover essential expenses.

Where to Sell

Facebook Marketplace is the best platform for selling furniture, electronics, baby gear, and household items locally. No listing fees for local pickup, massive audience, and fast turnover for well-priced items. Post clear photos, write honest descriptions, and price competitively by checking what similar items are listed for.

Kijiji is excellent for selling vehicles, electronics, tools, and larger items. Kijiji charges for some premium listings but basic ads are free. Good for reaching audiences that aren’t on Facebook.

Poshmark is the go-to for selling clothing, shoes, and accessories. Poshmark handles shipping and buyer protection — you just list, sell, and ship. The platform takes a commission (20% for sales over $15), but the large buyer base and built-in shipping make it convenient. Many Canadians earn significant side income through Poshmark.

eBay is best for collectibles, electronics, brand-name items, and anything with a national or international market. eBay charges listing and selling fees but provides the largest marketplace and buyer protection.

Consignment Stores handle the selling for you — you drop off items and they sell them, taking a percentage (typically 40-60%). Less money per item but zero effort. Good for clothing, designer items, and furniture.

1. The Declutter-to-Debt-Payoff Strategy

   Do a systematic room-by-room declutter of your home. In each room, identify items you no longer use, need, or want. Be honest — if you haven’t used something in 12 months, it’s a candidate for selling. Categories to focus on: outgrown children’s items, duplicate kitchen gadgets, books you’ve read, clothing that doesn’t fit, electronics you’ve upgraded from, sporting equipment collecting dust, and furniture you don’t love.

2. Price Items Strategically

   Research what similar items are selling for (not listed for — actually selling for) on the platform you’ll use. Price at 25-30% of original retail price for items in good condition. Be willing to negotiate — most buyers expect to haggle, so build 10-15% negotiation room into your price. For items you want gone quickly, price below market — the goal is generating cash for debt payments, not maximizing profit on every item.

3. Take Great Photos

   Good photos are the difference between selling quickly and not selling at all. Clean the item first. Photograph in natural light. Take multiple angles. Show any flaws honestly. Include a photo showing scale (next to a familiar object). For clothing, use a hanger or flat-lay on a clean surface — never photograph clothing crumpled on a bed.

4. Write Clear Descriptions

   Include: brand name, size/dimensions, condition (be honest), original retail price (helps buyers see the deal), reason for selling (optional but builds trust), and any flaws or defects. Honesty builds your seller reputation, which leads to faster future sales.

5. Direct All Proceeds to Financial Goals

   Here’s the critical step: every dollar from selling should go directly to a financial goal — not back into general spending. Open a separate savings account or immediately apply the funds to your highest-interest debt. A weekend of decluttering and listing can easily generate $500-$2,000 in sales, which can make a meaningful dent in credit card debt or jumpstart an emergency fund.

Thrift Shopping Like a Pro: Advanced Strategies

The Strategic Thrift Shopping System

Serious thrift shoppers don’t just browse randomly — they have a system that maximizes quality finds while minimizing time and money wasted.

Know Your Stores’ Schedules:

• Value Village: New items are put out continuously throughout the day, but major processing typically happens overnight and early morning. Shop when doors open for the best selection.
• Salvation Army: Many locations have weekly half-price sales on specific tag colours. Ask about the schedule and plan your shopping around these days.
• Goodwill: Some locations have discount bins or “pay by the pound” sections with deeply discounted items.
• Estate sales: Often advertised on estatesales.net or in local papers. The best deals are on the final day when remaining items are heavily discounted or sold in bulk.

Focus Your Search: Before entering a thrift store, know exactly what you’re looking for. Make a list of specific needs — a winter coat for your daughter, a bookshelf for the living room, professional clothing for job interviews. This prevents impulse buying and ensures your money goes toward genuine needs.

Check Quality Indicators: In the clothing section, feel fabrics before looking at prices or brands. Natural fabrics (wool, cotton, linen, silk) indicate higher quality and longer life. Check seams — items with straight, tight seams are better made. Look at labels — some brands consistently use better materials and construction.

Negotiate at Independent Thrift Stores: While chain thrift stores have fixed prices, independent charity shops and church-run thrift stores are often open to negotiation, especially for larger purchases or multiple items. A simple “Would you take $X for this?” works well.

Instead of randomly buying whatever catches your eye at thrift stores, build a capsule wardrobe — a small collection of versatile, interchangeable pieces that all work together. A capsule wardrobe of 30-40 well-chosen pieces (including basics, layering pieces, and a few statement items) can create dozens of outfit combinations. Focus on neutral colours that mix and match, classic styles that don’t date quickly, and quality fabrics that wash well. Building a complete wardrobe through thrift stores typically costs $100-$300 versus $1,000-$3,000 for the same quality items purchased new.

Furnishing a Home on a Tight Budget

Whether you’re starting over after a separation, moving into your first apartment, or replacing worn-out furniture, the secondhand market can furnish an entire home for a fraction of new retail prices.

The savings are staggering. A family furnishing a 2-bedroom apartment can easily save $3,000-$5,000 by shopping secondhand versus buying everything new — even from budget retailers. That’s $3,000-$5,000 that doesn’t go on a credit card, doesn’t accrue interest, and doesn’t add to your debt burden.

Free Furniture and Household Items

Yes, free furniture exists — and it’s not always junk. Here are legitimate ways to furnish your home for nothing.

Kijiji Free Section: People regularly post free furniture, appliances, and household items they want gone quickly. Check daily and respond immediately — free items go fast. Be prepared to pick up same-day. Bring a vehicle or arrange a friend with a truck.

Facebook Buy Nothing Groups: The Buy Nothing movement has active groups in communities across Canada. Members give away items they no longer need — no money changes hands. Join your local Buy Nothing group and post “ISO” (in search of) requests for items you need.

Curb Alerts: Many communities have informal curb alert networks where people post photos of items left at the curb for free pickup. In some cities, this is organized through Facebook groups (search “curb alert [your city]”). Move-out days at the end of the month are especially fruitful.

Furniture Banks: Organizations like The Furniture Bank (Toronto), Furniture Bank Society (Calgary), and similar programs across Canada provide free furniture to individuals and families in need. These programs typically serve people referred by social service agencies, shelters, and settlement organizations.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore: While ReStore items aren’t free, they’re extremely affordable — and the selection of furniture, building materials, appliances, and home decor is often excellent. Proceeds support Habitat for Humanity’s housing mission.

A can of paint ($15-$30), some sandpaper ($3-$5), and new hardware ($5-$15) can transform a dated but structurally sound piece of secondhand furniture into something that looks custom. YouTube has thousands of free furniture refinishing tutorials. Popular and easy transformations include painting a dresser, replacing drawer pulls, re-staining a dining table, or adding new fabric to a chair seat. The total cost of refreshing a piece is typically $20-$50 — creating a result that looks like a $300-$500 piece of new furniture.

Thrift Shopping for Children: The Ultimate Money Saver

If you have children, the secondhand market is your single most powerful savings tool. Children outgrow everything — clothing, shoes, toys, books, sports equipment — at an astonishing rate. Buying these items new is one of the biggest unnecessary expenses Canadian families incur.

Children’s Clothing

The math on children’s clothing is compelling. A child might wear a winter coat for 4-5 months before outgrowing it. At retail, that coat costs $40-$100+. Secondhand, the same coat (often in near-perfect condition) costs $3-$10 at a thrift store or $5-$20 on Facebook Marketplace. Over a childhood, the savings are enormous.

For a family with two children, that’s potentially $2,000+ per year saved on clothing alone — equivalent to significant monthly debt payments.

Children’s Toys and Books

Toys and books are another category where secondhand shopping makes overwhelming financial sense. Most children’s toys get intense use for a few months and then are outgrown or forgotten. Buying them secondhand at 80-90% off means your children still get plenty of toys while your budget stays intact.

Best sources for secondhand toys:

• Facebook parent buy-and-sell groups
• Once Upon a Child (Canadian chain for kids’ secondhand items)
• Library toy lending programs (yes, some libraries lend toys)
• Community toy swaps
• Thrift stores (check for recalls at Health Canada’s website)

Library for children’s books: Before buying books (even secondhand), maximize your local library. Most libraries have extensive children’s sections, story time programs, and summer reading programs — all free. For books your child wants to own, thrift store books typically cost $0.50-$2 versus $8-$15 new.

The Sharing Economy: Beyond Buying and Selling

The sharing economy offers alternatives to both buying new AND buying secondhand — sometimes you don’t need to buy at all.

Tool Libraries

Several Canadian cities have tool lending libraries where you can borrow tools for free or a small membership fee. Instead of buying a drill, circular saw, or specialized tool you’ll use once, borrow it. The Toronto Tool Library, Vancouver Tool Library, and similar organizations in other cities offer this service.

Toy and Baby Gear Libraries

Some communities have lending libraries for children’s toys, baby gear (strollers, high chairs, playpens), and children’s clothing. These services recognize that many items are needed temporarily and can be shared among families.

Community Sharing Groups

Facebook “Buy Nothing” groups exist in most Canadian neighbourhoods. Members freely give away items they no longer need and request items they do need. No money changes hands. This is an excellent way to get clothing, household items, baby gear, and furniture at no cost. Many groups are highly active, with dozens of items offered daily.

Clothing Swaps

Clothing swap events (also called “swishing”) bring people together to exchange clothing they no longer want. You bring items in good condition and take home items others have brought. These events are organized by community groups, libraries, and parent networks. Some are general, while others focus on specific categories (children’s, professional, maternity). Search Facebook Events or Eventbrite for clothing swaps near you.

Making Money in the Secondhand Economy

Beyond selling your own items, the secondhand economy offers real income opportunities for Canadians looking to earn extra money for debt payoff.

Flipping: Buying Low, Selling Higher

“Flipping” means buying underpriced items at thrift stores, garage sales, or estate sales and reselling them for a profit on platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. Popular flipping categories include:

• Brand-name clothing: Buy at thrift stores for $3-$10, sell on Poshmark for $20-$80+
• Vintage items: Mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, retro electronics have devoted collector markets
• Books: Certain textbooks, first editions, and specialized books sell for significant premiums online
• Furniture: Buy well-built pieces cheaply, refinish them, and sell for 5-10x your investment
• Sports equipment: Seasonal items (skis in fall, bikes in spring) can be bought cheap off-season and sold at a premium in season

If you’re selling personal items at a loss (selling your own used items for less than you paid), there are generally no tax implications. However, if you’re buying items specifically to resell at a profit (flipping), the income may be taxable as business income. If your reselling activities are regular and profit-oriented, you should report the income on your tax return. Keep records of what you paid for items and what you sold them for. Consult with a tax professional if your reselling income becomes significant. For occasional sales of personal items, no tax reporting is typically required.

Side Income Ideas Using the Secondhand Economy

Connecting Secondhand Savings to Credit Improvement

Every dollar saved through secondhand shopping is a dollar that can be applied to improving your financial situation and credit score. Here’s how to make the connection explicit and actionable.

1. Calculate Your Secondhand Savings

   Track what you spend on secondhand items and estimate what you would have paid new. The difference is your savings. Many thrift shoppers find they’re saving $200-$500+ per month compared to buying new — especially families with children.

2. Automate Savings Transfers

   Set up an automatic monthly transfer equal to your estimated secondhand savings. If you calculate you’re saving $300/month by shopping secondhand, transfer $300/month to a debt payment or savings account. This makes the savings tangible rather than theoretical.

3. Apply to Highest-Impact Debt

   Direct your secondhand savings to the debt that will have the biggest credit score impact when reduced. Credit card debt is usually the priority because reducing credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you’re using) directly improves your credit score. Bringing a credit card from 80% utilization to 30% utilization can boost your score by 50-100+ points.

4. Track Your Credit Score Progress

   Monitor your credit score as you pay down debt using secondhand savings. Free services like Borrowell (Equifax score) and Credit Karma (TransUnion score) let you check your score regularly. Watching your score improve as your debt decreases creates a powerful feedback loop that reinforces your secondhand shopping habits.

Safety Tips for Secondhand Shopping

Shopping secondhand — especially through online marketplaces — requires some basic safety awareness.

Online Marketplace Safety

• Meet in public places for transactions — many police stations have designated “safe exchange zones” for online marketplace transactions
• Bring someone with you when meeting strangers, especially for expensive items
• Never send money in advance for items you haven’t seen in person (e-transfer scams are common)
• Test electronics before paying — bring a portable charger or ask to test at the seller’s location
• Trust your instincts — if something feels off about a listing or a seller, walk away
• Use platforms with buyer protection (Poshmark, eBay) for expensive items you can’t inspect in person

Product Safety

• Check Health Canada recalls at healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall for all secondhand children’s items
• Inspect electrical items for damaged cords, exposed wires, and missing safety certifications (CSA/ULC marks)
• Check expiration dates on car seats, helmets, and any safety equipment
• Wash all secondhand clothing before wearing — hot water wash and high heat drying kills germs and any potential pests
• Inspect furniture for pests before bringing into your home — especially upholstered items

Car seats have expiration dates (typically 6-10 years from manufacture), and a car seat that has been in any accident — even a minor one — should not be used. Since you can’t verify the history of a car seat from a stranger, it’s safest to buy new. If cost is a barrier, many communities have car seat assistance programs, and some insurance companies provide free car seats. Contact your local public health unit or 211 to ask about car seat programs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Secondhand Shopping Action Plan

Getting started with secondhand shopping doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Here’s a simple plan to begin saving immediately.

This Week: Join your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook. Download the Facebook Marketplace and Flashfood apps. Visit one thrift store near you and browse without pressure — just get comfortable with the experience.

This Month: Make your next household need a secondhand purchase instead of buying new. List 5-10 items you no longer need on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji. Use the proceeds for a specific financial goal.

This Quarter: Commit to buying children’s clothing, books, and toys secondhand as your default. Identify the best thrift stores and secondhand sources in your area. Calculate your quarterly savings and redirect to debt repayment.

This Year: Make secondhand shopping your default for clothing, furniture, household items, and gifts. Track your total annual savings. Celebrate the debt you’ve paid off and the credit score improvement you’ve achieved — funded entirely by the secondhand economy.

The secondhand economy isn’t just a way to save money — it’s a path to financial recovery. Every dollar you don’t spend on new items at retail prices is a dollar that can work toward eliminating debt, building savings, and improving your credit score. In a country where millions of quality secondhand items are available at 70-95% off retail prices, shopping new for most items is a luxury that Canadians rebuilding their finances simply can’t afford.