Visit an online op shop for your next purchase of preloved goods and support a not-for-profit in the process.
There are plenty of reasons to love online op shops. For starters, they’re a great way to save money on your favourite brands. But that’s not all; online op shops also offer a convenient way to shop. You can shop from the comfort of your own home at all hours and have your items delivered right to your door. Plus, with a little bit of digging, you can sometimes find rare or limited edition items. Here are seven of my favourite sites to op shop online.
If you’re specifically after second hand clothes, check out this post on over 20 Places To Buy Second Hand Clothing Online or for the little ones, the 10 Best Baby and Kids Second Hand Clothing Stores Online.
Or if you want to experience op shop in person, check out these tips for thrift shopping like a pro.
Why is it called op shopping?
Thrift stores in Australia are called op shops, short for opportunity shops. Hence browsing and buying goods from op shops is called op shopping.
With a rise in popularity of second hand clothes, more preloved clothing stores are opening up however op shop usually refers to not-for-profit stores that are supported by a charity.
Why do people shop at op shops?
1. Value
Everyone loves a bargain right? In op shops you will find that everything significantly discounted compared to what you would pay at a retailer. So your dollar will stretch further by shopping at online op shops and you can purchase much better quality items with the money that you have.
You can also feel confident that if goods have survived someone else’s household and still appear to be in good condition then they are quality products that will last you a long time too.
2. Sustainability
When you buy second-hand goods, you are giving them a second life. This means that they don’t end up in landfill, where they would take up valuable space and produce methane gas as they break down.
Op shopping is a sustainable way to shop, as it doesn’t require new resources to be used. Every item that is resold means one less item that needs to be produced. This reduces the demand for energy and resources, such as water and raw materials.
Concerns about fair labour also drive me to buy second hand. I can’t stand the thought of buying something that was unethically manufactured. At least by buying second hand, the production of a new item (possibly unethically) is not being stimulated.
3. Find unique items
Op shops are a great place to find unique, vintage items. They offer a wide variety of styles, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or something more subtle, op shops are definitely worth checking out.
4. Support charities
Buying from op shops is a great way to support charities. Op shops support charities by providing a place for people to donate their unwanted items. The items are then sold, with the proceeds going to charity. This helps to support people in need.
Where To Op Shop Online Australia
1. Good Sammy
I actually look forward to emails from Good Sammy, letting me know about their newly arrived stock. You can follow them on Instagram too for an unlikely source of fashion inspiration. Their mission is to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability.
2. Sacred Heart Mission
I’m super impressed that instead of categorising clothing into women and men categories, Sacred Heart Mission classifies the ranges as feminine and masculine. Very progressive. As well as clothes, you can also purchase second hand books, electronics and bric-a-brac. Sacred Heart Mission is a not-for-profit charity assisting people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in Melbourne, Victoria.
3. Salvos
Salvos is the perfect place to find stylish, sustainable clothing at a fraction of the cost. You’ll be helping to support a good cause while you shop, and the selection of clothes is always changing so you can keep your wardrobe fresh. Salvos also sell a wide range of homewares and even furnish that you can click and collect.
4. Australian Red Cross
Whenever I visit Australian Red Cross stores, they always have noticeably better quality stock than many other op shops. They must be more selective because their online store appears to be the same.
5. Save The Children
Save The Children have a great range of books, puzzles, games, CDs and DVDs. Every item sold helps to ensure another child has access to education, healthcare and protection. Get free delivery on purchases over $50.
6. Vinnies (St Vincent De Paul Society)
Vinnies run their online op shop through eBay which is great if you have credit or discount codes available through your eBay account. They have a limited range of clothing available but every piece is of excellent quality so definitely still worth checking out.
7. Anglicare WA
You can support the community by shopping Anglicare WA’s quirky, preloved clothing range.
8. Lifeline Northern Beaches
Lifeline Northern Beaches is my new favourite op shop online! It has a great range of clothing including designer labels and some great filters to search by occasion, natural textile type or brand. They ship Australia wide.
9. Lifeline QLD
Lifeline QLD is a separate Australian op shop online to the one above. They offer a range of new and second hand items at affordable prices including a wide selection of DVDs, books and clothing.
10. Red Door Store
Red Door Store is an Australian op shop run by Church 4 Life Charities. They offer a lot of collectibles such as Wedgewood items and vintage Tupperware plus the usual clothing and homewares.
Grab a bargain and support a not-for-profit at an online op shop.
What has your best op shop find been? Let me know in the comments.
More articles on sustainable shopping:
- 20+ Places to buy second hand clothing online
- 10 Best Baby and Kids Second Hand Clothing Stores Online
- 50+ Consumable gift ideas
- Repairable shoes (for longer lasting footwear)