Lemondrop

The economy's in the proverbial crapper, so secondhand shops are hot. These stores will buy your unwanted goods -- so this year, don't grimace when Aunt Gladys gives you a reindeer sweater or "Big Love" style ankle-length skirt ... she might as well have forked over a $20 bill.

There's no guarantee that everything will sell. Just as one man's trash is another man's treasure, your treasure could be a buyer's fifth H&M sundress of the shift. To help your chances, we asked buyers from Buffalo Exchange for some insider selling tips.

Do your research
Each store has different needs, so stop by first to see what's on their racks. "You'll get a rough idea of what we're looking for and how much you can expect the selling price will be for your clothing," says Michelle Livingston, Buffalo Exchange's Marketing Director. "Feel free to call the store before you go, and ask what they're currently buying and for examples of desirable labels."

You can't find out on the phone how much you'll get, though -- the buyers need to see the clothing to gauge the price. Local stores occasionally post "wanted" bulletins and selling tips online, so check that before you go.

Click here for more tips on trading your clothes for cash.


Hit the laundromat
Stained, dirty, stinky or otherwise mutilated (busted zippers, rips and tears, MIA buttons) garments generally won't sell, unless they happen to be amazing vintage or rare pieces. These stores don't use laundry facilities, so the clothes should be ready to hit the rack.

The "hot" list
Buyers select clothes with their local community in mind, so what sells in Austin may not merit a second glance in Brooklyn. That said, the Buffalo Exchange crew did drop some hints about items that tend to do well.

"Diesel, G Star, Free People, Top Shop, H&M, Forever 21 -- especially dresses that have been in stores within the last year. Fit, condition and relevance to fashion are the most important qualities we look for." -- Viki Stevenson, Manhattan Store Manager

"Right now, dresses and sweaters are our top sellers, with women's shoes and tank tops coming in at a close second. We also love taking unique vintage and retro pieces to keep the thrill of the one-of-a-kind find alive and well." -- Rachel Petersen, Brooklyn Store Manager

Most items will get you about $15, but especially coveted pieces like designer jeans may fetch a little more.

Start clearing out your closet
Livingston tells us that in January, Buffalo Exchange stores will start buying for all seasons, so grab that Hefty, open your dresser drawers and pillage, pillage, pillage. In general, though, seasonal pieces do particularly well -- jackets and coats are in high demand during the colder months, while stores may look for costumey items in the weeks before Halloween.

Prepare to wait
Give yourself about an hour (particularly on the weekends) to go through the clothes-selling process, and bring a good book to read in line. To avoid a long wait, stop by midweek and close to opening hours.

Do donate
If you're left with a pile of unsellable clothes at the end, consider letting the shop keep it so they can donate the items to a local charity. But if you've got to find a buyer, there are always consignment shops (which favor designer wares), eBay or a yard sale. Or, throw a clothing swap party with some girlfriends.

Find a store near you
Ready to start selling? If Buffalo Exchange doesn't have an outlet near you, try Crossroads Trading Co., Plato's Closet or Half of Half -- similar resale stores with multiple national locations. An online search should turn up the independent stores in your area.