Is Buffalo Exchange Expensive? The Truth About Thrift Shopping Costs

At first glance, Buffalo Exchange may seem like just another second-hand clothing store, but its pricing can surprise many shoppers. Is it really expensive? That depends on what you're comparing it to. If you're used to regular thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army, Buffalo Exchange may seem pricier, but when you consider the value of what you're getting, the picture changes. Let’s dive deeper into why Buffalo Exchange has a reputation for being expensive and whether that reputation holds up.

1. Quality over Quantity:
The first thing you’ll notice when walking into a Buffalo Exchange is the curation of high-quality clothing. This is not your average thrift store where anything and everything is for sale. Buffalo Exchange buys selective, trendy, and often high-end pieces, focusing on quality rather than quantity. This means you’re more likely to find well-preserved items from designer brands, which naturally come with a higher price tag. While the prices might be higher than the usual thrift stores, you're paying for better materials, better conditions, and a chance to buy brands that would otherwise be unattainable for many shoppers.

2. Brand Names and Trendy Items:
One of Buffalo Exchange’s main selling points is the presence of popular brand names and on-trend items. Unlike typical thrift stores that may carry outdated clothing, Buffalo Exchange stocks items from big names like Levi’s, Patagonia, Free People, and even luxury brands like Gucci or Prada on occasion. However, these brand names come with higher costs. For example, you might find a gently used Levi’s jacket for $50, while at a traditional thrift store, an unbranded jacket might only cost $10 to $20. Buffalo Exchange caters to fashion-conscious shoppers looking for trendy, stylish clothing at a fraction of what they would cost new—but still higher than the basic second-hand market.

3. Pricing Model:
Buffalo Exchange’s unique pricing model further explains the perceived expense. They buy clothing directly from individuals, offering them a percentage of the resale price in either store credit or cash. To make a profit, Buffalo Exchange prices items to balance the cost of buying and reselling, often leading to higher prices than donation-based stores like Goodwill, which acquire items for free. For example, if you sell an item to Buffalo Exchange and they give you $15 in cash, they will likely price it at $30-$45 in the store.

4. Environment and Shopping Experience:
Buffalo Exchange stores also offer a more curated and boutique-like shopping experience compared to traditional thrift stores. The stores are well-organized, clean, and often located in higher-rent areas, contributing to a higher overall cost. You're not just paying for the clothes, but also for the shopping environment. It’s closer to shopping at a vintage boutique than a regular thrift store. For some shoppers, this enhanced experience is worth the extra money, but for others looking for true thrift store bargains, it might feel overpriced.

5. Sustainability Factor:
Buffalo Exchange prides itself on being eco-friendly and contributing to the sustainability movement in fashion. Thrifting, in general, reduces the demand for fast fashion, and Buffalo Exchange goes a step further by focusing on higher-quality, longer-lasting pieces. This makes it a go-to spot for environmentally-conscious shoppers who are willing to pay more to support sustainable fashion practices. However, for shoppers solely focused on finding the cheapest deal, this commitment to sustainability might not justify the higher prices.

6. Location Matters:
The pricing at Buffalo Exchange can also vary depending on the location. Stores in higher-rent areas like New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco will often have higher price points than stores in smaller cities or less affluent areas. If you visit a Buffalo Exchange in a major metropolitan area, you might be shocked at how much a second-hand shirt costs compared to a similar one in a smaller market. Location-based pricing is a common strategy for retail stores, and Buffalo Exchange is no exception.

7. The Resale Value of Buffalo Exchange Items:
One unique aspect of Buffalo Exchange is that items purchased from the store tend to retain their resale value better than items from traditional thrift stores. If you’re savvy and plan to sell the items later, you might find that you can sell them back to Buffalo Exchange or another resale platform for close to what you paid, especially if it’s a brand name item. In this way, Buffalo Exchange serves as a middle ground between buying brand-new and traditional thrift shopping. While you're paying more upfront, the potential to resell your purchase later can offset some of the cost.

8. Comparison with Other Resale Shops:
In the world of resale shopping, Buffalo Exchange is not alone. Comparing its prices with other curated second-hand stores like Crossroads Trading Co., Plato’s Closet, or consignment shops reveals that Buffalo Exchange is often in the mid-to-high price range, but still generally cheaper than high-end consignment stores. Crossroads, for example, offers similar brands and trends, but some shoppers argue that Buffalo Exchange’s selection is more diverse, while Crossroads can lean more toward trendy youth fashion.

In contrast, Plato’s Closet tends to focus on lower-priced fast fashion brands like Forever 21, H&M, and Zara, often making it more affordable but less durable than what Buffalo Exchange offers. The higher prices at Buffalo Exchange often reflect the durability and longevity of the items they carry, something shoppers might not get at stores specializing in lower-end fast fashion pieces.

In conclusion, whether Buffalo Exchange is considered expensive or not depends on what you value. If you're looking for the cheapest possible option, you might find Buffalo Exchange on the expensive side. However, if you prioritize quality, name brands, sustainability, and a better shopping experience, Buffalo Exchange offers excellent value for money. It's a store that caters to those willing to pay a bit more for curated, trendy, and durable second-hand items. The cost may be higher than regular thrift stores, but for many shoppers, it’s a price worth paying for the unique combination of fashion and sustainability Buffalo Exchange provides.