As a self-proclaimed expert shopper (hey, it’s literally my job!), there is no distance I’m not willing to go to when it comes to finding an item I simply need. Whether it’s an amazing pair of jeans, next-level ankle boots, or the perfect going-out top, if an item is sold out, I simply look at it as an obstacle rather than the end of a journey. With that in mind, today I’ll be sharing five of my best tricks for finding these seemingly out-of-reach items.
Scroll through for my top tips then continue to shop some items we bet will sell out soon!
Oftentimes, your best bet is to go straight to the source. One way to do so is by simply emailing customer service—they may have intel as to if and when an item is coming back, or, at the very least, tell you what days restocks happen on the site. If you’re not shy, you can ask the brand directly on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. You’d be surprised how responsive brands can be—in the age of social media, even large corporate conglomerates are all about customer engagement.
While there are many associate resale sites with “old,” or “used” clothes, when a relatively new item is in demand, buyers oftentimes catch on and are willing to part with an unworn or slightly used piece for even a small profit. Be sure to check resale sites such as eBay, Vestiaire Collective, and The RealReal for both fast fashion and high-end pieces.
If you’re lucky, the sold-out item you’re coveting will have a waitlist either in-store or online, in which case you can enter your email address or provide your phone number and get notified when it’s back in stock. If that’s the case, definitely sign up but also sign up for the site’s newsletter regardless. If the item is highly in demand, the general newsletter might notify you of the restock well before the store gets in touch with you personally.
This is one of my FAVOURITE tricks. Whether an item is completely sold-out or just sold-out in your size, bookmark the direct link to the piece on all your devices (cell phone, work computer, laptop) and check it once a day—at least. If someone returns the piece, you’ll likely be one of the first to notice when the site processes it and be able to snatch it up once it’s back in stock. This has worked for me countless times.
If your own attempts to find a piece are unsuccessful, enlist a third party to help you out—they’re effective and allow you to be more effective with your time. PS Dept. is an app that specializes in this for new luxury items. Another option is Vestiaire Collective’s The One That Got Away feature, in which you fill out a form describing the item you want (which includes a photo) and are notified if anyone on their site lists it for sale!
Now, shop some items we bet will sell out!
Are you still searching for an item that got away? Share them with us in the comments!
Opening Image: Phill Taylor