SPOTTING the treasure amongst the trash in a charity shop can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the second-hand shopping game.
Luckily there is a little-known trick used by savvy shoppers than can help you track down the bargains.
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Despite being around since at least 2018, the Google Lens feature is relatively unknown in the retail world.
Instead people tend to use the app to identify plant species and translate foreign languages.
But did you know you could actually use it to get an idea of the value of an item in a charity shop?
Shoppers can use the feature by simply pointing their phone camera at the product and the search engine will bring up similar items listed on Google Shopping.
In second-hand shops it can be a real life saver, especially if you’re looking to sell your purchase on for more cash.
For example one TikToker used the feature to identify the value of a mug set in a charity shop, so that they knew if it was worth reselling online.
She used the Google app and took a photo of the crockery which then brought up similar looking items, with some listed on eBay and Etsy for £10 more than they were being sold for in the charity shop.
Once you have an idea for how much they could go for you can decide whether it’s worth the purchase.
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Savvy resellers were quick to comment on the video, with one saying she uses it “every time”.
Another said: “I use it to easily know about the name and rough age of an item!”
To use the feature all you need to do is download the Google Chrome app from your phone’s app store.
Open up a new tab and along the search bar will be a camera icon.
Simply click on the icon and snap a photo of whatever you’re looking at – then the search engine will track down similar items.
You can also upload photos and screenshots and let Google work it’s magic.
From there you can see how much something might be selling for on sites like eBay or Etsy.
In the past people have made a fortune by selling items they found in charity shops on marketplaces including Depop and Vinted.
For example, The Sun spoke to two savvy shoppers who revealed how they bought a T-shirt for £2 from a charity shop – but resold it for £220 online.
Plus, another woman explained how she makes £4,000 a month from her charity shop side hustle, selling items she finds on Depop.
Of course do bear in mind that just because something has been sold for a large amount elsewhere it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get that price too.
Also, some platforms can charge you to list items on there, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before you put something up for sale.
Of course even if you don’t want to sell it on, it’s a really handy way to compare prices too.
Others on social media use the app to find cheaper prices for different items on their wishlists.
One who shared the tip using a screenshot of a lampshade on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group said: “You see it at its higher price and want to find out if you can buy it anywhere else cheaper.
“Take a screen shot of the item and load it up to Google Lens. It might help someone save a few pennies!”
If you’re looking to give the Google Lens feature a go in your local charity shop it might help to know exactly what to look out for.
We spoke to an expert for the five things you should pick up and those to avoid.
Plus, why not give car boot sale hunting a go too – there’s plenty of bargains to be found and potentially sold on.
Here are five things to buy and what you should leave in the boot.
And here is a rundown of the best reselling sites and how much they charge.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
