How might we…make second-hand shopping more accessible?
This morning I sent a version of this email to eight of Victoria's biggest op shops to explore how I can make op shopping easier to facilitate with clients.
It's been on my to do list for ages and I wish I'd done it sooner so I could better support one of my clients today.
This is so often what happens with accessibility. Accommodations are made when there is an urgent need rather than simply a good idea.
I'm hopeful that whatever comes from these conversations won't just benefit one client. It'll make this part of my service more accessible for everyone.
I'm genuinely excited to see what comes back.
This is what I sent.
Supporting Clients to Shop with [your op shop]
Hi Team,
I’m a personal stylist based in Melbourne, working with clients in their homes right across Victoria. I work with a mix of high profile clients, busy professionals and NDIS participants to build unique, sustainable wardrobes.
Do your stores currently have a pathway, registry or policy for stylists or NDIS support workers?
I'd love to understand how I could work more closely with you so I can shop on behalf of clients without personally absorbing the cost. I'm wondering if you have an existing model for stylists or support workers.
These are two examples of client groups and how I'm seeking your guidance on how I can better support them.
Accessibility & Health Needs
Some NDIS participants face significant barriers to in-store shopping. For example, one client cannot shop due to physical disability and chronic illness. They also experience severe reactions to dust, dander and chemicals, which means they must wash garments before trying them on.
I'd love to be able to purchase or loan hand picked items that I curate for them based on their plan goals. At the moment I purchase the items myself, seek reimbursement for the pieces they keep, and then manage any items that aren't selected in accordance with each store's policies. Absorbing this as a business expense is not sustainable as this part of my service delivery grows.
I'm curious whether there might be a way we could work together to make this process easier. Whether that's a loan arrangement, a stylist account, a more flexible return process, or something else entirely, I'd love to hear if there's an existing solution or whether there's scope to explore one.
This would make second-hand shopping genuinely accessible for this client and others in similar situations. Because the garments need to be washed before they can be tried on, they may also need to be returned without the tags attached.
As a professional stylist, I carefully curate selections for my clients, so I wouldn't expect to be borrowing or returning large quantities. The value comes from presenting a considered range of options so clients have genuine agency and choice in what they wear.
Ethical Sourcing for Time Poor Clients
I also support high profile and time poor clients who want to buy second hand but don't have the time or skills to shop in store themselves.
Being able to source items on their behalf without personally absorbing the cost of unselected pieces would allow me to direct more commercial business to your stores, support your charity programs and partners, and make sustainable fashion more accessible for my clients.
Some possibilities that came to mind include:
A temporary item loan option for registered stylists and support workers.
A stylist or support worker account.
A flexible return arrangement for approved professionals.
I'm very open to whatever model might already exist, or any ideas your team may have.
I regularly visit stores right across Melbourne. I'm very happy to chat by phone if that's easier. You can reach me on PHONE, and you can learn more about my work at sved.com.au.
Kind regards,
Anna
P.S. I love what you do and frequently donate huge amounts of clothing from client wardrobe clear outs. Thank you for the work you do to support people and keep clothing in circulation.
Anna Svedberg
SVED
I’m genuinely curious to see what comes back.
Every system or policy was designed by someone. That means it can be redesigned.
If we can make second-hand shopping easier for people living with disability, chronic illness or other barriers, we'll also make it easier for busy parents, older people, time poor professionals and anyone who wants to shop more sustainably.
I'll share what I hear back. Watch this space.