A savvy shopper has revealed how a keen eye and a little knowledge turned a tiny charity shop spend into a significant profit, after she sold a designer handbag for over a hundred times what she paid for it.
The Incredible Charity Shop Discovery
The woman, who shares her finds online as Kats Preloved Closet, posted about her astonishing success on Facebook Reels in December 2025. She stated she bought an item for just £3.50 in a local charity shop before listing it on the popular selling platform Vinted.
Her post, which included a shocked emoji, simply read: "Bought for £3.50 in a charity shop. Sold for £400 on Vinted." The item in question was a rare vintage Fendi bag from the 1990s, specifically described as a 'Black Canvas Zucchino Monogram Mini Mamma Baguette Shoulder Bag'.
The Selling Strategy That Secured the Sale
Her approach to the listing was a masterclass in online resale. Rather than using a simple headline, she packed the description with keywords to attract a wide audience. By mentioning "90s Bratz", she tapped into a niche fashion search, potentially catching the eye of those inspired by the dolls' iconic style.
This clever use of keywords is a common tactic among top resellers, helping items appear in varied searches. In the caption of her video, she advised others: "learn what to look for. It changes everything." She had originally listed the bag for £444 but accepted an offer of £400 for a quick sale, still securing a massive return.
The Great Reselling Debate
The post sparked a lively discussion among fellow bargain hunters, with many sharing their own success stories. One person revealed they bought a Vintage YSL clutch for £3 and sold it for £75, while another boasted of turning a £50 YSL bag into £669.
However, not all comments were positive. One critic argued that publicising such flips signals to charity shops to raise prices, "destroying this market for everyone." Others fiercely defended the practice.
A supporter highlighted that resellers pay the full asking price, ensuring charities get more money than they would from selling unsold clothes in bulk to rag merchants for pennies. "Charity shops aren't bothered," she wrote, adding that her local shop is grateful when resellers clear shelves.
Some even questioned the authenticity of the find, but were quickly countered by others who confirmed similar discoveries of high-end brands like Dior, Gucci, and Chanel in charity shops, often where volunteers may not recognise the true value.
This remarkable story underscores the hidden potential in second-hand shops and the powerful combination of knowledge and digital platforms like Vinted for turning a minimal investment into a major gain.
