Everything people ask
before they buy

Labelled sizes mean very little on second-hand clothing. Sizing has changed a lot over the years, and garments shrink and stretch with wear, so a vintage 12 and a new 12 can be completely different garments.

That is why I measure every piece flat and put those measurements in the listing. The reliable way to use them is to take something you already own that fits the way you want, lay it flat, measure it the same way, and compare. That will tell you far more than the label will.

Three grades, and nothing in between.

New with tags. Unworn, with the original tags still attached.

Very good. Used, but with no flaws I could find. Almost like new.

Good. There is some minor wear or a small flaw. It will be described in the listing and photographed close up, so there are no surprises when it arrives.

If you can see it in the photographs and read it in the description, it is not a fault. Anything I have missed is, and section 9 of the terms covers what happens then.

Because they are from different decades and different brands, and neither sized things the same way. The site lets you filter by size, but the measurements on the listing are always the better guide.

Yes. Every listing is a single garment, and once it sells it is gone. Nothing is restocked and there is no second one in another size or colour. That is why there is no quantity box anywhere on the site.

Putting something in your basket does not reserve it. The piece belongs to whoever completes checkout first. If you have been circling something, it really is worth not waiting.

Most days. I source constantly and list in batches as things are checked, washed, steamed and measured, so it is worth looking regularly rather than waiting for a big drop.

It is worked out at checkout from the size of your parcel, so you only ever pay what it costs to send. Buying more than one piece does not multiply the postage: they go in one parcel wherever they fit, so a second or third item often adds nothing at all.

Yes. At checkout you can choose InPost or Evri, and for each of those, delivery to your door or to a locker or ParcelShop. If you pick a locker, your parcel goes to the one nearest your delivery address unless you name a different one, and there is a box at checkout to do exactly that.

I post within 48 hours of your order, and usually the next day. Both carriers then typically take two to four working days, though that is their estimate rather than a promise. You will get tracking by email as soon as it is collected. Full detail is on the delivery page.

Not at the moment. UK only, so I can keep postage honest and everything tracked. If you are abroad and really want a piece, email sales@secondlifevault.co.uk and I will see what is possible.

Yes. You have 14 days from receiving your order to tell me you want to cancel, and another 14 days to send it back. You do not need to give a reason.

Return postage is yours unless the item is faulty or not as described, in which case I cover it. Email returns@secondlifevault.co.uk to start one. The full returns policy has everything.

Email help@secondlifevault.co.uk with a photograph and I will sort it. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 you can reject it for a full refund within 30 days, and I pay the return postage. Delivery is my responsibility until the parcel reaches you, so a courier problem is mine to fix, not yours.

My home is completely smoke-free. I do have three cats. Everything is washed where needed, steamed and packed carefully, but if you are allergic I would rather tell you up front than have you find out on arrival.

Car boot sales, charity shops and private sellers, sourced by me. Everything is checked over, cleaned, steamed and measured before it goes anywhere near a listing.

Yes, for now. But this site is where the full rail lives, and it is the only place without marketplace fees on top.