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Buffalo Exchange
Category: Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
2904 Guadalupe StAustin, TX 78705
Neighborhood: University of Texas
(512) 480-9922
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
177 reviews for Buffalo Exchange
Review Highlights
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"Lots of great recycled clothes here." In 109 reviews -
"...found True Religion, Seven for All Mankind, Citizens of..." In 3 reviews -
"I always find something cute here." In 4 reviews
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177 reviews in English
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Review from Stef S.
Austin, TX
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is one of the best resale shops I've ever been to. No, they won't take everything you bring in, but I feel like that ensures there's more awesome stuff on the floor instead of just everyone's cast-offs. I like the fact that they buy things on the spot instead of holding them on consignment. Instant gratification FTW!
There's a lot of interesting stuff in here. It's fun to browse, even if it does take a bit of digging around to find what you want. This place has everything from newer designer clothes to vintage finds. It's a great place to find jeans on the cheap, too.
The people who work here tend to be friendly without being pushy, which is a plus. -
Review from Robert B.
5/14/2012
Ten years ago I would have easily given Buffalo Exchange five stars. Easily. It seems to me that since the expansion of the place, and the sad...sad loss of the chinese food place next door, the selection has gone more chic than punk. That saddens me. Also, the loss of the unisex dressing rooms is ridiculous.
Now, I do want to say that the customer service is awesome. I also want to add that, being a guy, they always buy clothes from me. Also, they always have at least one pair of jeans that I buy. These are good things. Yet, all the cowboy shirts, all the collared polos, and all the fancy jeans make my eyes hurt.
Where is the Buffalo Exchange that employed a cross dresser with a moustache? Where is the Buffalo Exchange that smelled like weed and vintage? Where is the Buffalo Exchange that always knew where the parties were on the weekends? I miss the re-sale store with ripped shirts. I'm going to Blue Velvet. -
Review from Samantha W.
Austin, TX
3/15/2012
Oh Buffalo Exchange, where do I begin?
Buffalo Exchange is cute in a weird cultural way. It's an experience going here because it's just a museum of college kid clothing stuffed onto racks and racks sold by co-eds who needed the $$$.
You CAN find some amazing things there, however 80% of the store smells TERRIBLE.
If they would make a "high-end" section of buffalo exchange and really be more selective on the quality (no stains, snags, tears, rips, holes, SMELLS, and scuffs) then they might turn a larger profit. But I doubt that will ever happen.
Selling to Buffalo Exchange is a huge waste of time- you'll get ripped off, you'll stand in line forever only to be told: would you like $10 in trade or $3 in cash? If you're a meth head who steals Doc Martins out of dorms and needs to sell them, go here. Otherwise, avoid avoid avoid the selling process. You'll see your beloved items hawked for far higher than you'll ever get paid for them.
Some of the people working here act like it's their largest accomplishment in Hipsterdom to work at a Buffalo Exchange. That being said a lot of their employees are quite nice. But it's apparent to me that this whole store is mismanaged: mostly because there is like a Billion employees at any given time.
In short: if you don't want to break the bank getting an outfit (meaning $40 for the whole outfit) then go here. But you'll also possibly risk smelling like Aunt Edna's mothball closet or a urinal. Wash well and sift through the endless racks and after 2 hours maybe you'll find a gem! -
Review from Laurel H.
Burley, ID
5/19/2012
I visited this BE while I was on vacation in Austin & it's the best BE I've been to (and I've been to quite a few). I found a purse, a dress, a pair of jeans, three pairs of earrings, two necklaces, and a pair of sunglasses, all for $65. Plan to spend a LONG time in here as there is tons of stuff to go through.
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Review from Eoin O.
4/18/2012
Went in looking for some jeans and left with three pairs. A decent selection in a good range of sizes. Staff were chatty and friendly. I like how they put aside the clothes I'd picked out so far when my arms were getting full and I was looking for more stuff.
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Review from Alyssa P.
Austin, TX
2/6/2012 3 Check-ins Here
As an ex-buffalo exchange employee of four years, I understand what its like to be a buyer for this company. People always giving you mean looks, judging you while you judge their clothes, and constant criticism from customer who you just denied cash to. That said...what happened to you buffalo?
Even though I haven't been with the company for over a year, my friends still call me complaining about the attitude they received on their most recent visit and about how "they didn't take anything from me!" I have always replied with the same answer...what do you want me to do? Secretly though, I kind of have just thought my friends were being overly sensitive, that is until I went in to sell myself the other day.
The girl who bought from me was still in training (no complaint there, I too was a trainee and I know what its like) but I also know that being in training means you have to have someone who ISN'T in training buying alongside you and assisting in the buy. Instead the girl sifted through my items (alone) barely looking at what I had brought in and created a pile of rejects to be "double checked" by a trainer. I guess these days double checking has changed in definition, because the trainer merely skimmed the pile with her hand while turned the other way talking to the people behind her--literally she didn't look at a thing--and agreed with my original buyer that there was nothing they could buy. My favorite part is when they give me the explanation about why they couldn't take anything (I taught the people who taught you how to give that same BS speech, spare me please.)
Now, I understand that fashion changes, and the way companies work change, and more specifically, I understand Buffalo's system and that there is never any 100% way to tell what they are going to buy based on season, condition, what they already have in stock etc. That said, I still know what to bring in and I would never bring in a bunch of crap. The result of the hands-off buying technique resulted in them passing on my William Rast shorts, Rachel Comey dress, and a few other nice designer items.
I will put in the disclaimer that this is not always the case when selling to buffalo, each store, buyer, and all around experience will be different and it is always worth looking through if you are near a store. I even went in again tonight and my selling experience was quite pleasant. I have found some of my favorite clothing items at Buffalos around the country and at some slammin deals at that.
My word of advice? Stay at the buy counter when they are buying from you, not only is it interesting to watch the process, but you can keep an eye on their buying (or lack there of.) -
Review from Candace M.
Austin, TX
4/30/2012
everyone that works here is strangely nice and engaging. i want people to be aloof and indifferent to the clothes i try on and buy. i don't want to converse with someone who is going through my crusty old clothes for resale cash. i guess the no bag thing is cool but its hard when you have a lot of clothes and you have to bike home. i had to ride home no handed and that was so hard because my house is like 25 minutes away and it was rush hour.
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Review from Jeff K.
Schenectady, NY
4/2/2012
Are these the dumbest fucking petty shit reviews or what---for a used clothes store no less..
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Review from Ali P.
Austin, TX
11/28/2011
Ugh - I've shopped here many times in the past and come away with killer finds for serious deals, but it seems like lately they've been buying and selling a LOT more crap for way too much. I used to find Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu and now it seems like 2nd hand Old Navy and Target
Shoes, especially seem to have plummeted in quality - they're now way more grungy and more likely to be faux leather/plastic instead of real leather.
I don't buy clothes and shoes that look this cheap at Goodwill prices, never mind three times that. They really need to be more selective in their buying if they want to keep their customers, especially in this crappy economy.
When I politely mentioned my dissatisfaction to a couple of they employees they were either rude or beyond vapid and ditsy. Their customer service has also plummeted.
Ugh again. -
Review from Jen M.
Georgetown, TX
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love this place. From funky to functional, always find something! The staff is very friendly. Plan to spend a little time looking through everything, you can easily be overwhelmed if you are pressed for time.
Yes, there is some crap, but a whole lot less than most resalers. There is some real finds too! The store is pretty organized but there are rounders after rounders to sort through. You certainly can't be in a hurry... -
Review from Sasha H.
Austin, TX
3/14/2012
If you in the market to buy dime store hooker fashion from the seventies, shop here. If I bring in designer pieces to sell, or if I just merely want to shop it is all stained or smells like pee. No bueno.
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Review from Jenny L.
9/29/2011
oh, i remember way back in the day when i walked to school, uphill in the snow, both ways. And when Buffalo Exchange was cool.
I used to be able to come here, sell clothes, and walk out with awesome new clothes (new to me, mind you).
I could come to Buffalo, and find crazy, outrageous, one of a kind clothes and shoes, and the girls at the counter were always so helpful.
And then I grew up.
It's been awhile since I stepped into this hellhole, but last time I went, I took a giant bag of clothes, which included band shirts, cute dresses, awesome heels, cowboy boots, and a pair of old navy jeans.
The goofy guy who was buying the clothes took one look at the jeans, and said 'ssssssssorrrryyyyyyyy... we don't take old navy clothesssssss.'
Picture a snake saying that. It really sounded like a snake, if a snake could speak english. or talk at all.
I'll go to other second hand stores. This one went to ssssssssshit.Listed in: We are broken up!, Insert laughter here.
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Review from Monica O.
Updated - 10/13/2011
Internal dialogue when visiting 2.5 weeks before Halloween, strictly to check their shoe shelves to compete a look:
- Ohh this is gonna be bad
- [30 min later] Where is my third arm!?
- [10 min later at the jeans rack] Just walk away. WALK AWAY.
- [5 min later in line to checkout] Don't leave your spot for those earrings. They don't look real. I'll stay. I'll stay. I'll sta- [expletives]
[10 min later, to cashier] 'Do you know who brought in these earrings!? They're IDENTICAL to a pair I worship from Spain. Hm. Yeah. Are you sure?? Insane, Miss. In the membrane'
So, timing really is everything at Buffalo. Some trips I walk out with my dignity, other trips with three pairs of shoes, a pair of earrings and pure unadulterated vanity.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2010
OK: so there's really no avoiding reviewing this token consignment store.
I mean, I can imagine what… Read more »
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Review from Hael F.
12/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was a little torn on whether I should give this place two or three stars; the point of contention being do I rate this experience based on the store itself (as a retail customer) or do I rate it based on my selling experience. Unfortunately, the retail experienced held more weight then the selling experience.
I've always been a huge fan of the used clothing and the reseller process. Prior to moving to Austin, I became a regular at the Portland Buffalo Exchange, often up-selling great thrift store finds and closet rejects; turning them into a profit. I was usually seen lugging in bags of clothes on a monthly basis. It often becomes a religious experience as I methodically fold, iron and fix clothes in preparation for this event.
This selling experience was no different than those I've had at other Buffalo Exchanges. The staff was friendly and engaging. I received decent prices on my items and they were more than willing to work with me on specific higher-end items. Overall, I did really well and the buying staff were great to work with.
Now, for the other side of the coin. This has got to be the worst organized Buffalo Exchange, and clothing reseller, I've ever been to in my life. After having a great selling experience, I was severely disappointed when I switched to shopping mode. The store itself is poorly organized and structured. It's just rounder after rounder with limited signage as to their contents.
After struggling to find the men's area, I had to dig through the racks and rounders to trying understand what merchandise (sweaters, shirts, jackets) was being sold on which rack. After that, you have to dig and lift merchandise off the tops of the racks to try to find the size ring. Further more, the clothes are just haphazardly shoved onto the racks. I came across my newly sold shirts just shoved on the racks, no attention paid to how they hang.
I don't think it's that difficult to provide some simple organization to this store. Such as, clearly labeling the rack's contents (Example, Men's Sweaters, S-M) and keep the product mix consistent, I shouldn't be finding sweaters on the jacket rack.
The checkout staff appeared equally disorganized. As we approached the counter, three staff members stood behind it chatting with one another. They seem confused as to what to do as we walked up.
I know I will not come back here as a shopper but the next time I need to clean out my closet I'll stop here prior to hitting the Goodwill.
TIP: Even though they have a few parking spaces out front and a small lot in back, parking is horrible. At least it was rather arduous task to find parking near by on Sunday afternoon. -
Review from Megan D.
Austin, TX
7/15/2011
I came in here with my one-year-old son because it was a boring summer day and I had some clothes that no longer fit (see one-year-old son reference, above), but were too nice to just give away. Most were bought at Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters within the past 2-3 years, so I thought I'd get some decent money for them. Well, I was wrong.
When I first arrived, it was pretty crowded and the line to sell was long, so I thought I'd look around first. I saw some things on the rack to suggest that the clothes I brought, especially the 4 pairs of skinny jeans that no longer fit over my large postpartum ass, would find a nice temporary home in the store. I picked out a few things to try on, then waited in line to sell.
The buyers were smiling and friendly, chatting up those in front of me as they looked through their clothes. When I arrived at the counter, their demeanor changed instantly. I get it; we can't all like kids, but at least pretend for your own sake....that pinchy look on your face when I approached the counter made you look constipated, overly-dressed 19-year-old. Besides, my little dude was being an angel right then.
The girl barely glanced at my items, and when I asked what kinds of things they were looking for she said, AND I QUOTE, "we don't really cater to mom-types here."
Well, fuck you, Buffalo. Never again -
Review from Abigail L.
Austin, TX
11/9/2011
ugh, this place. I've visited buffalo exchange several times, each time with hopes the place or people will redeem itself. Sadly, I walk out with the same "why did I come here, again?". I usually go with a heap of gently worn anthro, free people, french connection & urban clothes and shoes and run into a snooty, pretentious sales guy/gal turning my currently in-style items away which then sold for good $ at another store.
Not to mention, the process of getting served is incredibly slow & unreliable.
Yes, some of the employees (a tall thin brunnette girl & a girl with gauges) are very friendly and make the experience more worth while but not enough to keep me from going back again :( -
Review from Carrie S.
Austin, TX
11/14/2011
I remember when Buffalo was cool. I would go there every Friday after high school when I first learned to drive, happily dig for hours on end, max out my credit card my mom co-signed for me with awesome, super cute clothes and accessories, and then be super excited to come back the following week. I don't buy myself much clothing these days due to lack of mom-funded credit cards, but when I do, I rarely go to Buffalo anymore. I've been back about 5 times in the last 3 years and haven't found ANYTHING.
If you're a hipster or 15-year-old, though, you might pee your pants with glee when you walk in. -
Review from John O.
Austin, TX
9/29/2011
Felt funny in there - funny weird, not funny ha-ha. Too grabby and acquisitive, maybe. I didn't care for it. Goodwill is cheaper anyway. Might have felt different had a salesperson said even a single word to me - but they didn't.
It's pretty much just an overpriced thrift store anyway. And my daughter got a ring there that we were assured was sterling silver -- it wasn't. -
Review from Anna G.
Austin, TX
10/10/2011
Reading these reviews, I feel compelled to write some rebuttals:
1. Don't come into this place expecting thrift store prices. It's not a thrift store. It's a resale/vintage store. Yes, the prices are going to be higher than Goodwill. But you're also more likely to find high-quality/ unique items here. Due to the high volume of hipsters in Austin, all the thrift stores are picked clean.
2. Sorry, but no one wants your Old Navy t-shirt, circa 2005. I don't think it's fair to give this place a bad rating because they won't buy your low-quality or out-of-fashion clothing. They're not going to buy something that they don't think will sell, or price your clothing at a price it won't sell for.
3. Yes, there are some duds in here. Some days, there are lots of duds. But there are also some amazing deals. Just this weekend, I bought a pair of leather boots that retail for $180 for a cool $60...and they looked like they'd only been worn once or twice. That's what I call a great deal :-) -
Review from Lauren A.
9/22/2011
I was all about Buffalo Exchange in high school, but I haven't been able to find much I wanted to wear in the last five years or so. They stock whatever is trendy for the season, and only buy things that fit those trends, along with some items that were sold in stores in the last year.
So they're not a true "vintage" store, because most of the stuff in there was sold in stores pretty recently. That can be a good or a bad thing...I've found awesome jeans there, but when the trend switched from skinny jeans to flares, I couldn't find a single pair of black skinny jeans.
But I have found some good stuff there, and a number of shirts and dresses, though they were mostly from Forever 21. They have a good selection of shoes, too, if you can get over the ick factor. As far as the jewelry, you're better off going to Target or Forever 21. -
Review from Theresa F.
Austin, TX
4/2/2011
JESUS CHRIST. This is why people have bad taste. Because indie college kids studying 'fashion' are paid to decide what is 'in' right now.
'Ooh! I like this shirt! It's so like, deconstructed! See how the shitty orange camo is a statement on the Terror Level system? And that skirt with the twelve layers of clashing flower patterns is like so ugly it's like NOT UGLY! Oh fuck I love this song! It's so 80s....I mean I was born in 1987 but I am totally an 80s kid, lol. I mean I like it IRONICALLY.'
I sold some clothes there once, and yeah, I understand that you guys don't want crap from department stores. It don't bother me that I didn't get much for my stuff. But I at least thought I would find something fashionable or somewhat flattering to wear here. Nope! Not unless you're Lady Gaga's grungy autistic little sister. Who wears this shit?! I just took my twelve bucks and left. -
Review from M.E. F.
Arlington, VA
8/17/2011
Amused to find another Buffalo Exchange here in the South; I'm used to the one in Boston.
Anyway, this one was way bigger, allowing me to get lost in looking at clothes for about 2 hours. Being raised on thrift stores makes me automatically scoff at "lazy" thrift stores like this. Yeah, it's all used, but it's all "cool," so there's no real thrill of finding something really unique. Plus, everything is more expensive than thrifting. I guess the prices are good if you're used to buying things new, but meh. I limited myself to the 50% off section because those seemed like the only reasonable prices. -
Review from Samantha F.
Austin, TX
5/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you're into vintage but want to play it straight up the middle (don't really feel like digging through racks at Savers or Goodwill and don't feel like paying through the nose at some elitist vintage boutique), then Buffalo Exchange is the place for you!
I needed clothing for my summer vacation and landed here after failing at Savers.
I can always find something unique and in good condition. They have a somewhat discreet taste in the clothes they buy (minus the disappointingly large amount of merchandise from Target...womp womp) so you're not ONLY digging through GAP, Old Navy & Target.
If you're looking for something specific, I would hesitate to send you here. Be open minded. You never know what you'll find amidst the racks.
Also, unless you have a unique wardrobe, I would also hesitate sending you here to sell. The only time it was worth it was when I had a HUGE amount of clothes from my days working at Emerald's. Every other time it's just embarrassing...& it's never consistent just by design. You'll never have the same buyer. But that's okay, you can't ding them for that.
Bottom line: be open minded & enjoy! -
Review from Angela K.
Houston, TX
8/27/2011
Great place to shop if you are on a budget and don't mind recycled clothes.
It can be a little frustrating if you are trying to sell your clothes though and they don't take anything! (although they do have millions of clothes already)
I love coming here and finding some cute clothes - since they only take clothes that match the current trends. -
Review from Jessica R.
Austin, TX
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you REALLY like hipsters and/or college students (especially at the same time), and you kind of like shitty parking and don't mind paying a little bit less than retail for used clothing, you will absolutely ADORE Buffalo Exchange.
Oh and if you like being made to feel like you have awful / horrible / outdated taste in clothing, I would highly recommend bringing in clothes to sell.
ONLY really good thing about this store is if you're not an asshole and can stand not putting your clothes in a bag you can donate 5 cents (the cost of the bag) to one of three local charities. -
Review from RICHARD K.
Austin, TX
7/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Pro: I come here if I am near campus and need something "new". I like most of the styles (they go for that Urban/Hip/Funky look) but sometimes I think they are trying very hard to please that crowd. I don't blame them they know their main demographic.
I get prints mostly, I never had to sell back anything so I can not help you there. There are people there to help you sell back clothing but but no one there making me buy something.
Con: One star for parking, the front lot is always full. There is a parking lot in the back one street over but that is also hit-or-miss. Never park next door at the burger place. -
Review from Emily M.
Charlottesville, VA
12/27/2010
Sigh... I've gotta admit it. I'm a convert. And here's why:
The Good:
- Everything is arranged by size. I like that.
- Varied selection. From the weird to the wearable to the just plain... weird. As with most second-hand stores, you do have to dig through some crap.
- Good price. Some items are over priced - but today I walked away with two cute, fitted blouses for about 15 bones. I shop at BE for my "Third-World Clothes." In other words, I'm a poor college student who has spends lots of time in the Middle East and Central Asia, places where clothes get destroyed. I like spending as little money as possible on clothes I take overseas.
- The staff is, for the most part, polite.
The Bad:
- Selling. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don't. I've gotten 50 dollars of store credit, and I've also walked away without selling anything. It's a gamble.
- Hipsters, hipsters, everywhere. P.S. your mullet it not "ironic", it's f*king retarded.
- Yes, you will feel like crap when they don't take your clothes. Try not to let it ruin your self-esteem.
The Verdict:
Buffalo Exchange keeps me lookin' halal in the Middle East and Central Asia. On a budget. Mumtez!Listed in: Arab-land
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Review from Verunica S.
Austin, TX
5/13/2011
other than being a bit pricey for their used items, this is a great place to shop. They do have a good selection of vintage clothing!
The staff is helpful and will hold things for you at the dressing room.
I had a good experience and will be back. -
Review from Jennifer M.
Austin, TX
5/10/2011
This Buffalo Exchange is MUCH better than ones I've been to in other cities. It's huge, and if you pay attention to what people are wearing, street style wise and edit your closet accordingly, you won't have trouble selling clothes. I always walk out with at least 2 or 3 things (usually more) for a third of what I would have paid from a new retail shop, and their accessorie selection is great!
Their staff is amazingly nice as well - a few months ago I took something in to return and realized I hadn't been given a receipt, and the manager actually tracked down the girl who checked me out to confirm that the purchase was legit, instead of just saying "Sorry, no returns without a receipt." She definitely didn't have to go out her way to do that, and it was very much appreciated.
One star off for parking - there are only like 6 spaces so if you're determined to park there, you might have to circle a few times. -
Review from Serena B.
Cedar Park, TX
9/25/2011
Are you kidding me with this place. I thought I would be to find a good deal on some dress shoes for my husband. Hahaa NOT. I found a pair of used Aldo for $40!!!! The outlet mall in round rock has the same shoes for $60 and they are not used!!! Please make sure you price things out before buy. This place is over priced
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Review from Samantha W.
Austin, TX
4/21/2011
I have good and bad days at Buffalo Exchange.
Every buyer has different tastes, and from what I hear, they also research different designers and trends. So if you're really trying to sell something, you might just have to bring it in another day and time. I usually have better luck selling accessories.
Since the expansion, I've felt much less claustrophobia when I shop. There's more room to explore the racks, so you don't get that burning feeling that hipsters are scrutinizing you through the backs of their skulls. And now that I'm no longer in college and thrust daily into the fashion circus of the campus streets, I realize that almost everyone in the store is more terrified than me about what people think of their attire.
Yesterday was a good day. I had planned to go to Macy's and spend about $70 on an Easter dress, but I went to Buffalo instead and purchased all of the following for just under $75 total: an adorable easter dress, coordinating necklace, and highly versatile Michael Kors pumps; a super-hot shirt (dress??) that makes my husband drool; and a short, tight, punky thing for my upcoming visit to the Harajuku district in Tokyo. And all in one visit to the dressing rooms. Score.
Some days, though, I take 3 loads to the fitting room, and come away with nothing. Is that because of the seasonal fluctuations in fashion... or in my waistline? Probably both.
Oh yeah, and for those who still doubt that there are any awesome deals, I get my $200 and $300 jeans here for under $50, and yesterday I spied a Betsey Johnson dress that cost just $30. -
Review from whit e.
Austin, TX
1/15/2011
Frequent turnover, value discerning buyers and variety make this a staple for clothing. I have low expectations, and I just stop in (when nearby) for quick looks. Three stars because quality of selection isn't as good as it could be for men (there are a lot of sweat shirts, mediocre sweaters and T shirts). Women's is much larger with better selection than Men's. A good time to go is towards the end of month when students drop in to sell to make rent.
Prices: good considering how much time I save here vs the mall or other second hand stores.
Selling: I judge it to be worth about $30/hour to stand in line when you have two bags of good clothes, so I never do it.
Selection: This is often the only place I go in Austin for second hand clothes because the other stores in Austin are either less discerning or buy a lot more vintage (which I just have in a different category in my mind, I guess). Also, I'm slim and small, so their organization of clothing by size is a tremendous time saver. They sometimes have clothing that is simply unusual and could not be procured anywhere else, although less often than I'd like.
Location: One of the other big reasons to come here is to be able to shop on this little area where I can bike and avoid the entire schlepping over to the mall, which I disdain. Make a stop next door at Toy Joy and you will be on cloud nine whether you find any clothes or not. And then there's always Ruby's BBQ and the Art Authority - this whole area rocks. -
Review from anne marie j.
1/5/2011
I felt out of place seeing how college for me was over a decade ago and not yesterday. Then I found a J Crew peacoat for $20! Screw the age difference...can't beat that deal! If the hubs wasn't with me I would have gotten a couple of dresses and a few purses. Hmmm...maybe a good thing he WAS with me!
I will be going back when I can find a parking spot. :( -
Review from Megan M.
11/18/2010
I learned many moons ago not to bring my borderline plus size or plus size clothing here. Out of bags and bags I've ever brought, only one Size 12 completely sequined gown ever made it past the guardians for $12.00. Of course this was foreverago, so their criteria may have changed since then (probably has).
So I forget about selling and just take a look around occasionally (assuming I can find parking, that is). They have some nice quirky things. I've found a shirt or two here or pretty things to look at. Unfortunately, the pricing scale is a bit inflated for some of the items. They do have cute accessories and shoes, too- so if I can't find larger-sized items I don't feel like I've completely wasted my time in the store.
So it'll be fine if you're the shopper, but if you're selling something... I say, "Good Luck, My Friend." -
Review from Meredi W.
Austin, TX
7/28/2010
Any Austinite, visitor or resident, needs to visit Buffalo Exchange at least once.
For tourists, it's worth it just to pass the windows. The employees prove their fashionista skills on the mannequins; I liken that sidewalk to an art gallery.
For denizens, know this: it's probably not worth trying to sell your clothes there. Sure, you'll notice some bland t-shirts as you browse the racks, & think, "If these got bought, MY awesome style will surely be snatched at a great price!" Fair warning: you're wrong. The line of potential sellers stretches into the horizon, & the store already boasts thousands of mannequins worth of trendy attire; they could outfit a snazzy Austin army, easily. So your piece of fabric better come from heaven. Even then, you won't get a halo for it; maybe a horseshoe, at best. It's a business. They buy smart. Great for them; not worthwhile for you.
Their clothes certainly represent the gambit of anything you'd ever want. No matter what your style, or what specific piece your outfit needs, Buffalo Exchange has it. But it's not at the best of prices. And if it's not in your size, you get to leave the store with your head hung, angry & bitter at your upbringing, lifestyle & overall bone structure that they didn't have the decency to expand or detract your body just those few inches.
In a nutshell: Go. Browse. Try on. Buy.
But keep your expectations in purgatory.Listed in: Dress Me Up
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Review from Chavah A.
8/30/2010
I love this place but here are the simple facts...
Parking isn't great. There are only 5-6 spaces in front. There are more spaces in the back but it's a little confusing and not very convenient.
Staff is hit or miss. They're either really nice and down to earth or rude and annoyed you exist.
Clothing/shoe/accessory selection is awesome. I've never left without at least 4 items.
Everything is very clean, neat and organized. Normallly thrft stores or resale boutiques are a bit clustered, smell and look like a teenagers room but it's never like that. It even has racks categorized by sizes.
Good mix of vintage AND new pieces.
All in all a great place to find one of a kind pieces. I love it...though it has a few faults... -
Review from Erika G.
Austin, TX
2/18/2008 ROTD 5/7/2008
The last time I was here, the unthinkable happened: I got an actual compliment from one of the hipster salesgirls.
Yes, yes, it's true. I. received. a. compliment. about. my. AGE. from. yon. whippersnapper. salesgirl.
After my knees almost buckled and propelled me towards one of the racks of jeans and funky corduroy pants, I regained composure like a normal 30-year-old might. I promptly whipped out my cell phone and called GOD because I assumed that the other signs of the apocalypse were coming and I wanted to be prepared for LOCUSTS IN FEBRUARY.
So how exactly did this come to pass? As follows:
I come in with a bag of old spring/summer season pants. Two minutes later, all but one gets put back in my bag. The girl, who has black hair and is your typical hipster in an everything-I-wear-is-under-$10-but-artfully-thrown -together-because-I-am-only-partially-colorblind kind of way, really does helpfully explain, when I ask why my clothes don't make the cut, how things from major chain stores like Old Navy don't sell well and something about the tags indicating a particular fashion season and thus they don't want to overstock on styles. Yada yada. It actually was a helpful explanation, as opposed to some of the other reviews of Buffalo Exchange which indicate haughty attitudes and can't be bothered demeanors. I take it to be the luck of the draw when reselling, honestly.
Then, this took place after I said I would take the paltry $5 for my one worthy pant:
Hipster Girl: So I just need to see an ID so I can write you your receipt.
Me: Cool. Here.
HG: (staring at ID with the inspecting eye of a border guard) Ah, this expires this year.
Me: Yeah, the address is wrong, too. Luckily I have 7 months to worry about it.
HG: It's real easy. You just go online and they issue you the new ID with the same picture. I'm 26 and still have the same one from, like, 19.
Me: (laughing in embarrassed manner) Yeah, I'M 30 and still have my one from 25. And yes, I'm keeping the damn picture.
HG: It's a good one. (slowly looking from ID to me, then back again, almost incredulously, as if she had found Waldo) You look EXACTLY the same, ya know.
So when my old and decrepit brain processed this compliment, I immediately knew I was raising the star level on this joint.
It's not every day that you get such flattery from a young hipster. In fact, I'd bet it would be easier to separate Britney Spears from her fucking venti frappuccinos and dirty Rite-Aid pregnancy tests than to expect compliments from the staff here.
That's why I'm giving myself a star, too. But only privately. Oh, and still waiting on that apocalypse.
To summarize:
-Hipster's genuine compliment about my age = GREAT
-Not buying back my cute pants = FAIL
-Confusing yet helpful explanation as to above statement = WORTHY
-Quality of garments = CRAPSHOOT
-Occasionally finding a diamond in the rough = FANTASTIC
-Hipster's genuine compliment about my age = GREAT
I mention that last one twice but let's not kid ourselves. Sometimes a girl's gotta take what she can get.Listed in: Head of the Class, Lord of the ROTDs
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Review from Javier D.
I like buying trendy clothes, there I said it. I want three or four things that will get me into whatever bar of my choosing when I decide it's my night to find my way there. I want a kick ass print-tee with a whale and a pair of chopsticks in some collage of day-glo 80's inspired splatter. I want a members only jacket and an argyle sweater that I will wear only one time and cast away to the corner of my closet when the mood strikes.
This is where I go to find those things for not-so-much coin #on the reg. I am unrepentant in my search of silly out-of-my-age-bracket clothing choices to the point of completely ignoring scoffs from people older and younger than me. Ask me if I care. I do not.
I don't speak with authority on everything, but I do know trends (been around long enough to observe a complete cycle). I know something about style and am not afraid to wear it and experiment with it. I can always find something that I will be very willing to wear at this store that some would dub a hipster den of iniquity. I will up your accusations of my being a douchey hipster type and declare you incapable and not imaginative enough to dress thyself in the latest trend. I don't need your rules.Listed in: It's my ROTD list!
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Review from Kymberley P.
Austin, TX
11/7/2011
I went in to the store on the advice of my sister who lives in Tucson, where they have a flagship store. I was a little apprehensive after reading some of the reviews, but I was looking, not selling, so I went for it. I really only went to check it's location and see if they had any of the great deals that my sister had shown me that she had found.
I was overwhelmed at first because the racks of clothes and shoes are bountiful as I really wasn't in a "digging" kind of mood. They had nice, adequately priced jewelry, but I was hoping for some sterling silver. I glazed over the handbags and a rack in my size and found some good deals, but again, I was really just looking.
But one last look over the shoe rack and hidden in the corner were a pair of lace up high heeled boots that had never been worn. Once I discovered they would fit over my fat calves, it was a done deal, especially with the great price!! Perfect timing for the impending fall weather!
I saw the line of cars and people waiting to sell there wares and it looked like they were making out pretty good. Man, if it's that busy on a Monday, I wonder what the weekend is like! I can see how it can be hit or miss at the store, but based on that long line of sellers, you just have to check in regularly.
Every single salesperson was nice to me and one even ran outside to catch me when I was discovering that I'd left my keys in the store. Glad I went in. I'll be back for sure and I would recommend to friends. -
Review from Kevin N.
1/11/2009 1 Check-in Here
Honestly, I can kind of see both sides of the Buffalo Exchange argument: if you have clothes that represent an attachment to you, and you sell them back expecting these guys to monetarily synchronize that attachment, it stands to reason that you'll likely walk away less than completely satisfied.
My experience here has been pretty positive, however, mostly by virtue of the fact that I only expect from these guys what I can get, namely, some haphazard castoffs bookending the occasional rare nouveau uncovering, some by and large cool threads that tend to cost me generally about a third or less of what they'd run spanking new, etcetera. I feel like I have a sense of their stocking philosophy (at least with regard to what hits the floor), and it works for me. It helps a little that these guys are pretty good when it comes to contributing to charity too..the whole bag/token thing is nice. On a gag, I tried on some white jeans that I didn't know were skinny. Trust me when I say I wouldn't share that tragedy with anyone anywhere other than in print, and I didn't realize they were 'skinny' until I tried them on, but I just about laughed myself out into the street. So that happened.
And when I have something to sell back? I think long and hard about bringing stuff in...but usually I don't. At least for me, it's just easier that way.Listed in: Shopping in Austin
