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Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment [Edit]
Neighborhood: MontroseOK. There were a number of things I wasn't a fan of about this place. I will say right off the bat that this place isn't for me but there are other reasons why I gave it this rating.
Overall I just thought it wasn't worth it. If you like name brands then this place can be for you, to me I don't. I can buy a used Express shirt for 21 bucks here or I could go to a place like Marshalls and get a button down shirt for less. Sure it isn't the same quality but that isn't an issue for me. I was just amazed at the prices for these used clothes. I could get better deals on new clothes. Which to me takes away from the idea of "exchange."
So my gf brought a bag into the store to trade and they took one item for 7 bucks credit. I guess they look for a certain style because the stuff she brought in was in good condition. I also saw a few other people walk out with loads of their clothes back to their car, assuming they didn't get anything for them. Also the parking here is horrible. Well there is a good number of spots yet this place was packed.
In the end I can see why people could like this place. I just can't get over the fact that for a used clothes store I can get cheaper new stuff somewhere else. I guess I just don't like to dress "hip."
I've shopped at this location for over five years now, and it's the shit! Besides Pac Sun or Urban Outfitters, this place carries a great selection that varies from "shit, this looks great" to "OMG Sally, diz be lookin' gud on me? Shuo du!" , etc.
Anyways, I've had my embarrassing moments in the store. Well, not exactly; until yesterday when i was shopping for shoes...
I was in a hurry because I was helping out a friend move and it turned out that my Hollister flip flops weren't of any use anymore. So, being away from home, i decided to spent some money. I walk in, pick what i want, and as i walk up to the register, i couldn't speak; no sound, nothing. i stood there, a dumb ass, desperately trying to reply to both employees. hahah
Walking into the store, you immediately notice the smell. I used to come to Buffalo Exchange back in high school, when escaping Meyerland for Montrose was necessary to ensure my survival (I don't think I'm the only one). It smelled back then, but this escaped my notice. Instead, I would spend hours going through the racks to find that perfect $7 skirt or $10 blouse...some of which I still own...(after several "What Not To Wear" marathons in the last few months I'm planning a thorough inspection of my closet).
Back in high school I had hours to spend in a smelly store, buying three year old skirts from Express. Now I'm older, wiser, have a salary, and a sense of smell. And I also don't appreciate seeing clothes I just bought on sale at Target for twice the price (and used!) at Buffalo. The prices are way too high, the merchandise absolutely sub-par, and you'll do better going to Goodwill for a deal.
I've found many a lovely item here, often at quite a lower price than at the "maul" for the same item. I've gone and found nothing I liked. It's hit or miss.
Some of the staff have an obvious self esteem problem that causes them to act so unkind and uppity to their customers. Be compassionate to their immaturity... Some of the staff are completely sweet and helpful.
If you don't like the prices, don't buy it.
crappy they buy crap and the few good things they have are overly priced as if you are shopping at nordstrom. don't don't don't waste you gas or time. they give nothing for your designer jeans they give you 19 15. but, they turn around and repice them at 40 65 75. crazy dumb people working here and its smells like a moth cloth and its hot and uncomfortable. weirdo run this place. the kind that can't get a better job because of all the weird crap they have on the face or all the tatoos they have on their body. if they call that style god hel america. its like walking in a prison all tatoos and guys wearing pink legging or skinny jeans.
Just went here for the 2nd time (went to the Heights store before) to sell some clothes after extensive spring cleaning. I have pretty good quality clothing, in good condition so I expected to get a reasonable amount...after spending an unbelieveable amount of time going through my items, their offer....$20 store credit or $14 cash????
WTF!!! Now, I have shopped here before and found some real gems for a super decent price, but seriously??? I think they spent their sweet time "inspecting" my items in hopes I would spend that store credit as soon as they gave it to me...but I'm better than that...I'll come back some other time.
I know I'm sad for practically giving away perfectly good clothing, but I don't want to store it until the end of eternity...so I fell for the store credit offer...guess I'll save it for a rainy day when I feel like rumaging through attic-smell clothes for another one-of-a-kinda-like-another-shirt-i-already-have.
P.S. I hate ppl who think they are cooler than me because they have orange hair or wear black skinny jeans for every occasion...I'm way cooler with my plaid Chuck Taylor's and I'm not nearly as stuck up my own arse!
As I was sifting through the clothes yesterday I wondered why I hadn't written about this place. I have been coming here since they occupied the space next door. They are usually pretty fair about the resale value of clothes I bring in. What did people do before with clothes they didnt want to wear anymore?? I usually take store credit, I just like clothes too much! Yesterday I walked out with a juicy couture button down top for under 20. and diesel pants for 7.50. Their best deals are clothes that were originally expensive.
The people that work in this place must have been ordained by God himself to sift through used clothing because they have the most holier than thou attitude I've ever seen.
So...lemme get this straight. You sell USED clothing more expensive than when the ish was new??? AAAAAND you want me to wait in line forever, only to have you snobbily look down upon me and be rude while I spend my own $$ on a treasure I found which is actually another mans trash?
Oh HELL naw lol... This place is a joke. Rude people. The store is organized, but that's it. The prices are crazy considering what they sell. Someone really needs to remind them that they are a vintage (used) clothing store and should price accordingly. And a lil customer service would really go a long way.
Congratulations, Buffalo Exchange. With the exception of Blackbird Trading, which I love, you're probably the least offensive resale shop on Lower Westheimer, but considering your esteemed company (Taxi Taxi and Leopard Lounge), that's not saying much.
The clothes available for purchase are somewhat logically laid out. There are just enough dressing rooms to accomodate the huge numbers of people who paw through the merchandise here on a daily basis. The staff does an okay job of keeping the chaos under control. Sensing a current of mediocrity here? That's pretty much the case.
As always, the staff is Too Cool for You and you won't get jack squat for your gently used clothes, even though the stuff on the floor is honestly overpriced. Yeah, okay, you're getting a bargain just because it's not new, but I still don't want to have to pay 20 bucks for a top that someone else has already worn. I've given up on trying to sell back anything of mine that doesn't fit or that I just don't have room for anymore. I either give those pieces away to friends or pass them along to a group home for teens--honestly, girls in those places go ga-ga for pieces that are cute, well-made and current, as opposed to being old lady clothes, and I'd rather have the satisfaction of knowing they're being handed over to kids who will really appreciate them instead of being insulted by $15 in store credit (that won't even buy me that lousy top!) I don't trust BE to actually give away whatever they don't want instead of tossing it in the dumpster or even worse, reselling it behind my back. Worst. Nightmare.
To be fair, I have found some pieces in here that have turned out to be wardrobe staples...but most of the time, I come out emptyhanded. I'd honestly rather paw through the stacks of duds at Value Village than go to Buffalo, because when you come out of Value Village victorious, you never pay more than a 20-spot for an armful of vintage goodness.
Ok, so Im going thru withdraws from shopping at this place. I know I said I would never go back, but I have this urge to go just one more time. I think I will try the Heights location. Hopefully they have a good selection and nicer clerks. TBD.......
Bottom line....this place stinks!
I was doing alot of spring cleaning in between moving to my new…
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I stopped by this location the other day for the first time in search of some comfy, cheap t-shirts to deal with this May weather, and I've decided that this place blows. Sure it's big and well organized, but it's brazenly overpriced for used clothes, and you have to turn into some kind of hunter-gatherer to find something worth wearing (in the men's section, at least)--unless you have bad taste, than you'll be pleased with the large selection.
The "customer service" here is atrocious. Now, I'm accustomed to being looked down upon or treated dismissively at so-called "cool" establishments by so-called "cool" staff. Par for the course; I usually just handle my biz and I'm out. But this place takes the cake. The waste of flesh working the register had attitude three city blocks long, barely made eye contact with me, and seemed to move in slow motion. After he rang me up, instead of handing me the receipt, he casually crumpled it up and threw it in the trash, seriously. I stood there dumbfounded, then asked if I could have my receipt. I guess out of force of habit, he made an honest, but stupid, mistake. He turned to me and with a confused, shit-eating grin and said, "Oh." He then retrieved the receipt form the bin, uncrinkled it, and laid it on the counter for me. I asked if I could get a new one in case I needed to make a return or exchange. He fumbled with the register for a few moments and again with the confused, shit-eating grin said, "I don't know how." I was over this clown, so I left. Weirdo motherfucker.
He didn't even apologize or, for that matter, act in the slightest like he may have done anything wrong. Either he was stoned out of his mind, has a neurological disorder, or is just an oblivious, smug prick. Either way, I'm never coming back to this hole of a store.
From the outside, the store looks great. On the inside, it's alright. The clothes are organized which is great because I won't have to sift through smelly, used clothes.
I never get anything great or maybe because I'm not willing to pay an absurd amount of money for an item that I can get at the Goodwill. Usually, I come here after I've been to the Galleria but the Galleria has some bargains compared to here.
I like their jewelry selection but it costs like 8-20 bucks. It looks exactly the same as Forever 21 and they sell their jewelry for 5-10 bucks.
The one time that I've bought something was a month ago and that was a shirt from Forever 21. I have no clue why I bought it there when I could of just bought it at the store. Hey, I was already there. The shirt was 12 bucks but I'm pretty sure it would of cost 17 bucks at the shirt.
I waited in line for about 15 minutes and I was the only person there. Ridiculous. I agree with the other Yelpers and the workers are snobby. I like the idea of Buffalo Exchange but how should I say this... they suck.
The only great thing about that day was going to Chuy's right after.
Crappy dressers unite!
I, Chris Skiles, as leader and founder of the Crappy Dressers United Federation (also known as C-DUF), hereby proclaim this establishment as certified CRAP and denounce all who enter!
How is it that EVERY time i go in this damn store I end up leaving with crap in my hands?!? Literally, EVERY time!
Exhibit A: I go into Buffalo Exchange to sell them 3 EXTREMELY large trash bags full of clothes. I was moving, I had too much crap, and I needed cash (who doesn't?). Yet, after only being offered a mere $24 out of ALL the clothes in the bags, and while I waited on them to "count up" the worth, I end up finding a killer pair of designer jeans that fit like a glove. Price tag: $30. So therefore I go in to MAKE money and leave SPENDING $6. ?!?!?! WTF?!?!?! How? Why? Damnit.
Exhibit B: A year passes and I've avoided "the Buffalo" at all cost. Pay day is a week away and I'm already flat broke. Yet pure boredom on a cloudy Saturday afternoon pulls me in. What happens you ask? Take a guess. 45 minutes and $26 later I'm walking out with ANOTHER pair of jeans and sunglasses. Shit, shit, triple-shit.
I just don't understand how it works. They don't have a plethora of "good finds." They don't have good or pleasant employees. They don't give you fair prices on used designer clothing. They don't give you fair prices on clothes you sell to them. But somehow, yes SOMEHOW you will find something you need, or don't need by the time you leave.
...funny part is whatever you bought you'll probably end up bringing back to sell to them a year down the road.
So moral of the story? There isn't one idiot. See you there Saturday.
Ummm, they are trying to turn a thrift store into a gap...it's just not working.
I always find great things at Buffalo Exchange (Heights and Westheimer locations) but I must say, they are rather pricey for a used clothing store. There are better options with appropriate pricing.
The thought of paying an obscene amount of money for used clothing has never appealed to me. Maybe I'm just to snobby. Maybe I'm just too corporate minded. Or maybe I just like to spend my hard earned money elsewhere. Strangely, at Buffalo Exchange, you not only get really ugly used clothing, but you get to be mistreated by the snobby workers in a corporate setting. Whaaa? Yeah, it doesn't make sense to me either.
This place is actually pretty well organized which is garnering a whole extra star from me. They have the racks pretty well set up with sizes and types of clothing so it is a little more easy to peruse. They even have a whole cowboy section. Yeee hawwww!
I'll never understand the whole grunge/emo/hipster/asshole mentality. And it seems completely counter-intuitive to be against "The Man" and yet working for a chain retail shop. But if the workers at Buffalo Exchange can sleep well at night, kudos to them. As for me, I'll go and spend $20 on a brand new shirt as opposed to some lice ridden crap that happens to be on a hanger in a crowded store surrounded by wanna be hipsters.
Yes, yes, yes, I know. I should be shuffling through the long, full racks of vintage consignment stores and thrift shops in search of the "perfect find," despite the fact that it takes an entire day of sloughing through to find maybe a couple of things that fit my very hard-to-fit body (especially as my top size ranges from XS to M, depending on the cut). Yes, I know I should be going to that cute, expensive little boutique. Yes. I know.
I love having tasteful, unique, quirky clothes that fit me. Don't get me wrong. But it's rare that I have the time, inclination, and funds all in one place, and it is rarer still that I find something that fits me in Value Village.
Buffalo Exchange does have this one thing going for it: the clothes are mostly mediocre, but at least they are well-organized and many sizes are represented, and when you glance at the price tag, you aren't going to shriek (in pain or in joy). The dreck you find in VV and such is picked through for you, is what I mean. And there are some good selections. I will say this much for BE: I have bought three or four items of clothing here that I have worn for years and which I simply could not do without, and other friends have had similar luck. Every once in a while, you can find something truly amazing. Also, I've never had the problems with the staff other people describe. They've never struck me as apathetic or inconsiderate-- they always greet me, and while they don't go out of their way to help me, I'm OK with that. I get super-nervous when some employee starts eyeing me and says (I imagine) a little too pointedly, "do you need some HELP? How are you DOING?"
This spoken, I will have to agree with the reviewer who said that this place convinces you to buy crap. Every time I step in here, it's like my already kinda questionable taste goes haywire and I get convinced that something really bizarre is THE AWESOME. It's mostly in the way of clothing that is just too young for me now, I think. Back when I was a high school suburbanite and squarely a "junior," I think BE would have been the place to shop; there's lots of stuff that's ostentatious and tacky on me, but would be fun for a junior to wear. Now as a twentysomething, I (and others) expect more out of my wardrobe and it's just not acceptable.
So two stars for BE. Step in if you want, I'd say, but bring a friend who hates the place (they aren't hard to find) to keep you from buying crap.
Do you have an hour of your life to kill?
Do you love standing in line only to receive little to no attention?
Do you want an abundance of insincere apologies from employees who could so clearly give two shits?
Do you want to talk yourself out of postal thoughts?
Do you want to actually consider throwing your pending purchases on the ground and storming out since clearly all of the above have driven you to the point of sheer insanity and zapped any semblance of patience?
You DO!!!!
Oh damn, then come here, cuz this place is perfect for all of the above!! Let's face it, Buffalo Exchanges have a rep of being too cool for school in just about whatever city they set up shop in. They employ hipsterfied hipsterish employees that pull off fashion miracles much to my jealous chagrin, but as far as welcoming and friendly service, umm, no, you are not gonna find that at a BE.
With that said, I go into these places with an extra shot of patience, but this particular location. Wow, just unbelievable. I can't see myself ever coming back here and honestly their assortment of clothes wasn't all that impressive, so to put up with that snail's pace for practically nada, eff that.
After being in the ones in Portaland OR and L.A., I knew what to expect. But this one lacks where the ones on the west coast stand out. The selection to me was very sparse in terms of quality. If i wanted to pay 20 bux for a j crew shirt and 30 for some levi's i'd jus may as well buy them new. I was hoping for some gems, but i saw none... I guess there's more gold to dig at the buffalo exchanges out west....
#1: This place is a chain. How can a used clothing store afford to have so much corporate structure? They don't pay you very well for your clothes at all.
#2: Taxi Taxi and a bunch of other stores are right across the street if you MUST HAVE used clothing.
#3: Frequent drama...not sure why, but maybe used clothing tensions run high.
#4: You are buying something that is ugly AND used while you try to convince yourself that it is trendy and/or inexpensive. It's neither. You are not indie enough to wear that ugly dress. Those shoes are hideous, and it's Houston, so someone else already sweated in them.
I know they also sell non-used stuff...use your best judgment. Don't be swayed by thinking it's cheaper because you're at Buffalo Exchange.
The one great thing I bought here was a belt. It was new (Buffalo Exchange brand, of all things), expensive, and is still hanging in after 2 years of loyal service.
I recommend taking your friends out to Bear Creek Park to see the bison instead - try exchanging your buffalo THERE.
Cluttered. No parking and the staff are just not that into you.Try Blackbird Trading Co. They are the best.
I love love love coming here to get rid of my clothes!!!!!
And sometimes I find some hidden treasures here!
It smells, but I found a vintage rare Gucci bag for $25! And their designer jeans are much cheaper than the jeans at Buffalo Exchange in SoCal...must be the location, I guess. The people working here are pretty friendly...probably the friendliest people out of all the BE's I've been to. One star off for lack of parking.
After lugging up several bags of nice Fall merchandise to sell, I was told that they only bought "seasonal" items. Since it was May, I left with all my stuff with the intention of returning in August sometime. I decided a few days later to take some nice Spring tops and dresses up there with the assumption that they would definitely want them. These were VERY nice items, (a few designer pieces) that I had barely worn. The girl that started out helping me was loving my stuff and things were looking hopeful until another employee with nothing better to do (even though there was a LONG check-out line of people needing help) came over, started handling my clothes like they were covered in poop, snobbishly (and I have no clue why) turned her nose up to everything I brought in and said they couldn't buy any of my clothes because they already had too much stuff on the floor. I told her that I had come shopping there a few weeks prior in HOPES of buying clothes JUST like the ones I was trying to sell them....I had sorted through everything in their store and WISHED I had seen some items like these! It seems they would rather buy gross, stinky, polyester junk out of a box from street kids (saw it happen while shopping around there a few days prior) than fresh, current, beautiful clothing. It wasn't that I was hurt personally or anything (they are just clothes) but I felt sorry for the next 35+ year old gal hoping to find something cool and edgy and would leave empty handed like me. They also refused to buy back a dress I had bought there just a week before (unworn with the tags still on it) for the price I payed for it. ANY reputable store will do that. This place has REALLY gone downhill. It's run by young, unprofessional (unfashionable) kids who are there to feel cool while they gossip and listen to their music while folding clothes. It's so pathetic. I was SO unimpressed and will probably never go back or refer them to anyone. There's a MUCH better place across the street called "Blackbird Trading Co.".....it's like walking into a bohemian boutique and it doesn't smell like feet
I live to second hand shop. I really have no interest in shopping at a place where I'm going to buy something and see Sally, Mary and Jane walking down the street wearing the same thing tomorrow. I noticed this place doesn't have all the greatest reviews and I'm assuming we all need something a little differant in our second hand experiences. The bonus for me here is that I literally walked in the door and stumbled across the leather jacket I've speant the past 3 weeks dreaming about.
PS: It's true that if you're looking for vintage, BE can not boast to have an amazing collection.
I love buying vintage clothing so I thought Buffalo Exchange would be a good place to buy and sell - however, it is not good for either of these things.
If you're looking to buy vintage, Houston has a whole army of shops that have much better deals. Buffalo Exchange has regular mall prices on used clothing that you can find just about anywhere - nothing special.
Trying to sell to Buffalo Exchange is also a hassle and an insult. They pay absolutely nothing for what they are willing to accept then mark it up like 700% for sale. It takes a long time for them to go through your items and you'll leave with a few bucks for your trouble.
There are so many other second hand stores I would rather shop in Houston. Buffalo Exchange is a disappointment.
even though they didn't take a vast majority of the clothes i wanted to sell, i was very pleased with their attitude.
they promptly sifted through my piles of clothes and paid me a fair price. and the clothes they didn't want? they simply said "no" and suggested other places i could try.
no attitude. good service. can't ask for much more than that.
(Taxi Taxi, located across the street, can use some serious customer service lessons from this place)
Used clothing/accessories/shoes fans should definitely stop here and take a look-see. You can try and sell your clothes to them, they mainly look for recent seasonal wear and designer stuff. When I've browsed the racks in the past, their selection of tops was a lot of Limited, Gap, Express, Ann Taylor, F21, Banana Republic. You have to really dig and visit often to find designer stuff. Their denim/pants selection was a lot of Gap, Banana Republic, with some Buffalo, 7 for All Mankind, and Citizens of Humanity mixed in. Agree with a previous review that prices are higher than in other consignment stores, but lower than brand new.
Hip store with used designer clothing. Expensive for thrift, but cheaper than normal.
It's not really my style plus my mom told me never to wear used clothing...so I have never bought anything here but it's a great place to try to sell your clothes. They give a pretty decent dollar for the things that they want.
My brother found a cool looking red vest here that to me, looked like a life preserver but somehow he managed to pull it off. Love the accessories they have along with the option to forgo a bag and instead donate the cost to a charity of your choice. (They give you a token at the register and there are different marked boxes by the entrance).
I have bought fetish clothes as well as high end designer garments here for soooo cheap.
Used clothes? Seriously? And they aren't even that cheap. No thanks
good clothing place, hiptser, but a bit funky and crappym hard to shop
Too many scensters trying to get cool clothes. The place ain't that hot, and it's priced way too high for its ugly used clothing.
Neighborhood: Montrose
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
Neighborhood: The Heights
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
Neighborhood: Montrose
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
Neighborhood: Upper Kirby
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
Neighborhood: Fourth Ward
Category: Used, Vintage & Consignment
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