The Philippine Online Chronicles

In Baguio, stores selling discounted secondhand clothing, shoes and bag became a successful line of business. Customers dig from piles of garments and other products until something interesting catches their eye. The term ukay-ukay was derived from the word halukay which means the act of digging.  Ukay-ukay has developed into a household name that is recognized in many parts of the country as a term used for places that sell secondhand items.

Many ukay-ukay stores in the country sell pre-loved goods from other countries like US, UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan at very affordable prices.  From Baguio City in Luzon, the success of ukay-ukay spread to Metro Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo and other parts of the country.

Many Filipinos adore ukay-ukay but it is not for everyone.  Some people love it while others don’t like the idea of wearing or using something that used to belong to someone else.  I personally know a lot of people who love ukay-ukay hunting. It’s amazing, how they end up with such great finds. I’ve tried ukay-ukay shopping a few times and found really nice blouses which I still have with me until today.

For people with great fashion sense, ukay-ukay is like heaven on earth. Where else can you score designer items at a fraction of a cost?

Here are some basic ukay-ukay shopping tips that you can apply next time you go to an ukay-ukay store:

1. Wear simple, light and comfortable clothes.

Many ukay-ukay stores do not have air-conditioning.  It is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes, preferably a garment made of light material.  Wear something simple.  A basic t-shirt, jeans or leggings and flip flops will do.  Leave your designer clothes and bags at home. You might have a tough time haggling for a good price if the ukay-ukay store owner takes one look at you and notices your Armani jeans and Coach handbag.  For security reasons, avoid wearing jewelry and carrying large purses.  Besides, jewelry might snag the material of the garments you’re going to try on. Worse, your jewelry might get caught on the clothes you’re trying on without noticing it.

2. Be ready in case there are no dressing rooms available.

Some small ukay-ukay stores may not have dressing rooms. It might be a good idea to wear a tight top and balloon type of skirt if you are not certain if the ukay-ukay store that you will go to has a dressing room or not. If it turns out that the shop doesn’t have a dressing room, you can try blouses, shirts, vests and jackets by wearing them over your own top.  You can try on bottoms by wearing them underneath your skirt.

3. Be prepared for the hunt.

Take note that ukay-ukay stores are not your typical mall stores or boutiques that keep stocks of different sizes and colors of specific clothes and shoes. In most cases, garments, shoes and bags displayed in ukay-ukay stores are one of a kind. First timers might feel overwhelmed by the sightof so many things cramped in a little space. Be prepared to hunt from piles of clothes, shoes and bags until you find something you fancy.  Once you find something that suits your taste, hold on to it while you look for other things. You only put down an item if you’re sure you’re not going to buy it. If you’re having doubts, hang on to it for a while until you can make a final decision. If you put it down, you might misplace it or someone else might pick it up and beat you to it.

4. Avoid buying intimate garments.

As much as possible, avoid purchasing intimate apparel such as undergarments and swimsuits. Pre-loved expensive designer underwear or vintage lingerie might be appealing to some but shoppers should always prioritize personal safety and good health.  Underwear is meant to be something personal and intimate; not something that should be passed on to others.

5.  Wear socks or stockings.

It is advisable to wear socks or stockings if you’re thinking of buying pre-loved footwear to avoid possible foot disease contamination.  You can disinfect the shoes after buying it.

6. Inspect items before purchase.

Secondhand items may have defects that are not easily detected. Make it a point to inspect pre-loved garments, shoes and bags before buying them.  Check if there are stains or tears.  Check if buttons are complete and if zippers are working properly.  Avoid buying slightly damaged goods because they will require additional expense to get fixed.

7. Avoid buying “dry clean only” clothing.

Check garment labels. Some clothes may require dry cleaning which can be quite expensive if done regularly.

8.  Don’t be transparent.

Avoid revealing your excitement or eagerness to purchase a certain item.  If you shout when you see a coveted designer item, chances are you’ll have a hard time getting additional discount.  Keep your excitement at bay until you’re done haggling.

9.  Practice the “art” of haggling.

Ukay-ukay items are known for their affordable prices but you can still haggle for more discounts.  Ask for additional discounts directly from store owner (if present).  Owners can immediately make a decision and grant you discounts unlike sales attendants.

Bring small bills when going ukay-ukay shopping. It might be harder to get discounts if the shop owner finds out that you are paying with bigger bills. Don’t give the impression that you have lots of money to spend even without discounts.

10. Clean or disinfect purchased items.

When you get home, clean or disinfect purchased items immediately before putting them with the rest of your things.  Wash blouses, shirts, shorts, pants and jackets before hanging them in your closet.  Brush or wipe bags before using them. Clean both interior and exterior areas of the bag.  Be careful when cleaning bags made of delicate materials.  Disinfect shoes by using any antibacterial or antifungal spray.  Be careful not to stain shoes made of fabric.  You can also wipe the shoes with alcohol or expose it under the sun unless there is a risk the shoe getting damaged.

Photo: “Ukay” c/o WikiFilipino; “nature blouse” by , c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved; “Shoes” by Roel Schroeven, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

Rachel Yapchiongco, also known as Rach to her friends, is a Psychology and Marketing Management graduate of De La Salle University.  She took up MBA at the same university.  Rachel is a full-time mom to a charming young boy and married to an entrepreneur with a passion for cooking. She shares parenting experiences and slices of everyday life on her personal blog called Heart of Rachel.