Buffalo Exchange

I was visiting Allston and shopping here over the weekend with some old and new friends (new to Buffalo Exchange). I encouraged us to stop in as it formerly was my favorite Allston shop. I found this adorable top with a hole in the seam and an orange stain on it (it was a blue top). However, this didn’t stop me from potentially buying. So i asked an employee if they would mind offering a discount for the hole (before i noticed the stain). She kindly asks her manager who says «With the hole in the seam, it’s an easy fix. I’m not going to offer a discount.» I then approached the store manager and said «I understand your employee just asked this question, however i also just noticed this stain too. Is there any possibility you could offer a discount, i really love the top I just feel as though it should be discounted.» Her response… lol. «I mean, the hole is on the seam so it’s an easy fix and the stain — that’s what tide to go pens are for but i guess i’ll give you a dollar off». Totally mind blown at the response from a «manager» as a customer service worker myself — I said «Nope, you can keep it.»
I’ve never had anything less than a great experience here with the exception of this visit. I understand you’re a used clothing store, but if your business structure is honestly based on selling items a) for more than most of it is worth b) for expecting your customers to take their items home and FIX them before use then that’s a business structure i refused to support as i would hope others would too. Not only that, but based on the poor attitude of your manager — I will encourage my friends to choose a business more worthy of that extra dollar. It was never about the price, and i would have gladly payed to repair this top had I noticed a sliver of understanding. It’s the principle, not the price.
Ya failed me, Buffalo Exchange. Consider re-​evaluating your business model otherwise I may not be the only customer you lose.

Often poor quality, WAY overpriced. Was told they mainly look for clothing that’s currently in-​style. What’s the point? May as well buy new clothes in another retail store for literally almost the same price.

Overpriced used clothing. My favorite top is from here – a peplum top from Gap. It was $ 20! There are obviously cheaper things but $ 15-​$ 20 was the average for the blouses I was looking at. Too pricey for secondhand.

This place is overpriced and gross. I’ve never been in this store when it hasn’t looked generally dirty. I have seen dirt marks on clothes, dirty floors, and once a ball of hair on top of one of the clothing racks. The shoes mostly look like they’ve been worn through mud and then covered in dust, and half of their clothes are from H&M and Forever 21 and sold at comparable prices to those stores. I’m not going to pay for a used H&M dress for 80% of its original price — maybe you are? A lot of the stuff they sell is also is also ripped or has broken zippers or some other problem with it. For the kind of prices they sell stuff for I’d rather go to Second Time Around and buy things that are actually good brands and not super scuffy looking.. The employees are also awful and they look like they’re long-​lost Hot Topic employees. I’ve never seen people wearing eyeliner so badly. For a store that tries to bank on its «cool» image, they are doing a really bad job.
In terms of selling clothes, they are also just generally jerks. They make a split second decision about whether they’ll take the clothes based on the seller and how «cool» they are (i.e. how much they look like they are soooo different from everyone else/​wear a significant amount of eyeliner/​not wash their hair regularly) rather than the clothes themselves. I regularly bring in excellent quality stuff from good brands (J Crew, Madewell) that’s barely worn because if we’re completely honest here, I have a problem with impulse buying and then end up regretting it afterwards and try to sell stuff. They have taken maybe one of the things I have bought in the six years I have lived in Boston. Meanwhile, they apparently regularly take very used H&M and Forever 21 clothing.
Don’t go here. Go to Second Time Around. The quality of everything — the store, the clothing, the employees — is significantly better. The prices are marginally higher, but at least you don’t feel like you’re getting ripped off by angsty eyeliner-​wearing former Hot Topic employees who make no effort to keep the store clean.

I came to sell my clothes after confirming over the phone with the staff in store and told me they want summer clothes and in clean condition. I confirmed with them again before I head down after washing all of them. There’s no space to stop on this busy traffic road, I had to carry 3 of the 15 pounds of summer clothes to the store without any helps from the store. After «Amanda» examined each of them, she told me they won’t take a single item from any of them with a rude face. So without selling a single item, I had to carry all 3 of the 15 pounds bags walk back to where I parked. Of course their store policy told them to tell me on one in the store should help a customer to carry anything. I truly wish this society closed down all the dishonest store that doesn’t do any good to their community. God bless.

Not sure why this place has such poor reviews. It’s certainly one of the best Buffalo Exchange stores I’ve been to! (As compared to locations in Washington DC and Charlotte NC) The store was well organized and had a great selection of jackets and sweaters which was what I was looking for. Staff was friendly and helpful.

Cool stuff, but as others have mentioned, the manager kinda sucks. I did some looking around before trying to sell for the first time and when I got to the register, I said I’d like to buy and sell – to which the manager told me to get in the buyer’s line, which immediately filled up just as she told me to. So I asked if I could just go next since I was waiting before them technically. She said no… stared me down… and then after waiting 20 minutes or so, she bought nothing from me because my unworn clothes had seen «too much love.» Okay sure.

The manager was extremely rude to me and other people waiting in line to sell clothing. She treated me like a child and was very condescending during the entire process. She only bought one item I brought and gave me only $ 15 for it (a vintage item that I’m sure is worth $ 100). She accused me of cutting the line and being in the way of the shoppers (although I was in the middle of a line out the door). The manager also yelled at two homeless people outside the store… I was absolutely appalled. I’d like to take my business elsewhere but I guess I need to use this useless $ 15 credit. If you’re not nice to your customers, they won’t like your business.

This is a nice store because you can sell your second-​hand clothes there. However, they are quite choosy so it’s not easy to sell there. On the other hand, their items had relatively high price compared to other second-​hand stores. All in all, the staffs are nice and clothes are decent there, but I guess I won’t go there next time.

I like urban renewal better
Just because of the price lol
Here got some good quality clothes and shoes
Also, if you have something that you want to sell (not buy!) this is the right place for you
However, they don’t necessarily buy all the stuff that you bring!

I only tried shopping here, not selling. I’m very disappointed. The staff was nice, and they did have a lot of stuff. I’m just disappointed in the prices. They are really expensive for a second hand store. Yeah they had some well known brands, and I would understand why they would be more, but there was a lot of Forever 21 and H&M and I saw many many things that are sold at TJ Maxx or Marshalls for around the same price as retail. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m not paying retail price for someone’s old things.

Buffalo Exchange is an event. If you want to shop without the hunt… go to the mall. We took a huge bag of clothes to sell. They are kind and gentle as they look through. I appreciate the standards. They only took a few item. We spent an hour looking through very tidy and organized racks of clothes. My daughter found a cute suede skirt and a Top Shop shirt. Really unique items. We used the credit from selling our items and had a ton of fun. We will be back.

My Review As A Seller:
Really friendly staff. I dealt with 3 different staff members during my visit on 12÷28÷15 at about 4pm. They were all friendly, courteous and talkative. They all greeted everyone who walked in the door. I noticed this because I was at the counter for so long bc I had a lot to sell.
As far as what they took. Yeah, I was a little disappointed that they didn’t take more and I was surprised at how they priced the items. I brought in mostly styles and expensive labels. And the pricing was a little funny. For example, I had a brand new gorgeous wool coat with the original tag ($ 269) on it. They priced it at $ 35. But then I had a mediocre coat in not that great of condition, which retails new for about $ 55 and they priced that at $ 25. A vintage clutch that is worth $ 500+ for $ 22. But nonetheless, it’s all worthless sitting in a closet so I’ll take what I can get. I think there’s more of an appreciation for off beat, hipster styles than contemporary styles. For example, they passed on a new Helmut Lang dress, but were all about a vintage wool pleated skirt that I almost didn’t bring.
The stores selection overall– eh. I’m sure it varies from day to day, so maybe I was there on a not hot day. Also, it stunk like BO.
I don’t remember the girls’ names, but they were both very nice and the kid Zack was great too. It is the employees who make the experience pleasant.
Out of an entire SUV of clothing, they took $ 800+ worth of stuff and I opted for a $ 250 check.
Parking is a bitch, by the way.
But go there, it’s worth it.

Try to supoort another business. I’ve been a supporter of «Buffalo Exchange» they were a great business for the community. They had affordable clothing for students and those who struggle economically. I loved them. That’s no longer the case. Please read the following points.
1. The manager: shes been there for a long time. She must be good at what she do, but shes abviously over her job. She used to be so sweet and social. Now she’s just plain rude. She talks down to people. Her customer service skills are poor. She’s the main buyer. I always try to be nice to her. Lets face it. She decides how much the item is worth and how many items will be accepted. Its a good idea to be super nice. She manages to take away my want to be nice. It’s her approach. She can be harsh. One can be assertive but shes just mean.
2. Clothing: the clothing is way too expensive. I found over 5 pairs of levis for over 20 dollars. Who are they fooling. People you can buy brand new levis for the same price in Marshalls. Dont be fooled. I would understand if everything was high end designer. But all i see was hipster style brands and clothing. Nothing really worth the pricing. The in store inventory. I found clothing with stains and just plain dirty. In good condition but dirty.
3. The buying process: make sure to have proper credentials. My license expired. I didnt notice until the manager metioned it. Thank you for the heads up. She wouldn’t accept it of course. Even though i was in the system. I offered to get her an image of my passport which is valid. Of Course that was not good enough either. So the over an hour commute to the store was a fail. A waste of money and time. I would’ve appreciated her understanding and offering to at least take a look. That would’ve gave me a better understanding of what she wants and looking for. I brought in a huge luggage (i lost a lot of weight. I brought in almost my whole professional wardrobe that includes high end designer brands and high quality material pieces). Again shes just a rude person. The worst part it seems to be a genuine behavior. I didn’t feel as it was porpusely towards me or any of the other customer.
Now lets discuss her very picky way of choosing. She is quick to decline certain styles because of size, color, or brand. Before i sell i always check out their inventory. See their styles. I bring what they have and dont have. In past occasions I’ve brought luggages full of clothing. She will only pick 4 of the huge amount of pieces. Be ready to hull back most of what you have. Remeber people its her job to make the business profitable. She will start very low.
Example: xxl Ralph Lauren button down shirt. Retail $ 165.00. Shirt still in great condition. She offered $ 10. Hahha please. I seen a similar shirt in the store and it was for sell for almost 40 dollars. What!!! Insane. Its used and not as good as mine.
Im not in need. I have many blessings. I dont need to down sell my product for no one. I have good clothing in great conditions. I rather donate it to the needy than to support a ungreatful business. A business that cheats the seller who is most likely a returning buyer. So I’ve decided to donate all of my clothing.
If you would like to receive free clothing. please email me at
i will be more than happy to give it away. Just Spread the word and supoort businesses that support the community.
Buffalo Exchange reconsider a new manager or just retrain the current one. Im sure shes an amazing person, but she must remember that she represent your business. She must understand the tools of customer service. Any feedback is positive feedback.
People be frugal. You can find great prices in macys, primark, Marshalls, tj max, saks outlet, and dsw. Similar prices to Buffalo Exchange but it’s NEWWWWW…

Love selling and shopping here! Ive probs gotten $ 500 dollars in store credit within the past two years from selling. And to all the reviews who say they ‘dont take their clothes’ Yeah they dont want your sh*t, they only take GOOD clothes!
Found great frye boots, dsquared sweatshirt, loads of designer jeans, great dress shirts!

Buffalo exchange itself is fantastic, I’ve been shopping here since the first one that opened in LA, but the biggest problem I have at this particular one is the smug attitude among the employees. wow These arrogant hipster jerks dont know how to sell clothes or keep a welcoming aura. I was hesitant to even ask any questions watching how bitterly sarcastic and rude they were to customers. Seriously, thats BS to bring this superior attitude to business. really pisses me off and clearly, I’m not the only one voicing this here. The somerville one seems to treat people better just sayin’

Is it even possible for a thrift shop to be snobby? Apparently it is! Don’t waste your time the wanna be hipsters have zero taste or customer service skills. Four people standing around doing nothing

I have tried to sell items here multiple times.
The last occasion was this past week. I tried to bring in «Fall items» because this is what they were now buying. I had brought in tan pants, a couple high end sweaters, and a white DKNY shirt. I was told that none of items were «buyable» because they have «too many pants» and my sweaters «weren’t the style they were looking for». They say this everytime and it’s complete BS.
There is no style to that place. I’ve seen everything from plan t’s to abercrombie to Jack Wills to weird as hell stuff that hipsters would buy. They are the worst when it comes to buying.
I was told by the girl that they are looking for pea coats and jackets because of the fall season and I mentioned that I had 5 of them that were given to me so she encouraged me to bring them in.
Well that was a mistake because of course the next time I go I get one of the managers and she is always way too picky and rude to you when you try to bring clothes in. I pull out my coats onto the counter and she tells me that «they aren’t the style they are looking for,» and said that «we are looking for men’s style coats since that is more of whats going to be in style this season» WHAT BS!!! Not only were the coats high end, one being a ~$ 400 coat (also from DKNY) but another one of the coats I had was IN FACT a men’s coat.
The staff here is awful and they just lost a couple items that would have sold really fast. You’re better off winning the lottery than making a sale at this store. They just randomly choose based on their own personal tastes and I feel like it’s not just personal preference of the clothes but of the people they choose to sell to. On top of that the manager has been pretty rude to me in the past too, giving snarky comments or talking back which is a huge pet peeve of mine.
This place is a waste of time if you’re trying to sell. I go to Second Time Around now where the people are much nicer and give me a better deal on my clothes.

This Boston-​based Buffalo location is definitely the better one. The clothing selection here is large, diverse in style, and there’s minimal crap to be found in the stock. The staff are friendly and helpful, and I seem to have a sense of their purchasing standards. They’re choosy (they have to be), but not to the extent where you can’t grasp what they’re looking for. I’ve sold plenty of items here over the years. And when clothing of mine has been rejected, the buyers have never been anything less than cool about it.
However, the reason why I’m giving this store three stars instead of four is because there appears to be no limit on how much clothing people can bring in to consign. Numerous times, I’ve waited for ages while inconsiderate sellers (hoarders, really) haul multiple moving bins of clothing up to the counter, resulting in a queue that can last upwards of an hour for other prospective sellers. It seems like it would be in Buffalo’s best interest to place a consignment limit per visit. (Because what if someone brings in a bushel of awful clothing?) Plus, it would be the decent thing to do for customers.
Overall, this place has a lot going for it, but I hope the management reads this and considers the aforementioned suggestion.

Selling: I go here every few weeks or so to try and sell my clothes. They are really particular in what they buy from you. A lot of it depends on what they already have, the season, and whatever else they’re in the mood for that day. Most of the time when they reject a piece of clothing, I try at least two more times before donating it. It’s so funny to me how many times I’ve gotten them to buy it on the second try or so. It’s completely random with what they buy from you and you just need to keep trying and try not to take it too personally. Definitely make sure your clothes are in the best condition as possible before trying.
Buying: Super hit or miss. TRY ON THE CLOTHES. So many times I’ve bought something from here and it just doesn’t fit right. Just some of the things I expect from thrifting. Their jewelry section is great, make sure to take a peak at it on your way out. Also be sure to check them out around the holidays, they had great Christmas sweaters around Christmas, sparkly clothes for the New Year, and Halloween costumes in the fall.