Go to the market… “second hand”

A quieter Chau Long than before

In stark contrast to the hustle and bustle described, what we saw was a strangely quiet scene. The stalls were sparsely open, and the customers were few and far between, no longer bustling and noisy. This silence did not come by chance. For the people and traders here, the memory of the terrible fire on December 31, 2023 is still vivid. That year's fire burned down 110 stalls, causing more than 5 billion VND in damage, pushing many families into difficult circumstances, and many stalls have since had to close.

Ms. Kim Ngoc, a trader who has been associated with Chau Long market for more than 30 years, sadly shared: “After the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy was difficult, business was greatly affected, and then there was a big fire that year, many people could not survive. Luckily, my family's stall was not affected, otherwise it would have been very difficult!” Her words encapsulated an arduous journey, from the macro fluctuations of the pandemic to the unexpected disaster of the fire. It is like a reminder of the fragility of life and their relentless resilience to stick with the profession.

At the "second-hand" market, customers can freely choose the items they need at reasonable prices.

The first time she experienced shopping here, Ms. Tran Anh Thu (37 years old, living in My Thoi ward) could not hide her excitement: "I heard a lot about the "second-hand" market here, but I just came to shop today. Indeed, this place sells a variety of items, from shoes, clothes, handbags, belts... with very reasonable prices, suitable for many customers". Even in difficult times, Chau Long market still retains the nature of a "second-hand paradise" with a variety of items and affordable prices.

The unchanging appeal of "second-hand goods"

Although Chau Long market is going through a difficult period, the appeal of “second-hand goods” in general has not decreased. There are still many people looking for these used items. So what makes us, from students to office workers, “fascinated” by these seemingly old items? First and foremost is the price factor that could not be more reasonable. In the “tightening the belt” era, owning good quality items, even branded items, at a fraction of the price of new items, is an undeniable advantage. With a small amount of money, you can “transform” your entire wardrobe, without worrying about the cost.

Moreover, “second-hand” clothes bring uniqueness and “no duplicate”. Each second-hand item has a story, a mark of time. You can find a unique vintage jacket, a pair of jeans with a strange shape, or a handbag from the previous decade, which is hard to find in any fashion store.

“Second hand goods” at the online market

Nowadays, to satisfy the passion for "second-hand goods", it is not necessary to go directly to traditional markets. The development of technology has opened a new and promising shopping channel: Online "second-hand" markets. With just a few clicks, you can easily "surf" countless options from shops on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or e-commerce platforms specializing in second-hand goods. This helps busy people or those who live far away to still access a rich and diverse source of goods, saving time and effort in traveling.

However, although much more convenient, buying “second-hand” items online also comes with risks and requires a certain amount of caution to avoid “losing money and getting sick”. Unlike shopping directly, you cannot touch, feel the material or carefully check the small defects of the item. Images online sometimes do not reflect reality, they can be taken in ideal lighting conditions or have been edited, making the item look much “sparkling” than when held in hand.

Ms. Thao Nguyen (residing in Long Xuyen ward), a "follower" of online "second-hand goods" with many years of experience, has drawn valuable lessons: "I have bought "second-hand goods" online many times, there are items that I really like, but there are also times when I "swallow the bitter pill" because the product is not as expected. My experience is to always ask the seller carefully about every detail, from the material, real color, to specific measurements. Don't be afraid to ask for more detailed photos/ videos from different angles. Prioritize reputable shops with many good reviews, high followers, or clear return policies. If you decide to buy "second-hand goods" online, don't ignore the comments and reviews from previous buyers - that is the most authentic source of information."

PHUONG LAN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/di-cho-do-si--a423678.html