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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about our business, products, orders, logistics, markets, and support.

🏢 General Business

Who is Second Hand United and how long have you been in business?
We collect and sell used clothing and other goods across the UK for wholesale export.
Do you sort or grade the used clothing?
No, we don’t. We sell everything in its original condition, exactly as collected from UK households. Because of high labour costs, grading clothes in the UK isn’t financially practical.
Do you supply companies outside the UK?
Yes. All the clothing we collect is exported. The UK is still one of the main sources of high-quality second-hand clothing for developing countries.
Which languages do you speak?
You can write to us in any language. We can communicate in English or Russian.
How can I contact you?
You can reach us by email, WhatsApp, Telegram, or phone.

👕 Products & Quality

What types of goods do you sell in bulk?
Used clothing and shoes (sold together as unsorted “originals”), plus bric-a-brac on pallets, books in boxes, and DVDs/CDs.
What does “original, not graded” mean?
Items are sold exactly as collected — clothing, shoes, and small household items are packed together in large bales. This gives buyers access to high-quality clothing and mixed items directly from UK households.
How are goods packed?
  • Clothing & shoes: packed in household-size bags, then compressed into large bales.
  • Bric-a-brac: packed on pallets.
  • Books: packed in bags.
  • DVDs/CDs: packed in boxes.
Do you sell sorted or graded clothes?
No, only original unsorted goods.
Are items checked or refurbished before shipping?
No, everything is sold “as is.”
Can I choose specific product categories?
No. We only sell mixed, original used clothing and shoes.

📦 Orders & Pricing

What’s the minimum order quantity?
We recommend full truckloads (by land) or 40-foot high cube containers (by sea).
How is pricing determined?
Prices are set through direct negotiation. They’re not listed online.
How can I get a price quote?
Call, text, or email us with your requirements.
What payment methods do you accept?
Bank transfers before loading. Payment must be visible in our bank account on the loading day.
Do you offer discounts for repeat or large orders?
We value long-term partnerships and often build great relationships (sometimes friendships) with regular buyers.

🚚 Shipping & Logistics

From which UK ports do you ship?
It depends on the shipping line you use.
Do you handle loading and container preparation?
Yes, we load under EXW or FOB terms.
Can you ship both full and partial containers?
Yes, both FCL and LCL are possible.
Do you arrange transport within the UK?
No, buyers arrange their own transport. We load the goods onto the transport you provide.
What are your Incoterms?
Mainly EXW and FOB.
Can buyers inspect goods before loading?
Yes, you’re very welcome to visit and inspect the goods before loading.
How long does loading and shipping take?
Typically 4 to 6 hours.

🌍 Markets & Partnerships

Which countries do you export to?
We can ship to any country in the world.
Do you work with small or new businesses?
Yes. We work with all types of businesses and are especially supportive of small and growing companies.
Can I become a long-term partner or exclusive distributor?
Yes, that’s possible.
Do you help new importers with paperwork?
Yes, we can assist with documentation.
Do you accept custom packing or labelling requests?
Yes, we do.

🧾 Legal & Compliance

Do you provide VAT invoices?
Yes.
Are your goods collected only in the UK?
Yes, all goods come from the UK.
Are you a registered UK company with VAT?
Yes.
How do you ensure compliance with customs and recycling laws?
By running our business properly for over 20 years.

🗂 Support & After-sales

Who do I contact if there’s a problem with my order?
You can contact the company director directly.
How can I hear about new stock or offers?
Just stay in touch! We’re always happy to chat and share updates.
Do you have a catalogue or newsletter?
No. We keep costs low to offer the best possible prices.