Buffalo Exchange is a chain of secondhand stores that buy, sell, and trade used clothing, accessories, music, and media

Buffalo Exchange operates physical locations across the United States where you can walk in with items to sell or trade. The company does not operate online sales or shipping — you must visit a store in person. Each location buys items on the spot, offers store credit for trades, or pays cash, depending on what you bring and what the store needs at that moment.

The stores focus on clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and video games. They do not take furniture, large appliances, or items that are stained, torn beyond repair, or missing pieces. What they will pay for depends on the condition of the item, current demand in that location, and how much inventory they already have.

Key Takeaways

  • Buffalo Exchange locations buy items in person only — there is no online selling, shipping, or mail-in option.
  • You can receive cash, store credit, or a combination of both; store credit is typically worth more than the cash offer for the same item.
  • The amount you receive depends on item condition, brand, current demand, and how much of that item the store already has in stock.
  • Stores are independently owned and operated, so policies, hours, and what they buy can differ between locations.
  • Items must be clean, in wearable or working condition, and free of major damage to be considered for purchase.

What Happens When You Bring Items In

When you arrive at a Buffalo Exchange location with items to sell or trade, a staff member will inspect each piece. They check for stains, odors, broken zippers, missing buttons, scratches on media, or other damage. Items that pass inspection are priced based on the brand, style, condition, and how quickly the store thinks it will sell.

The staff member will then offer you a price in cash, a higher price in store credit, or ask if you want a combination of both. You can accept, decline, or negotiate — though the final offer remains the store's decision. If you decline, you take your items back. There is no waiting period or consignment option; the transaction happens when ready or not at all.

Store credit can be used the same day to buy anything in the store. Cash is paid on the spot. Some locations offer a third option: they may hold your items for a short period if you want to think about the offer, but this varies by store and is not may provide.

How Much Money You Can Expect

Buffalo Exchange does not publish a price list or formula, so the amount you receive is not predictable in advance. A designer handbag in excellent condition might bring $30 to $80 in cash or $50 to $120 in store credit at one location, while the same bag at another location might be worth less if that store already has several similar items.

Factors that affect the offer include the original brand and retail price, how recently the item was made, whether it is currently in fashion, the condition of seams and hardware, and whether the store has room to stock more of that type of item. A vintage band t-shirt in good condition may be worth more than a newer generic t-shirt, but a common brand-name shirt from last season may be worth very little.

Store credit is typically worth 30 to 50 percent more than the cash offer for the same item. If a store offers you $20 cash, the store credit offer might be $30 to $35. This difference reflects the store's lower cost when you spend the credit in-house rather than paying cash out.

Differences Between Locations and Ownership

Buffalo Exchange locations are independently owned and operated franchises, not corporate-run stores. This means each location sets its own buying policies, hours, and what it will or will not accept. One store might buy vintage band merchandise while another does not. One might be open until 8 p.m. on weekdays; another might close at 6 p.m.

Before you visit, check the specific store's hours and call ahead if you have questions about whether they buy a particular type of item. The store's staff can tell you what they are currently looking for and what they are overstocked on. Calling first saves a trip if you are bringing items that may not be in demand that week.

What Items Buffalo Exchange Typically Buys

Clothing in current or recent styles, designer brands, and vintage pieces are the core of what Buffalo Exchange purchases. This includes jeans, dresses, jackets, coats, and formal wear. Shoes, boots, and sneakers are bought if they are clean and in wearable condition. Handbags, wallets, belts, and jewelry are common trade items.

Music and media include vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and video games with cases and instructions. Condition matters significantly for media — scratched discs or missing artwork reduce the offer. Vintage or rare records and out-of-print games may be worth more than newer common titles.

Items that are typically not bought include undergarments, swimwear, items with stains or odors, broken electronics, furniture, large appliances, textbooks, and items missing major pieces. Worn-out shoes, heavily faded clothing, and media with visible damage are usually declined.

How to Prepare Items Before You Visit

Clean your items before bringing them in. Wash or wipe down clothing, remove lint, and may support there are no visible stains or odors. For shoes, clean the soles and insides. For media, wipe discs gently and may support cases are intact and artwork is present.

Check zippers, buttons, and seams. If a zipper is stuck or a button is loose, the store will note this and reduce the offer. If a seam is torn or a zipper is broken, the item may be declined entirely. For jewelry, remove any tarnish if possible and may support clasps work.

Bring items in a bag or box for straightforward transport. You do not need an appointment — just walk in during store hours. If you are bringing a large quantity, calling ahead to let the store know can help them plan time to inspect everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell items online or by mail to Buffalo Exchange?

No. Buffalo Exchange does not offer online sales, shipping, or mail-in options. You must visit a physical store location in person to sell or trade items. Each store operates independently, so you can only work with the location nearest you.

What if I disagree with the price the store offers?

You can negotiate, but the final decision rests with the store. If you do not want to accept the offer, you can take your items and leave. Some stores may hold items briefly if you want time to decide, but this is not may provide and varies by location.

Is store credit worth more than cash?

Yes, typically by 30 to 50 percent. A store offers higher credit value because you are spending money in-house rather than the store paying cash out. You can use store credit the same day to buy anything in the store.

Do all Buffalo Exchange locations have the same inventory and policies?

No. Each location is independently owned and operated, so what they buy, their hours, and their policies differ. Call your local store to ask what they are currently looking for and what they will not accept.

What condition do items need to be in to be bought?

Items must be clean, free of major stains or odors, and in wearable or working condition. Zippers should work, seams should be intact, and media should not be scratched. Items with heavy wear, missing pieces, or broken hardware are usually declined.