Don’t imagine for one second it was OK’d by the organisers, but I have seen first hand what disgruntled/greedy employees/volunteers can do behind the scenes in charity shops.

My bag wasn’t checked when I left either.

Have since interviewed people who regularly go to 1-for-1 swap nights, and designer swishing events run by different organisations etc. They have had completely different experiences from ours last week. Will have to write about it another time!

So naturally I was keen to go to the event: but I also deliberately didn’t take anything highly valuable or of designer labels, simply because I had a feeling I might feel disappointed with what I got back at the end. I’m glad I thought this way. I took 7 high-street items (dresses, tops, a blazer) all in great condition, but things I knew I wouldn’t cry about if I never saw again. It’s like gambling – go in with what you’re prepared to lose, and also be prepared to come out with nothing.
It seemed people had different ideas on what the rules are. I, for one, didn’t realise that there was a points system – merely a number-of-items limit! I also was a little concerned when nobody checked my bag when I left, despite waiting at the door and looking around.
I also saw at least two people leaving JUST BEFORE THE SWAP OPENED, one with a full suitcase and another with a heavily-laden IKEA bag. Full of clothes. I now think this is a bad sign as I too found people were unable to find their good items on any of the racks.
I know a lot of work goes into an event like this. Trying to collect and sort all the clothing is a huge job, and they did a fairly reasonable job… but things were on the 10 rack which were not a 10, for one. Many of us were also struggling with the club-style low lighting, which meant we could barely see what we were grabbing!
I do think the organisers would do better to have a clothing drop-off a date prior to the event, even the day before… or the morning of!… if it means they have time to organise things properly.
For me, I will look at it the same way I look at the clothes swapping site – if I was never going to wear it again, it’s no loss, and maybe I will get a real gem… other times not. It’s more of a hobby, and from the website I have found SO many great items I wear all the time! At this event I went in with 7 and came out with 7, but half of those I will rewap on the website.
It’s a gamble, it was fun, and at the end of the day, at least it’s for a good cause. That counts for something at least.