You’ve probably seen the line. It snakes out the door of that building on 7th Street in Midtown, a parade of people clutching overflowing IKEA bags and vintage suitcases like they’re reporting for duty. This is the ritual of Buffalo Exchange in Phoenix.
For some, it’s a gold mine. They walk in with a pile of denim and walk out with enough cash for a weekend in Sedona. For others? It’s a humbling, slightly confusing rejection where a 22-year-old in a mesh top tells them their "vintage" Gap sweater is a "no-go" for the current floor.
Honestly, the "Buffalo experience" is a Phoenix staple. Whether you're hitting the Midtown spot or the University Drive location in Tempe, there is a definite science to how this place works. It isn't a charity shop. It isn't a traditional thrift store. It's a curated fashion business that started right here in Arizona back in '74.
If you want to master Buffalo Exchange in Phoenix, you have to stop thinking like a donor and start thinking like a supplier.
The Phoenix Vibe: Why Midtown and Tempe Are Different
Phoenix is a weird market for fashion. We have "winter" for about three weeks, and the rest of the time we’re just trying not to melt. This heavily dictates what the buyers at the Phoenix locations are looking for.
✨ Don't miss: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
The Midtown Phoenix store at 3450 N 7th St is the heart of the operation. It's bigger, busier, and honestly, a bit more "editorial." You’ll find more high-end designer labels here—think Marni or Staud mixed with Carhartt. The crowd is a mix of Grand Avenue artists, downtown professionals, and North Central neighbors.
Then you have the Tempe location at 227 W University Dr. It’s right by ASU, so the inventory leans heavily into "college core." If you have trendy Gorpcore pieces, oversized graphic tees, or Y2K platform shoes, this is your spot. They move through inventory fast because the student population is constantly cycling through "going out" outfits.
A Quick Reality Check on the "Waitlist"
Don't just show up and expect to be seen immediately. You’ll be waiting behind three people who brought their entire lives in four suitcases.
- The Pro Move: Use their digital waitlist. You can sign up on their website before you even leave the house.
- The Timing: If you show up on a Saturday afternoon without a spot in line, bring a book. You’re going to be there a while.
How to Actually Sell at Buffalo Exchange in Phoenix
The biggest mistake people make? Bringing in "nice" clothes that are five years old.
🔗 Read more: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
Buffalo Exchange isn't looking for "nice." They are looking for current, clean, and condition. If you bought it at the Scottsdale Quarter three months ago and realized it doesn't fit? Perfect. If it’s a high-quality vintage piece from the 70s? Also perfect. If it’s a J.Crew blazer from 2018? They probably won't touch it.
The 25% vs. 50% Math
When the buyer finishes going through your pile, they’ll give you two numbers.
- 30% in Cash: If they price your jacket at $40, you get $12 in your pocket. (Actually, it's usually 25-30% depending on the specific store's current policy, but historically 25% is the cash baseline).
- 50% in Trade: This is the real winner. That same $40 jacket gets you $20 in store credit.
The trade credit never expires. You can use it at the Midtown store, the Tempe store, or even if you're on vacation in Seattle or Austin. It’s basically a local currency for fashion people.
What They Want Right Now
Because we live in the desert, the Phoenix buyers are actually pretty picky about "all-season" buying. While the official company line is "we buy all seasons year-round," the reality on 7th Street is that they have limited rack space. They aren't going to buy your heavy wool coat in July unless it’s a literal holy grail piece.
💡 You might also like: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
Why Do They Keep Rejecting My Stuff?
It feels personal. You’re standing there while a stranger flips through your favorite outfits and puts them in the "no" pile. But look at it from their perspective: they have to sell that item within 30 days or it just eats up space.
Common reasons for the "The No" in Phoenix:
- The "Mall Brand" Fatigue: They have enough Zara and H&M. Unless it’s a very current trend, they’ll pass.
- Pitting and Pulling: Phoenix heat is brutal on clothes. If there is even a hint of deodorant staining or "pilling" on the fabric, it's a hard pass.
- Smell: This sounds mean, but if your clothes have been in a bin in a Phoenix garage for six months, they smell like "garage." Wash them the day before you go.
The Secret History: It Started in Tucson
Most people don't realize Buffalo Exchange is an Arizona original. Kerstin Block opened the first one in 1974 in a 400-square-foot space in Tucson. She named it "Buffalo" because she thought it sounded "very American" (she’s originally from Sweden).
That "Arizona DNA" is why the stores here feel a bit more authentic than the ones in New York or LA. There’s a specific Southwest quirkiness to the inventory—lots of turquoise jewelry, western boots, and breathable linens that you won't find as often in their East Coast shops.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Trip
If you’re serious about making money at Buffalo Exchange in Phoenix, follow this checklist:
- Edit ruthlessly. If you haven't worn it in a year, and it isn't "vintage cool," it belongs at a donation center, not the buy counter.
- Freshly launder everything. Do not bring clothes in trash bags. It makes them look like trash. Use a nice tote or a laundry basket.
- Check your ID. You cannot sell without a valid government-issued ID. No exceptions. They are legally required to track these transactions.
- Watch the buyer. Don't just stare at your phone. If they pass on something, ask (politely!) why. They’ll usually say something like "the silhouette is a bit dated" or "we have too many of this style right now." That’s free market research for your next trip.
- Take the trade. Honestly, the cash payout is rarely worth the effort of hauling the bags. Use the trade to refresh your wardrobe for the upcoming season change in October (the best time to shop in Phoenix).
Next Steps for You:
Check the digital waitlist for the Midtown or Tempe location right now to see the current wait time. If it's under 30 minutes, pack your best 10-15 items and head over. Start with a small, high-quality batch to see what the specific buyer on duty is gravitating toward before you bring in the "big haul."