File: The second-hand fashion market, buying and selling

Logically, unless you live in a cave, you must have already bought or sold a second-hand item . Indeed, the second-hand market represents an increasingly important part of our daily purchases.

The fashion and luxury sectors have not escaped this new, very trendy mode of consumption, and several sites exist to meet this growing demand.

According to a recent study, second-hand products in the luxury sector represent 16 billion euros globally to date, and a little more than half in Europe. The most popular items are clothing (36%), then leather goods (21%), and finally shoes (16%).

This gentleman is clearly hesitant to part with some of these shirts, and he is right to ask the question!

Buy second-hand on the Internet

Initially, when it came to clothing products, the trade in second-hand items did not enjoy a very good image: "But Mom, I'm not going to wear something that came from Emmaüs!". Since the crisis (this one definitely has a good back), mentalities have evolved a lot, and there are more and more buyers and sellers . This booming alternative mode of consumption has clearly developed for several reasons.

To begin with, customers were previously a little hesitant about purchasing online, but for several years we have seen a real democratization of purchases on the internet . In addition, these new habits are also part of a circular approach to “recycling” fashion : “Sell to buy, buy to resell”. Furthermore, we have recently observed that some consumers buy new things with resale in mind (and are therefore ready to invest more).

During large private sales, it is not uncommon to see customers buy two or three copies of the same item, in order to be able to sell them later.

It is also a question of budget : these purchases represent a real saving compared to the new market. What good deals are we talking about exactly?

You should be aware that prices can really vary, since it is the sellers who establish them as they wish ! Some refuse to “sell off” their belongings, while others want to get rid of their pieces quickly. It is therefore difficult to give a general rule, because you can just as easily come across items at -20% as at -80%!

But to give you an idea, we can hope to find Lanvin low sneakers in perfect condition (or even almost new) for 200 euros, which still represents a 40% reduction compared to the new price. For APC jeans (New or Petit Standard model), prices hover around 80 euros instead of 160, or half price. Or a beautiful new Hermès tie, around 70/80 euros: half price here too.

For APC jeans, count on average €80.

The advantage with second-hand platforms, for buyers, is that it is possible to find flagship models or pieces from old collections , especially if you are looking for a very specific model .

You can also negotiate prices, but keep in mind that most sites charge a more or less significant commission to the seller: don't bring them to their knees either!

Sell ​​second-hand on the Internet

If you have officially reached the stage where your closet is overflowing and can no longer hold all your acquisitions, transforming yourself into a seller can be an interesting solution.

However, if you want to do it effectively, you have to be aware that it will really take your time. Writing descriptions and taking qualitative photos is very time-consuming (believe me, it's the experience that speaks)!

If you are at this point, it becomes urgent to ask yourself if resale is not an option to consider...

Here are some helpful tips for selling your stuff effectively:

• Iron your items carefully : it seems obvious, but when you see what you find on certain resale sites, you wonder! A wrinkled shirt never appealed to anyone...

• Take very clear photos : once again it makes sense, because if it's all blurry, there's no point in putting them online, and you won't get any requests.

• Use daylight preferably : we quickly get bad ideas about colors! Shades can change dramatically depending on lighting, so be careful .

• Be really honest about the condition of the products , any defects: it is better for the buyer to be aware and to prepare for them; rather than saying nothing and having the unpleasant surprise of finding a big stain (because then he won't be happy at all)!

• Set your prices correctly . To do this, put yourself directly in the buyer's shoes and ask yourself how much you would be willing to pay for this product. The important thing is to value your item based on its condition, not its store price. In fact, we consider that an already worn item sells for around 50% of its new price. Also keep in mind that your item has probably been on sale since you purchased it.

• Be kind in your responses to messages or comments sent by potential buyers (a bit like we do at BonneGueule #vivelesroses) ! Even if sometimes the questions may seem a little "stupid" or lacking in courtesy (it happens...), always remain kind and understanding :)

Typical example of a photo where nothing is highlighted: avoid!

Note: Almost systematically, a commission will be taken from your online sales: we are talking about between 10 and 35% . You therefore easily understand that selling your clothes on the Web will not be wise if you only have Zara on your hands (and in any case, you will have difficulty finding buyers).

It only becomes interesting from the moment you have beautiful pieces to sell, rather brands, and in good (or even very good) condition. We have to be realistic: no one will buy a sweater X, light gray, and all pilled...

Second-hand men's fashion

A marketplace (or “marketplace”, how am I too bilingual ), designates a space for commercial exchanges on the Internet . There are some between individuals and dedicated to fashion, which highlight the notion of community and especially “social shopping”.

After “The Community of the Ring”, discover “The Community of the Tie”.

Collective locker room

The leader in online consignment sales, with a high-end selection . Indeed, the large media group CondéNast (which owns "heavyweight" magazines such as Vogue, GQ, Glamour, Vanity Fair, among others) invested in the financial capital of the site, and clearly participated in the rise of the platform.

At their premises, authentication is carried out for all items sold , which pass through their premises before being sent to the buyer. The interface is well thought out, clean, nothing to complain about. On the other hand, the commission charged is not fixed, and it is rather substantial... A price estimation tool tells you what will come back to you net in your pocket (and in general, it stings a little in the butt).

Otherwise, Vestiaire Collective also offers an exclusive concierge service . Very practical for those of you who: have a lot of pieces to sell / no time to take care of putting them online / are lazy. Here, the commission is always the same, namely 35%.

It works in several steps. First, you submit a list of items you want to sell. We will then come back to you to tell you which parts have been accepted, then you must send them your parts (by parcel, with a shipping slip provided, or by dropping off the products at their premises).

From there, you don't have to do anything anymore, they take care of everything else for you: writing the description, taking photos, putting it online, managing comments... All you have to do is: to cash in once your wonders are sold! However, if you are interested, I invite you to read the General Conditions of Use carefully , so as not to have any unpleasant surprises (you don't get your stuff back like that, you have to pay €15 per item)...

Empty Dressing

The product catalog is vast , and offers a very complete range of brands ! We particularly appreciate the responsiveness of Customer Service, and especially the fact that returns are possible (must be declared within 48 hours of receipt of the purchase).

This “Satisfied or Refunded Guarantee” is unique on this type of platform. There are only a few small exceptions for the following items: beauty products, underwear, socks, tights and swimsuits: all for hygiene reasons. The good news: a commission that is fixed and stable, i.e. 10% (+ €3 processing fees per item sold, but we don't really know why).

Bob The Liquidator

Here it's a little different, because it's a classifieds site dedicated to men's fashion . Buyers and sellers communicate directly with each other via a contact form.

No transaction takes place on the site which only serves as an intermediary: both parties are then free to make a payment with hand delivery, by check or even by Paypal.

There are brands popular with BonneGueule : MelindaGloss, National Standard, Balbaris, De Fursac... It's less glamorous visually, but you can find some great opportunities there (that's fair to say)!

Second-hand luxury

After the “fashion” sites, we find platforms specializing in the resale of luxury items , with very nice reductions compared to new prices.

Suspense: which of these watches will soon be displayed on your wrist?

InstantLuxe

This site specializing in luxury offers thematic private sales, as well as recent and collector collections. There you can find leather goods, jewelry, watches, and accessories (scarves, glasses, wallets, belts, etc.). The most prestigious Houses are represented there, and you can count on a discount of 15 to 60% .

All pieces are appraised and carefully examined by experts (most have previously worked in the Drouot auction rooms, the class). In "classic" sales, the commission is between 8 and 30% (35% for the "premium" sale, which includes, among other things, a professional photo shoot, editorial highlighting, and highlighting of the article ).

Collector Square

Site for the resale of luxury items (watches, bags and luggage, jewelry), it was founded by Artcurial (it is the first French auction house, sorry). The products are already in stock, so they are shipped within 24 hours.

They also regularly organize themed private sales, with really very interesting discounts... For sellers, simply send them a request for expertise via a form (or come to the Paris head office). The fixed commission is 25% , and note this figure which speaks for itself: 75% of items are sold in less than 30 days!

Croesus

It’s the number #1 used watch ! You can therefore buy watches there (incredible no!) but also jewelry and accessories (notably cufflinks).

Once again, all items sold on the site are appraised and authenticated by watchmaking professionals . For any purchase, they systematically issue you with a detailed invoice and a certificate of authenticity (with the name of the brand, model, serial numbers).

Significant bonus: the watches are sold with a one-year parts and labor warranty. To put a product on sale, it is necessary to have it appraised by them, and they then offer you several options: firm purchase, consignment, or exchange! Afterwards, it's case by case.

Other options

There are other alternatives to second-hand buying and selling websites, where you can find little gems or get rid of the pieces that are invading your cupboards.

• More general sites where you can find good second-hand fashion: LeBonCoin, eBay, Vivastreet.

• Blogs and forums : we often find a small selection of products that bloggers resell directly! Also on fashion forums, users exchange their coins directly.

• Physical consignment sales of clothing and second-hand goods, Ali Baba's caves. Practical as a seller, if you have a large quantity of parts that you want to get rid of, but the commission is quite substantial in general (it is often around 50%). Thrift stores are real gold mines , as long as you don't get lost and search efficiently! If second-hand clothing is your thing, we can't recommend enough to take a look at Kiliwatch .

KIliwatch has established itself as one of the leaders in the second-hand clothing market, notably thanks to a fairly sought-after selection.

• Flea markets and garage sales : if you have the soul of a bargain hunter! There are several organized throughout the year, and you can really find very good deals (also think of the Salon du Vintage , with sessions organized very regularly).

You have to know how to look, search and spend some time there, but sometimes you come across the rare gem!

You now have all the keys to buying and/or selling second-hand, it's up to you to become the king of oil on the second-hand market 😉