Selling second hand items is a great way to make some extra cash and declutter your home. Whether you’re downsizing or just want to make some extra money, selling second hand items can be a profitable venture.
But how do you maximise your profits? Whether you’re a full-time reseller or just trying to get rid of some old clothes, there are plenty of strategies to make sure you get the best price for your second-hand items.
Where to sell my second hand clothes?
First of all, let’s look at some of the options we have when it comes to listing your second hand items.
Social Media
- Telegram
- FB Marketplace
Selling successfully on social media sites may not be simple if you do not have a following of your own, or if you only have a couple of pieces to sell. The tips listed in this article can help you succeed and stand out when trying to sell on social media and marketplaces.
Marketplaces
Carousell: A well-known second hand platform. Their platform fee is 4.5% of your total transaction amount.
REFASH: One of the largest platforms to sell used clothes. They charge a 19% handling fee.
You can also consider more international sites such as Craigslist, Depop or Gumtree.
Retail
H&M: rather than getting paid in cash directly, you can earn brownie points and get a special discount off your next order with them.
Luxury, Vintage and Others
Style Tribute: You earn up to 80% of the sale price of your items for DIY uploads and 75% of the sale price of your item for items priced at S$1000 or higher and 70% for items under S$1000 should you engage their concierge pick-up.
Retkyle: Accepts clothing from certain brands and for newborn to 14 years, and maternity wear. You can get 50% commission in cash or 55% in store credit.
The Fifth Collection: They will arrange for collection by their in-house couriers. Their curation team will appraise your items and suggest pricing. They will also professionally photograph your items and list them for sale.
Grailed: Charges a commission fee of 9% which is applicable to domestic and international transactions.
Vestiaire Collective: Charges a 15% selling fee, and a 3% fee for payment processing.
Eco Ring: Items can be appraised in-house, at their store or be picked up via courier. You can get an idea of how much they purchase as they list their prices transparently here.
Flea Markets
Fleawhere: Booking a booth starts at S$85.60 per day, and rises to $107 on weekends.
The Luggage Market: Booking a booth starts at S$68 per day.
Duke’s Bazaars at *SCAPE: Booking a booth starts at S$40 per day.
Tips on selling better and earning more
Tip 1: Casting a Wide Net on Second Hand Sites
When selling second hand items, it’s important to cast a wide net. There are a variety of platforms to choose from, including Carousell, Telegram, Instagram (IG), and even Facebook Marketplace. Each of these sites has its own unique audience, so if you post your items on multiple sites you’ll have a better chance of reaching more potential buyers.
Tip 2: Using Photography and Keywords
When it comes to selling second hand items, keywords and photography are key. Make sure to describe your items accurately and use the right keywords to ensure that potential buyers can find your item. For example, if you’re selling a vintage dress, include the words “vintage” and “dress” in your post. This will help potential buyers find your item more easily. Additionally, take good quality photos of your items to show potential buyers exactly what they’re getting.
Tip 3: Don’t Eliminate Unfashionable Items Just Because You Think They Aren’t Stylish
With the advent of grandma style outerwears and baggy low waisted jeans making a comeback, you’d be missing out if you decided to throw away “unfashionable” clothes when someone might be looking for that exact style. Consider keeping items that you would normally discard and list them on second hand sites. You may be surprised at how much money you can make by selling these items.
Tip 4: Re-list the Items That Have Been Up for More Than Six Months and Consider Dropping Prices a Little
If you’ve had an item listed on a second hand site for more than six months, consider re-listing it. This will give the item a fresh look and a better chance of selling. Additionally, consider dropping the price a little to attract more potential buyers, but make sure you’re still making a profit.
Tip 5: Purchase Good Quality Clothes and Take Good Care of Them
When it comes to second hand items, quality matters. Make sure to purchase good quality clothing and take good care of them in the first place, so when you do sell them, you have a better chance of scoring a buyer and at a good price. Good quality clothing can last for years, so it’s worth investing in. Look for items made from natural fibres such as cotton and linen, and avoid anything made from synthetic materials. Branded items also do much better than unbranded ones at resale markets, although ultimately the quality of the item still matters most. Also, make sure to clean and iron the clothing before photographing and posting them for sale.
Tip 6: Request for Reviews and Display Them
When selling second hand items on marketplaces such as Carousell, reviews can be a great way to boost sales. Ask customers to leave a review of their purchase and display the reviews prominently on the site where you’re selling the item. This will encourage potential buyers to take a chance and purchase the item.
Tip 7: Bundle Up and Sell Them
Bundling items together can help you maximise your profits. You can bundle items according to themes, such as a summer bundle or a baby bundle. You can also bundle items of different sizes, such as a small-medium-large bundle. Giving a slight discount for purchases of multiple items of clothing encourages buyers to get more and you can clear your closet faster, too.
Tip 8: Style Them with Other Pieces
When selling second hand items, it’s important to style them with other pieces. This will show potential buyers how the item looks when worn and help them to visualise themselves wearing the item. Consider styling the items with other pieces from your wardrobe to show how the item can be worn in different ways. You can even style your items with accessories like jewellery, bags, or even hats.
Following these tips can help you maximise your profits when selling second hand items. Remember to cast a wide net on second hand sites, format and photograph your items well, and style them with other pieces. Additionally, don’t discard “unfashionable” items, request for reviews and display them, and bundle up and sell them. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most money from your second hand items.
Read more: 8 Best Thrift Shops in Singapore for Sustainable Shopping
