Sustainable fashion or sustainability in the fashion industry is a growing practice. So, if you are looking to declutter your closet and sell some of your luxury fashion items, there is no better time than now to do it. Thanks to a new wave in the fashion world that has seen a bunch of A-list celebrities finding more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to be highly fashionable, the pre-loved fashion scene is fast becoming a huge multimillion-dollar industry.

Here are a few tips to help you declutter your closet and ensure you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

Things to consider before selling

There is a high demand for luxury preloved designer items online. Customers always look for high-quality pre-loved designer bags, shoes, jewelry, or designer dresses or suits at a fraction of the cost. If you are looking to sell some high-end items, it is important to remember two main things before you go on your journey. Selling your items will require a moderate amount of patience and always choose to sell your items in a way that is convenient and comfortable for you.

Here are a few things to consider before taking the plunge and beginning your journey as a seller of pre-loved goods. You must know the value of the item in its current state. You may have worn or used an item once or twice, but it is great to have an accurate idea of what your item is worth so that you can avoid charging less than what the item is worth, or even worse over-pricing and having the item not sell.

It is also good to know the condition your items are in because chances are some of the items you are looking to sell are items you have not worn in a while. So checking the condition of the item and making sure you know enough to give an honest description of the condition of the item to potential buyers is great. Furthermore, it is great to also make sure that the items you are considering selling are refreshed. That is either washing, steaming, buffing any leather items, or removing any stains to ensure that the buyer receives your item in perfect condition.

Once you are satisfied with the quality of your items and you have an idea of their possible worth on the online market, it is now time to do your research and look for online platforms where you can sell your items. To further help with your research, you can look at how various online platforms, price and describe their products. You can explore Xenos Jewelry’s Religious Necklaces Collection, featuring symbolic pieces perfect for those seeking timeless luxury. To get a sense of how specific items with a specific clientele are packaged and presented online.

It is generally up to you whether you want to stick to one online platform or go with two or three to help your items sell faster. Another thing to also consider is the prevalence of scammers. The unfortunate downside of the online market is that there are always people looking to make a quick buck by pretending to be buyers and sending fake POPs to trick sellers into sending the items. It is highly important that throughout this process you stay highly vigilant and be sure not to send any items until you are sure that a payment has been made.

How to sell your items online

Online platforms are a great way to sell your products, reduce textile waste, and add a few bucks to your account. One thing to consider is that the platform you choose will determine how fast or slow your items sell, and how convenient the process will be for you. There are online platforms that cater to clients who are looking for a bargain and are looking for clothing found in stores like Walmart or the GAP for instance, and there are also platforms that offer high-end designer brands such as Chanel, Gucci, and Hermes. The platform or platforms you choose will be determined largely by the kinds of clothing items you are looking to sell.

Depending on the platform you choose, the best way to ensure that your items sell and sell fast includes the following;

1. Ensure to take stunning pictures of your items

2. Offer detailed and clear descriptions of the items such as the brand, their current condition, and anything else that may entice potential buyers

3. As soon as you upload your items with their description and prices, buyers may start lining up with questions about the items. You need to be able to respond quickly to any questions they may have to ensure that you do not miss out on a potential buyer.

4. Have a quick and easy payment method, and one that will ensure that scammers are not able to take advantage of you by trying to scam you of your designer items.

5. Buyers are always wary of buying fake items online, so it is important to ensure your buyers of the authenticity of your items. This can be done by simply posting clear pictures of the item’s label, serial numbers, and any unique things on your item that will put buyers at ease.

6. It is also very important to be honest with potential buyers about an item’s condition. If there is any damage, a slight stain that cannot be removed or a little scratch on the Rolex watch you are trying to sell. This helps to reduce the chances of an item being returned and you will rest assured that when someone purchases your item, they are fully aware of what they are getting.

Online Platforms to Consider

There has been a growth in the popularity of online second-hand buyer/seller platforms. According to Forbes Advisor, nine out of ten US consumers are purchasing casual and athletic wear online. Online platforms are a safe and convenient way to sell your items. It is a simple process that only needs a picture of the item, the item description, and the price and the platform does the rest.

It is important to choose the right platform, a platform that will go well with the kind of goods you are looking to sell. Generally, high-end luxury items have a specific clientele and therefore not all online platforms will suit your needs. Various platforms cater to diverse clients who are looking for different kinds of luxury items. Things to look out for in an online buyer/seller platform include; a platform with a huge client base, a platform with a low risk of being scammed, and a platform with an authentication guarantee.

Since you will be selling pre-loved luxury items, you also want to consider platforms that already have a record of selling high-end fashion brands like Balenciaga, Chanel, Gucci, and anything within that vein. Various online platforms can guarantee that your items are sold. Some of these platforms help you price your items and factor in shipping costs, they have quick and easy-to-navigate payment methods and they ensure a smooth shipping and payment process.

Here is a round-up of online platforms to consider using for your selling journey;

1. Vestiaire Collection – This is a high-end designer-selling platform -This is a platform that sells pre-loved high-end designer items. It is a great online marketplace for buyers looking for luxury items. It is an easy-to-navigate platform, boasting a curated section of quality luxury products, from accessories to clothing, and jewelry. It has been in operation since 2009. This is a pretty popular and active platform. In May 2024 alone, there were 567,000 downloads of the Vestiaire app. It has a simple listing process that does require an item’s serial number, and it usually takes about 48 hours for an item to be approved.

2. Poshmark – Established in 2011. This is one of the more unique online seller platforms. Poshmark has created a community of sellers. Selling new, and preloved items focusing on beauty, decor, and more. Poshmark is very user-friendly and it is very easy to navigate how to start selling on Poshmark. This platform also hosts virtual parties and live seller-hosted events making it a highly interactive platform.

3. The RealReal – This is also a great platform for sellers looking to sell high-quality designer items. This platform determines the price or value of the item based on the market trends and the condition of the item is in. Established in 2011, it offers the sale of high-quality expert authenticated items. From clothing to accessories to home goods. Well-known brands usually sell fast on this platform and they have a team of experts who inspect the quality of your items, ensuring you get a good price for it.

4. Farfetch – This is an online fashion retailer that is a great source for buying and selling pre-owned designer clothing, bags, fine jewelry, watches, and accessories. It offers brands like Dior, Chanel, Goyard, Patek Philippe, and Hermes to mention a few. You do need a credit card in your account immediately after your item has been authenticated.

5. Fashionpile – This platform offers sellers the chance to sell their pre-loved designer handbags, accessories, and watches. All listed items undergo a highly thorough verification process. If you want to use this platform depending on your location, you can either drop off your item physically after getting a quote online or you can ship it. Once the authenticity of your item is confirmed, the item will be listed.

6. The Luxury Closet – Here, people can buy, rent, or sell pre-loved designer items from well-known brands. Sellers can submit an online form and get a quote back within three to five business days. This platform also offers a team of expert authenticators and so much more.

If during your research process, you find that these platforms are not the right fit for you. You can try out some other lesser-known platforms such as;

● Edit Second Hand
● Hardly Ever Worn
● Hunters & Collectors
● M Ex Wardrobe
● ReLove

Selling your pre-loved items is a good way to declutter your closet sustainably. There are a variety of online platforms to choose from. Online platforms offer safety and a guarantee of making a sale. Ensure to do your research and choose the platform that is most convenient for you, and within no time, your bank and the environment will be that much better for it.