How to Sell Your Clothes Online With Tips From TheRealReal Expert
Imagine coming home after a day of ravaging the hottest sales, only to find a closet that is filled to the max and just begging for a much-needed edit. What’s a girl to do? While you can (and in some instances should) donate your unwanted clothing, you can always aim to resell covetable pieces you no longer have use for. While it is a relatively seamless process, there are a few tricks of the trade that can help optimize your experience. By tapping Rati Sahi Levesque, Chief Merchant at luxury consignment titan The RealReal, we were able to nail down just how to efficiently clear out our closets while raking in extra cash.
Courtesy of Instagram/@kaity_modern1/8Teen Vogue: Everyone is always looking to make an extra buck, but what are some things people should be aware of before selling their used clothing?
Rati Sahi Levesque: It’s important to take great care of all your items, specifically shoes and handbags, as these tend to get the most wear, but can also retain a high resale value if kept in excellent condition. You can take small steps like getting shoes resoled as necessary; not leaving your handbag on the floor to keep wear at a minimum; being aware of interiors of handbags as well will make a big difference (pen marks never bode well); and not waiting too long before selling items you no longer wear. Resale value of items goes down as styles go out of trend, so get ahead of the curve and sell last season’s trends now. You’ll definitely make more money the sooner you let those items go.
Courtesy of Instagram/@therealreal2/8TV: It's safe to assume that the condition of the items are paramount when trying to resell. Do you have any further care suggestions?
RSL: While nothing should be too precious to wear, do be mindful of the care instructions on the label, or better yet, ask the sales associate how to care for the item when you purchase the piece.
Proper laundering is huge. Certain materials should only be dry-cleaned or hand-washed. Gravity, humidity, and sunlight can each negatively affect the item, so how you store the item is even more important than being mindful when you wear the piece.
If you spill something, take immediate action. Most stains can be removed if gotten to quickly enough. Tide pens should be your best friend. Your second best friend should be your cobbler. A skilled craftsmen can work wonders, not only on shoes, but often on other leather goods such as jackets, belts, and even some handbags.
Like a car or a house, before you consign your luxury goods, a proper clean and polish can reap dividends when it comes to the final selling price.
Courtesy of Instagram/@therealreal3/8TV: What are some of the inherent benefits of selling pre-owned items, besides the obvious: making money?
RSL: Supporting sustainability by keeping the lifecycle of these luxury goods alive. Americans throw 14 million tons of clothes away every year and with luxury goods with good craftsmanship and longevity, there’s no reason for this. Give your items another life and make money in the process.
Everyone who knows about the KonMari method will know what I mean when I say that de-cluttering is life-changing. It feels so much better to open your closet every morning and find an edited version of your current wardrobe. Not only is it easier to get dressed every day, but it just feels better knowing you love everything in your closet.
Courtesy of Instagram/@hgtvcanada4/8TV: And for the customer? What are the benefits of purchasing these gently used wares other than the discounted price tag?
RSL: Sustainability. More and more, people are looking to do their part to help improve the environment. From composting to using reusable bags when grocery shopping, there are so many ways you can do this. A less obvious one is shopping pre-owned items.
Also, deep Inventory: we have hundreds of thousands of unique items on our site, there is definitely something for everyone. And because trends are always repeating themselves, you can get ahead of next season's trends before anyone else, by shopping consignment.
Courtesy of Instagram/@shortstoriesandskirts5/8TV: What pieces tend to sell the quickest?
RSL: Trends and designers of-the-moment. Right now, anything and everything Gucci is moving really fast. Other designers that are hard to find or selling out quickly right now are Vita Kin, Brock Collection, Johanna Ortiz and Vetements.
Embellished denim is also having a huge moment from embroidery to pearl-accented. More is more when it comes to denim. Also, heritage brands or classics timeless pieces like VanCleef and Chanel Flap Bags.
Courtesy of Instagram/@therealreal6/8TV: Which items generally retain their value after they are initially bought aka investment pieces?
RSL: Heritage brands or classic timeless pieces like VanCleef, Cartier and Chanel flap bags. All Hermes handbags, particularly Birkins and Kellys. Really any style that is signature to that designer, that they make season after season. Think the classic Alaia fit and flare Dress, or Balenciaga leather jackets. These never go out of style.
Courtesy of Instagram/@therealreal7/8TV: How do we differentiate between an item that should be donated and one that will actually sell?
RSL: You should always ask yourself "would I pay money for this item?" when deciding how much wear is too much. Designers are important as well. Fast fashion designers don't hold their resale value, because the quality is simply not there.
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